{"id":3976,"date":"2023-05-21T17:58:30","date_gmt":"2023-05-21T17:58:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/ie\/?p=3976"},"modified":"2023-05-24T10:45:20","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T10:45:20","slug":"professional-cyclist-imogen-cotter-launches-new-safety-campaign-with-skoda-ireland-and-the-rsa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.welovecycling.com\/ie\/2023\/05\/21\/professional-cyclist-imogen-cotter-launches-new-safety-campaign-with-skoda-ireland-and-the-rsa\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional cyclist Imogen Cotter launches new safety campaign with \u0160koda Ireland and the RSA"},"content":{"rendered":"

While out training in January 2022, Irish professional cyclist and \u0160koda ambassador Imogen Cotter was hit by an oncoming vehicle in Girona, Spain.<\/strong> She suffered serious injuries resulting in five surgeries and hundreds of hours of physiotherapy.<\/p>\n

Since the collision, Imogen has documented her road to recovery and has recently joined forces with \u0160koda Ireland<\/a> and the Road Safety Authority (RSA)<\/a> on a safety appeal campaign which aims to remind motorists to share the roads safely with those who cycle.<\/p>\n

We caught up with Imogen to discuss the newly launched campaign, her goals post-accident and the importance of giving cyclists enough space on the road\u2026<\/p>\n

Why did you want to partner with \u0160koda and the RSA on this important initiative?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I have done some work for \u0160koda over the last few years, and I am proud to be one of their brand ambassadors. After I had my accident, I felt really empowered to share my story in the hopes that it might change the behaviour of some drivers and their view of cyclists. I also wanted to stress to cyclists that it can happen to anyone, so we should always be alert and abide by the rules of the road. I began sharing my story first via my Instagram, but when \u0160koda and the RSA approached me about the campaign, it seemed like a natural progression both in regards to sharing my story to a wider audience and also strengthening my working relationship with \u0160koda, who I really trust.<\/p>\n

How has your accident impacted how you view safety as a cyclist?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m definitely more aware of how impatient drivers can be towards cyclists. I was always very safe on the roads, and would almost have made fun of myself for being overly cautious before the collision happened. Now I embrace being cautious at all times. I use a light on every ride. I also make sure I use a bike path wherever possible \u2013 if I hadn\u2019t been following the rules of the road when I was hit, I wouldn\u2019t have been able to pursue a case against the driver.<\/p>\n

Following such a massive setback, how have your career ambitions changed?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s difficult to set goals because I am still learning what my post-accident abilities are. I prefer to focus on my progress goals \u2013 nailing the day-to-day rather than getting bogged down in thinking too far ahead. I still want to represent Ireland at the European and World Championships, and I still want to ride in a World Tour team, but the timeline on these goals has changed as I am still getting my body back to a new normal. One thing I am looking forward to at the moment is going back to Ireland for the National Championships next month. I also have some lovely hilly races coming up in Italy at the end of the season which will be a real goal for me!<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/CqLbaJOIQ0N\/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==<\/p>\n

Finally, how can cyclists stay safe while cycling on the road?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Abide by the rules of the road \u2013 and don\u2019t skip red lights! I see cyclists doing this so much and I can imagine how much it annoys drivers.<\/p>\n

If there is a bike lane, use it. Take more caution in built-up areas.<\/p>\n

Use a rear light \u2013 I got a great one from an Irish company called See Sense.<\/p>\n

Wear something reflective, especially if it\u2019s cloudy and visibility is low. I got a cheap reflective strap vest for \u20ac5 that I put on over my kit and it really helps me to stand out.<\/p>\n

Get a Road ID bracelet: this has your emergency contacts, date of birth and any medical details on it.<\/p>\n

Last but by no means least, always wear a helmet!<\/p>\n

Watch \u0160koda and the RSA\u2019s cycle safety campaign video featuring Imogen Cotter in full:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/lite-youtube>\n

Make cycle safety a priority at all times with <\/em>our guide to bike lane etiquette<\/em><\/a> to help keep yourself and other cyclists safe while navigating busy areas.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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