Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Cyclist in Australia survives being dragged 200m behind truck after rope gets caught in spokes

Rod Little was clipped into his pedals and couldn’t free himself

An Australian cyclist has undergone surgery after being dragged for 200m when a rope or cable dangling from a council truck became entangled in his bike’s spokes.  

Rod Little was cycling on the Scenic Highway at Terrigal in New South Wales when the incident took place.

Witness Nick Markovina said: “A cable with a shackle on it collected him and dragged him along by his ankles. You wouldn't read about it and you wouldn't imagine it.”

The driver was unaware of what was happening and as Little was clipped into his pedals, he couldn’t free himself.

Witnesses alerted the truck driver and managed to get him to pull over. CCTV footage of what took place can be seen at 9NEWS.

Little was reportedly sitting up and talking just minutes afterwards, but according to emergency services he had sustained a “fairly heavy head knock” and multiple injuries to his chest and upper and lower limbs.

He was flown to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent surgery.

His wife, Nicolette Gregory, said: “I couldn’t believe how far he was dragged along the road. An awful lot of skin missing. Pretty bad actually. He’s got a lot of work to be done on him.”

Central Coast Council said the incident was an accident and that the driver involved is receiving support. However, police are investigating whether the vehicle’s load had been properly tied down.

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

Add new comment

7 comments

Avatar
willythepimp | 6 years ago
1 like

How the hell you can drag someone along for 200m without knowing about it?

The only support the driver would get in my world would be from his cellmate. Unsecured load, close passing and at best driving without due care and attention. At worst.... well it is Oz.

Hope the unfortunate soul mends well and is back on the bike before the driver is back on the road.

Avatar
quiff | 6 years ago
1 like

Last year on my London commute I saw a flatbed truck with a loose ratchet strap dragging along the carriageway. I caught up at traffic lights and let the driver know as I thought it could catch on something or someone. He seemed entirely unbothered and didn't even get out to check.  

Avatar
Beecho | 6 years ago
1 like

Rod Liddle?

Avatar
Mungecrundle | 6 years ago
1 like

Shouldn't happen to a cyclist. As a suitable punishment for using a mobile phone whilst driving on the other hand...

Hope you mend soon buddy.

Avatar
handlebarcam | 6 years ago
5 likes

Quote:

Central Coast Council said the incident was an accident and that the driver involved is receiving support.

Given that this happened in Australia, I wouldn't be surprised if that "support" was encouragement to run for political office.

Avatar
simonmb | 6 years ago
2 likes

"police are investigating whether the vehicle’s load had been properly tied down."

I guess probably not.

Sounds like he got off lightly.

 

Avatar
StraelGuy | 6 years ago
0 likes

Holy crap, that has to hurt . Get well soon pal!

Latest Comments