Girl injured as bike plows into crowd/Bermuda

[PeteSC]

Child injured at Christmas Parade in Hamilton


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  By Tricia Walters
 

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A six-year-old girl was rushed to hospital yesterday when she was knocked down at the annual Christmas Parade in Hamilton.
The child’s aunt, Nea Talbot, said her niece was attending the day’s festivities with family and was on the sidewalk when one of the participants in the parade, believed to be a member of the Longriders Motorcycle Club, lost control of his bike and ploughed into the crowd.
The incident occurred around 5.30 p.m. and she said her niece was released at about 9 p.m. from King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with cuts and abrasions to knees and elbows.
However, Ms Talbot questioned how something like this could happen at what should be a safe and controlled environment

Do they have Shriners in Bermuda?
  What is exactly a 'long ride' in Bermuda, which I think is a fairly small island?

[PeteSC]

Girl was not injured by Longrider cyclist


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  By Tricia Walters
 

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Members of the Bermuda Longriders Motorcycle Club were horrified yesterday at reports that one of their members might have been involved in the accident during the Christmas Parade on Sunday which landed a six-year-old in hospital.
The Club's chaplain, Donnamae Postlethwaite yesterday confirmed that it was not one of their members involved, but a young man on a two-stroke RC bike.
The accident took place at about 5.30 p.m. on Sunday during the annual Christmas Day Parade.
According to Police reports released yesterday, the 19-year-old Pembroke man lost control of his bike when he pulled away from traffic lights on the junction of Church and Parliament.
As a result, his bike ploughed into spectators on the sidewalk, knocking the six-year-old down.
She was rushed to hospital, but released late on Sunday night with cuts and abrasions.
According to her aunt, Nea Talbot, she was home yesterday and recovering, but still a little shaken after the incident.
Understandably members of the Longriders Motorcycle Club were upset as the Club has always taken an active role in promoting road safety at local schools.
Ms Postlethwaite said the procession was monitored at all times by members at the front, centre and rear as safety was always of the utmost importance.
A Police spokesman said the 19-year-old cyclist was arrested and Police inquiries are ongoing.