Story 3

Media Writing

Story 3

Ingram Hansmann

10/7/10

Marsha L. Taylor, a 37 year old resident and cycling enthusiast, was the victim of a hit and run, sustaining severe injuries, including six broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and a mild concussion. Taylor, who has participated in both weekend rides and some races, said, “I was riding down 72nd St. almost to Southland Boulevard when a car hit me from behind and sent me flying off my bike.” Afterward, taylor said could remember nothing until she was in the hospital. 

Taylor begin bicycling in college, and this year rode in the annual Governors Bicycle Tour, and in a tour across the United States this fall, riding 3,500 miles altogether. She had only been back in town for about two weeks when the incident occurred. 

Recovery for Taylor took several months, during which she spent time at both a hospital and a rehabilitation clinic. In addition to broken bones, she also suffered internal injuries due to the incident, including a perforated liver and damaged gall bladder, both of which caused her skin to turn a bright orange. Said Taylor, “When my mother saw me she said I looked like a Halloween pumpkin. I had to go back to the hospital because of those complications.” 

Though injured physically, this painful brush with death has not dampened Taylor’s love for riding. Taylor is still determined to ride, saying “i’d be out there right now, but it’s hard to ride a bike when you have to use crutches.” According to Taylor, bicycling is safe, as long as you take the right precautions. These, Taylor said, include wearing protective clothing and a helmet. The last being more important, as Taylor put it. “I never ride unless I have my helmet. It probably saved my life.”

Taylor is a manger at a local McDonalds, and has lived here for 15 years. She still attends rehabilitation for her injuries three times a week.