Irish cyclist Mark Millar, who has ridden three editions of the Rás, has criticised the penalty imposed on the driver who hit him from behind in a time trial leaving him paralysed.
The 38-year-old was hit from behind by a motorist in an
SUV while riding the Ulster 100 Mile TT Championships last June.
Unfortunately, he broke his spine in four places and his
spinal cord was severed. He is now paralysed as a result.
A very active racing cyclist, Mark Millar had ridden the
Rás in 2017 and the previous two editions.
Christian pastor Elaine Adu (47), who is from Scotland
but now lives Greenvale Manor, Antrim, has been before the courts in relation
to the crash.
She pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily injury to Mark Millar due to driving without due care and attention.
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The crash occurred on Lisnevenagh Road, Co Antrim. While
Adu also pleaded guilty to having a defective tyre, it was ruled as not having
contributed to the crash.
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said it as a
"tragic case". She added "cyclists need the protection of the
court" and imposed 80 hours of community service and a one-year driving
ban.
The court was told Adu could not explain how the crash
happened but was greatly distressed about what had happened.
Visibility was good on the day and her phone showed she
had not been on it. She was also breathalysed and passed that test.
In evidence it was explained Mark Millar was cycling at
about 25mph and Adu driving at 50mph; both heading in the same direction,
towards Ballymena, when the crash occurred.
Mark Millar’s bike ended up under Adu’s car and he was
thrown onto the bonnet, suffering life changing injuries.
Adu, the court was told, hoped that one day she could
meet Mr Millar and apologise to him. However, he has ruled that out.
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He also believed his case was a prime example that showed
all road users must become more aware of each other.
"I really hope this will help raise awareness for
the safety of cyclists,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“There's a lot of motorists out there that need to wise
up and keep their eyes on the road. It was a truly shocking bit of driving.
"And a one-year driving ban is a joke. One of us
could easily have been killed that day.
“I most definitely wouldn't go as far as to say I was
lucky. But I'm happy to have survived.
"I was hit from behind by a Honda CRV, on a
straighter piece of road you would be hard pushed to find. Although I was
conscious, I can't remember much.”
As well as his spin and spinal cord injuries, his body
suffered trauma all over.
"Other injuries included a torn spleen, epidural hematoma
to the neck, rib fractures and bruised lungs, fractured sternum and broken
shoulder blade," he said.
At the time he had taken a break from exclusively riding
bike races in favour of triathlon.
He said the medical staff who had treated him were
fantastic; from the day of the crash to the present day.
And though he faces ongoing medical treatment, and was
traveling to England for that, he still planned to return to racing; in para-triathlon
and hand cycling.
We featured Mark’s story late last year and fundraising
efforts he was already undertaking to help others who faced the same challenges
he does.
You can find that story and the fundraising link right here.
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