See the moment a Buxton pensioner cyclist crashes into an overtaking van during charity challenge

This video shows the hair-raising moment a Buxton pensioner cyclist narrowly avoids death while crashing into a van which was on the wrong side of the road overtaking on a bend.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

In the scary footage Alan Thompson can be seen coming off his bike and sliding along the ground for 20 metres after braking to avoid the truck.

After hurtling under the large vehicle he comes to a stop by slamming into its rear tyres - as his bike smashes into the front of the lorry.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Luckily Alan, 75, was left with just bruising to his hip, back and shoulder however he admits it could have been ‘much worse’.

Alan, 75, was left with just bruising to his hip, back and shoulder however he admits it could have been ‘much worse’Alan, 75, was left with just bruising to his hip, back and shoulder however he admits it could have been ‘much worse’
Alan, 75, was left with just bruising to his hip, back and shoulder however he admits it could have been ‘much worse’

Footage shows how Alan is left with ‘nowhere to go’ as he encounters the van taking up the whole of the narrow road in Curbar after his descent from Baslow Edge.

The dad-of-two was on the 11th day of 19 speedy descents along 500km of some of the Peak District’s toughest trails - raising money for High Peak Community Support Groups.

Unfortunately the crash has put his challenge - which has so far raised over £5,000 - on hold.

Hide Ad

However Alan hopes to complete the remaining eight stages when he has finished physiotherapy.

Alan Thompson. Photo by Anoif PhotographyAlan Thompson. Photo by Anoif Photography
Alan Thompson. Photo by Anoif Photography
Read More
‘Nutter’ Buxton pensioner takes on 500km mountain bike charity challenge
Hide Ad

Speaking about the crash he said: “All I can remember is seeing the van and thinking ‘there’s nowhere to go’ then sliding along the road and then being conscious underneath.

“But I was lucky the way it happened - laying the bike down and sliding along the road - because the bike hit the van head-on as I went underneath.

“Now I keep thinking I will get out of the house soon but I’m basically hobbling around on a zimmer frame.”

Photo by Anoif PhotographyPhoto by Anoif Photography
Photo by Anoif Photography
Hide Ad

Alan says this is not the first time he has fallen victim as a cyclist to motorists overtaking badly on bends.

In the past he has been dumped on the road after being dragged along the side of a caravan, carved up by a 40-foot truck and pushed off the road by a car.

Hide Ad

He said: “The van shouldn’t have overtaken there - you just can’t do it.

“There are times when I’ve thought of carrying a placard on my back saying ‘wait until it’s safe to pass - it will only add 30 seconds to your journey'”.

Hide Ad

After the accident a friend who captured it on his head cam took Alan to Buxton’s Cottage Hospital.

Former businessman Alan said in the shock of the incident he did not take the driver’s details and the matter is not being pursued by police.

The pensioner is hoping to fund organisations such as Buxton Street by Street and Connex Community Support.

Hide Ad

His Riding out of Lockdown challenge aims to fund the Buxton Kickstart group - whose mission is to help Buxton and surrounding villages transition back to good health and prosperity following Covid-19.

Hide Ad

He said: "I have every intention of getting each one of the 19 Enduros completed - it just might just take some time."

To make a donation to Riding out of Lockdown click HERE.

Keep up with latest news and all the events via Alan’s website, YouTube channel, Instagram or Facebook.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Related topics: