Ahmedabad: Two cyclists, both doctors, narrowly escaped death when a speeding car hit them on the newly built Hebatpur flyover on SG Road on Saturday morning. The doctors, Dr Anish Tiwari and Dr Krishna Shukla, suffered injuries in the accident.
Even after 36 hours since the accident, city traffic police have not been able to apprehend the car driver, who has been captured on CCTV footage.
In his FIR with SG-1 traffic police of the city, Anish, 57, a resident of Prernatirth Bungalows in Jodhpur, said he runs his dental clinic in Govardhan Complex near Jodhpur Crossroads. On Saturday morning, Anish and his friends set off on a cycling journey from Vaishnodevi Circle to Vadsar. The group included his wife Dr Reena Tiwari and fellow cyclists Dr Ashish Shah, Dr Krishna Shukla, Dr Amar Shah, Dr Zankhna Shah, and Dr Parul Bhatia.
According to his complaint, he and Krishna were riding their cycles parallel to each other, Ashish was ahead of them, and the rest of the cyclists were behind them.
When Anish and Krishna reached the newly built flyover near Vivanta Hotel, a speeding car hit them while it was overtaking a truck from the left side. Anish and Krishna fell off their cycles and suffered injuries. Krishna was in a semi-conscious state.
Dr Reena called an ambulance and rushed them to one of the cyclist doctors' hospitals in Thaltej. Anish had suffered minor injuries, whereas Krishna suffered a fracture in her right shoulder. Their cycles were damaged, the FIR states.
SG-1 traffic police registered a case of rash driving, endangering the lives of others and causing damage under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with charges under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Dr Anish, who has been into cycling for the past seven years, said, "It was scary. We evaded death by a whisker. The accident raises serious questions about road safety and whether cycling as an exercise should continue on city roads."
"Medical professionals make up a significant portion of our cycling community. Our group frequently goes on long rides. Despite our adherence to safety measures, including wearing helmets and using reflective gear, motorists in the city continue to cross the road markings carelessly. I, too, drive an SUV, but I am mindful of road safety rules. I urge other motorists to do the same and respect other road users."