Published in The Standard, March 8, 2013

A CYCLIST is warning drivers to always check for riders after being sideswiped by a car in Warrnambool yesterday morning.

Carmel Gilson, 55, was hit by a car at the intersection of Rooneys Road and Raglan Parade about 10.30am.

She entered the busy intersection shortly after her husband Peter.

The couple were passing through Warrnambool on their 7000km Pedals of Faith  charity ride to Broome.

“The driver saw Peter but didn’t look back to see that I was approaching,” Mrs Gilson said. “He was a lovely young man and was really shaken up but I want him to know I don’t want him to feel guilty at all.”

Mrs Gilson said she was OK, apart from a few bruises, while her bike received minor damage.

The driver, aged in his mid-20s, offered to pay for the bike repairs.

The couple, from Jervis Bay, NSW, said they would continue on their ride towards Western Australia this morning, but would rest for another day if Mrs Gilson was unable to ride.

They began their four- month charity ride from Geelong on February 28.

The couple hope to raise at least $7000 to buy a grinding mill so two Ugandan villages can financially support and feed themselves.

Mrs Gilson said drivers and cyclists shared the roads and should be aware of each other to prevent accidents.

“Motorists and cyclists should always double check and look again,” she said.

To find out more about the couple’s charity ride, visit the Pedals of Faith 2013 Facebook page.

Categories: newsTags: 2013, bike accident, bike ride, Carmel, charity, cyclist, Gilson, Pedals of Faith, Peter, Warrnambool