A CYCLIST who suffered a serious brain injury after a crash with a car wants to see bicycle helmets become a legal requirement.

Glen Harvey, 53, from Poole, says it is a “miracle” he is alive after the crash with a BMW in Bournemouth last July.

It happened at the roundabout which connects Wimborne Road, East Avenue, and Talbot Avenue.

The air ambulance was called to the scene and took Glen to Southampton General Hospital where he fell into a coma for several days. “I suffered from two bleeds to the brain, two fractures to the skull and a fractured spine,” he explained.

“The hospital phoned my family and said I wasn’t going to make it through the night, but something happened and I fell into a coma for a few days. It’s a miracle I pulled through.

“I’ve been having rehabilitation with the brain injury team at Poole Hospital since, and they’ve been fantastic. I’ve had a traumatic brain injury, and it’s changed my lifestyle. The last 10 months have been hell. I still suffer from memory loss, fatigue, and dizziness, but I’m slowly mending.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t wearing my helmet on the day of the accident. I always wore one, but that day I forgot and thought I’d be alright.

“It’s so dangerous on our roads now, and I’d love to see cycling helmets made law. That’s what I want, but it’s going to be a long way off.”

Glen, who is a qualified youth worker, is in the process of setting up a support group for young people who have been affected by a brain injury. He is also launching a ‘wear a helmet, save a life’ campaign with a sponsored cycle ride/walk from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks on June 17, which YMCA Bournemouth is supporting.

“The aim is to promote cycling safety on our roads by wearing bicycle helmets and being extra careful,” he said.

“If I can raise enough funds from this campaign to run a monthly session for young people, I can help others see that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I was left disabled overnight, but I’ve got through it with my family, friends and colleagues.”

The sponsored ride will also be the first time Glen has been on a bicycle since the crash.

“I’m nervous about it, but I’ve now been given the go-ahead from the hospital to get back on a bike. I’m picking it up next Saturday – with a new helmet.”