A bike ride with friends to get ice cream last month turned into a scary situation, as one local boy had to think fast to avoid a car accident.
Rylan Gaffney and a friend were riding their bikes over Memorial Day weekend from their Delmar homes to the Four Corners so the group could get ice cream. On the return trip, two cars collided on the corner of Delaware and Roweland avenues, flipping one car, which landed directly on Rylan’s bike.
Fortunately, the Hamagreal Elementary student was unhurt, as his fast reflexes led him to jump from the bike seconds before the collision occurred.
“It was scary,” said Rylan, 11. “I heard the other car get hit.”
According to Bethlehem Police Supervisor’s Association President Stephen Kraz, there was one car traveling westbound down Delaware Avenue, while another car traveled eastbound. A group of kids on bikes were riding along the Roweland Avenue side of Delaware, headed eastbound. The car traveling eastbound tried to make a left onto Roweland. Kraz said the driver saw the kids out of the corner of his eye, and attempted to make the intersection before the group of kids got there.
“I don’t know if the driver wasn’t paying attention to the car coming westbound, but those two car collided, and that caused the car turning left to enter a flip,” said Kraz. “Rylan Gaffney saw what was unfolding, had to jump off his bike because the car that was flipping was headed right towards him, and the car actually came to rest on top on his bicycle, destroying it.”
Amy Gaffney said she was back at home with her husband, when Rylan ran back to tell his parents what had just happened. After realizing what happened, Rylan and his father walked back to the scene of the crash to speak with the police.
“We were in disbelief and shock,” said Gaffney. “But obviously, then reality sets in and he was fine.”
Kraz said he was on the scene of the crash on May 22, and immediately after seeing the damages and meeting Rylan, he wanted to do something for him. His first thought was to help get him a new bike, since Rylan’s dad said he just picked the bike up from getting repaired at Mad Dog Bicycles before the accident.
“We were in shock of how alert and aware a kid this age could be,” said Kraz. “We’re pretty amazed at his attention to what was unfolding before him, and I’m at a loss of words to describe how much admiration I have for him.”
To repay Rylan, both of the town’s police unions and Mad Dog Bicycles split the cost of a new bike. It was given to him to weeks ago, and was followed up by a short event at Mad Dog on Friday, June 26.
Rylan said it was exciting to get a new, bigger bike, since most of his plans this summer involve needing a bike for transportation. “I usually take it to my friend’s house,” he said.
Part of the event was to highlight the town’s efforts in promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety.
Oliver “Skip” Holmes, president of the Mohowk Hudson Cycling Club and a member of the town’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, said another accident happened last week. Three cyclists were riding on the shoulder of state Route 144 on Thursday, June 25, when one was hit from behind and sustained serious injuries.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee has started a new initiative based on the signs warning drivers to watch out for motorcycles. The group had 100 signs printed from donation money, warning drivers to watch for bicycles and pedestrians. In about two weeks, most of the signs are gone. There are still about 20 signs left, and the committee is looking for residents who would be willing to place one on their lawn as a community service.
The initiative is spreading throughout Albany County, and the plans calls for more signs to be printed in the coming weeks.
“It’s about getting drivers to pay awareness to what’s going on,” said Holmes. “Take that extra second or two when you’re passing a cyclist. It’s going to save somebody’s life, and that’s what we’re trying to do in town with these signs.”
Kraz agreed, adding more residents will be outside now that summer is here. The goal is to spread the word and cut down on injuries. “Rylan’s lucky to be alive,” he said.”
“I think the moral of the story is his observation and the driver’s observation,” said Amy Gaffney. “He’s 11 years old, and we all say kids don’t pay attention, but they really do. And that’s what’s important.”
