Cyclist's plea to drivers after being blinded by lights

Bob Dewick was wearing proper reflective clothing while he was cycling but a car on the other side of the road had their full beam lights on which blinded him and sent him tumbling.

Two anonymous good samaritans then pulled over at the ditch by the Mercedes showroom to help Mr Dewick out. They checked to see that he was not injured before setting off again.

"If I had been blinded any earlier I could have crashed into a fence as well," said Mr Dewick.

"My bicycle was bent and I lost my lock in the ditch. It was a very deep ditch and full of nettles. I had a gash but nothing else. I was just shaken.

"I feel quite strongly about this, I think motorists should dip their headlights and in return cyclists should wear reflective clothing. The cycle path has got easier. I never ride through Shripney, it's too dangerous for an adult never mind children."

The president of Bognor Regis Cycle Club, Les Janman, said he would not even consider riding his bike at night any more.

"It's bad enough along that road in the car," he said. "The A259 is a pretty dodgy road and motorists may dip their headlights for other cars but they don't for cyclists.

"Longford Row is dangerous. Buses and lorries are coming up against you. Nearly every time I go out on my bike there's a close call with traffic."

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