TV chef Gordon Ramsay has stated he’s fortunate to be alive after crashing his bicycle, and has urged cyclists to put on a helmet.
The 57-year-old, who has competed in triathlons and Ironman occasions, revealed the small print of a “actually unhealthy accident” he had just lately whereas driving his bike. He shared a video on X on Saturday afternoon, writing that he was “grateful for my helmet that saved my life”.
“I would wish to share an important message with you all,” Ramsay stated. “You know the way a lot I really like biking and triathlons and Ironmans and so forth. This week, sadly, I had a extremely unhealthy accident and it actually shook me. Actually, I am fortunate to be right here.
“These unbelievable trauma surgeons, docs, nurses within the hospital that taken care of me this week, they had been superb, however truthfully, you have to put on a helmet,” he continued. “I do not care how quick the journey is. I do not care [about] the truth that these helmets value cash, they’re essential. Even with the children, [on] a brief journey, they have to put on a helmet.”
In the course of the video, Ramsay lifted his chef’s jacket to disclose a big purple bruise protecting the left aspect of his stomach.
“I am fortunate to be standing right here,” he stated. “I am in ache. It has been a brutal week, and I am form of getting by means of it. However, I can’t let you know the significance of carrying a helmet.
“This weekend is very large, it is Father’s Day, for brand spanking new fathers, previous fathers, middle-aged fathers. I wish to want you all a really comfortable Father’s Day, however please, please, please, please put on a helmet. As a result of if I did not, truthfully, I would not be right here now.”
Carrying a helmet just isn’t presently a authorized requirement within the UK, though the Freeway Code suggests it for cyclists.
“It is best to put on a cycle helmet that conforms to present rules, is the right measurement and securely fixed,” the Freeway Code says. “Proof suggests {that a} accurately fitted helmet will cut back your threat of sustaining a head harm in sure circumstances.”
Main charity Biking UK is against the concept of obligatory helmet carrying, citing issues that it would put individuals off biking.
“Helmets are, and might solely be, designed to resist minor knocks and falls, not severe site visitors collisions,” Biking UK writes on its web site.
The charity provides that carrying a helmet “would possibly even be counter-productive, by encouraging drivers or cyclists to behave much less cautiously, and/or by rising the dangers of neck and different accidents.”