Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dan Walker was ‘out cold for 20 minutes’ in bike crash

Presenter said that he has ‘no memory’ of the accident

Isobel Lewis
Wednesday 22 February 2023 12:53 GMT
Comments
Dan Walker reveals he's leaving BBC Breakfast to join Channel 5 News

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Dan Walker was knocked unconscious for 20 minutes when he was involved in a bike crash earlier this week.

The former BBC Breakfast host was struck while cycling on Monday (20 February), which left him with a bloodied face and needing treatment in hospital.

On Wednesday, Walker said that he had no recollection of the accident, as he had been “out cold” for 20 minutes.

“It happened in ­Sheffield on the way to the train station,” he told The Mirror. “I think I got hit by a car but was out cold for about 20 minutes. I have no memory of it.

“I can’t believe I haven’t broken anything or that it is so much worse. I came round on the tarmac with paramedics and police standing over me. I’m very thankful to still be here and just have a beast of a headache.”

After the accident, Walker – who departed BBC Breakfast last year to join Channel 5 News – warned his followers about the importance of bike helmets as he said that his head gear had had “saved his life”.

Posting a photo of his “battered and bruised face” on Instagram, the presenter said that “amazingly” nothing was broken in the accident.

“The helmet I was wearing saved my life today so – if you’re on a bike – get one on your head,” he wrote. “Smashed my watch & phone, ruined my trousers, my bike is a mess but I’m still here.”

On Tuesday (21 February), Walker responded to critics who disputed his claims about his helmet.

“It’s odd to get lectured by people telling me that bike helmets aren’t important when the emergency services at the scene yesterday told me I probably wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t wearing one,” he tweeted.

“Funny old world! I hope you’re having a good Tuesday. Soup through a straw for lunch.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in