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Cyclist breaks collarbone after being pushed off by passenger in car along Marsh Green Road, Edenbridge

By: Cara Simmonds csimmonds@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 18:25, 24 July 2023

Updated: 22:44, 24 July 2023

A cyclist was left in shock after being pushed off her bike and jeered at by a passenger in a moving car.

Athlete and immigration lawyer Katie Good broke her collarbone during the incident in Marsh Green Road, Edenbridge.

Katie Good had to be taken to hospital after being pushed off her bike by a passing car. Picture: Olivier van den Bent-Kelly

The 32-year-old was on a morning bike ride with two of her friends on Saturday when the incident happened.

“At the time they were a little bit ahead of me, so I was by myself,” she explained.

“It was a super quiet country road, I was doing about 20mph as I was trying to catch up.

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“I didn’t hear a car or anything – I just suddenly felt this shove from behind.

“The next thing I knew I was over my handlebars and ended up in a ditch. There was immediate pain.”

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The 32-year-old has been training for the upcoming Ironman World Championship. Picture: Olivier van den Bent-Kelly

She added: “I immediately knew I had been pushed and I panicked, thinking they were coming after me.

“I quickly looked up and saw them driving away – two guys out of their window putting their fingers up at me and laughing.”

Helped by a couple and another cyclist, she was driven to Edenbridge and District War Memorial Hospital.

Katie was later taken to Pembury Hospital in Tunbridge Wells for further X-ray scans, where it was revealed she had broken her collarbone.

Boyfriend Olivier van den Bent-Kelly was notified of her fall from the bike’s computer.

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He said: “It sent me a text straight away and gave me coordinates.

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“I just assumed she would probably have some road rash, I was concerned, but didn’t think the worst.

“Katie was then ringing me in floods of tears, saying she had been pushed and asking why someone would do that.”

The 29-year-old took to Instagram to describe the incident as “effectively a hit and run”.

“For the culprits to act in such a premeditated, malicious manner is abhorrent,” he said.

The couple are avid triathletes and have competed in a number of events. Picture: Olivier van den Bent-Kelly

“I’m furious, upset and appalled at what happened to her.

“Cyclists are already vulnerable road users who are frequently unfairly treated by vehicles.

“To be deliberately targeted in such a way really makes me ask the question: how could aiming for a young, female cyclist in this manner ever be acceptable to anyone?

“The lack of empathy, thought or awareness shown towards Katie and her life really highlights that more drivers need educating on how dangerous their vehicles are.”

The couple, from Lewisham, spend 10 to 15 hours a week training for competitive events.

Katie was cycling along Marsh Green Road in Edenbridge when the incident happened. Picture: Google

Katie says she cycles down to Kent regularly, and is one of her passions – which has won her a number of achievements in the last few years.

She plans on competing in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, this October, after successfully qualifying in Hamburg at the beginning of June.

It is an annual triathlon where professional male and female athletes from different age groups compete and complete a 140.6 mile journey.

Even after breaking her collarbone, Katie expects to have her surgery in a few days and says she is “absolutely determined to be on the start line”.

“I feel shocked and sad that some people can be so cruel and unkind to do that to someone they’ve never met,” she said.

Both cyclists say they have previously endured abuse when out on the roads. Picture: Olivier van den Bent-Kelly

“Despite feeling like those individuals in the car represent the worst in people, this assault has brought out the very best in so many countless others.

“From the lovely couple who stopped and looked after me to the incredible NHS staff, I’ve been blown away by the kindness of people.

“I’m completely overwhelmed by the amount of such lovely messages.”

The pair also contacted the police and say they are treating it as grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Officers have confirmed they are investigating a report that a woman was assaulted whilst riding her bicycle in Marsh Green Road, Edenbridge, at around 11.15am on Saturday.

‘I’m completely overwhelmed by the amount of such lovely messages.’

A spokesman said: “It is alleged a passenger in a black car leant out of the moving vehicle and pushed the cyclist, causing her to fall from her bike.

“The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment to a shoulder injury and was later discharged.”

Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call 01622 604100, quoting reference 22-0615

Officers are also appealing to drivers with dashcam who were in the area at the time of the incident, to check for footage that may assist the investigation.

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