Growing up in the Netherlands - bicycle country through and through - cycling has always been second nature to me. But after two serious accidents here in Port Douglas, which I’ve called home for the past five years, I’m honestly not sure if I’ll ever feel safe enough to get back on my bike again.

I’m sharing my story not to place blame, but to make a genuine plea for greater road awareness in our Shire, among both drivers and cyclists.

Back home, my family never owned a car, so for the first 23 years of my life, the bike was everything: school, groceries, even carrying passengers or furniture. Children in the Netherlands must pass a cycling traffic exam at school. Helmets aren’t mandatory (though I personally think they should be), but safety comes from well-designed infrastructure, clear rules, and a culture of mutual respect on the road.

I’m not sharing this to boast about my home country. I chose to live in Australia, and specifically Port Douglas, for many good reasons. I love it here. But after experiencing two accidents on my bike, neither of which were my fault, I feel compelled to speak up to encourage a bit more awareness on our roads.

The first accident happened two years ago, at night while I was cycling home from town. It was just before the Mirage Country Club roundabout, on the shared path beside the road, an area many locals will know is poorly lit. 

I had a bright light and was wearing my helmet, but as I rounded a bend, another cyclist came speeding downhill on the wrong side without a light. We collided head-on, and I hit the pavement hard, fracturing multiple bones in my face and requiring surgery, while the other cyclist walked away uninjured.

It was a frightening time, unsure if my face would ever look the same or if I’d lose nerve function. Thankfully, I received exceptional care from one of Australia’s top maxillofacial surgeons at Cairns Hospital, for which I’m truly grateful.

The second accident was just three weeks ago, on a Friday morning ride to work, when a driver failed to give way at an intersection. I crashed into the car and went down hard, suffering a buckle fracture in my tailbone.

Both times I was wearing a helmet, and both times it likely saved my life. Helmets matter. Without one, I could have suffered a serious brain injury and might not be here writing this story. 

I also want to stress that this isn’t about blaming anyone. The driver in my second accident was clearly shaken and did everything they could to help. I’m also grateful for the people nearby who came over to assist, our community really is wonderful.

I simply hope my story encourages both drivers and cyclists to be more vigilant and help prevent similar accidents in the future.

I mention cyclists too, because I see far too many riding recklessly, without helmets, taking selfies, swerving across lanes, or riding hands-free on busy roads. It’s dangerous and gives all cyclists a bad name.

At the same time, many drivers still don’t treat cyclists as legitimate road users, passing too close, ignoring give-way rules, or simply failing to look.

I love that so many people in Port Douglas cycle, and we should be proud of that as a community. Cycling is great for our health, the environment and just general happiness, but it should never come at the cost of personal safety. 

If we can all be a little more aware, patient, and respectful, perhaps we can make the roads in Port Douglas safer for everyone.