Teenage boy in wheelchair following car crash
Teenagers gathered with Toby to take part in the cycle safety awareness event Picture: ESSEX POLICE - Credit: Archant
A cycle safe awareness event was carried out after a 13-year-old was involved in a collision with a van and ended up in a coma.
At 6.45am on Wednesday, November 28 Toby Restall was delivering papers in Bicknacre, Chelmsford when he was hit by a white van.
It was a dark and rainy morning and Toby was not wearing high visibility clothing or a cycle helmet.
His injuries left him in hospital for three weeks and he now relies on a wheelchair as he continues to recover.
Toby’s mother Claire Restall said: “We wouldn’t wish this experience on any parent, it was our worst nightmare.
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“That morning in his enthusiasm to do his paper round to help buy a new bike, Toby forgot to wear his helmet.
“He suffered serious injuries, some of which could have been less serious with the right clothing or equipment.
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“Toby now knows the importance of riding safe and he knows how lucky he has been.
“With the amazing support of the emergency services, hospital and local community in Bicknacre, he is making a remarkable recovery.”
This month’s event, which received support from our officers, was set up to show the importance of cycling with a crash helmet.
It saw more than 50 cyclists take part in a ride from Chelmsford train station to Central Park and Admirals Park on Thursday, December 20.
The message for the event was ‘no helmet, no ride’.
Pc Alan Lamb, of Essex Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Toby suffered some serious head injuries and was in a coma for a number of days.
“Fortunately, he is making great progress and I wish him all the best in his recovery.
“Hopefully Toby and the young riders who turned out to support the event now know the importance of wearing a helmet before getting on their bikes. They truly are life savers.”
