Dan Walker "glad to be alive" after being hit by a driver while cycling

Broadcaster and presenter Dan Walker was injured in a collision while cycling this morning, sharing pictures from the back of an ambulance.

The former BBC Breakfast host who now works for Channel 5 took up cycling last year, citing the faster commuting times in London versus hailing a cab, and said he had a "bit of an accident this morning" and was "glad to be alive after getting hit by a car on my bike".

Bit of an accident this morning.
Glad to be alive after getting hit by a car on my bike. Face is a mess but I don’t think anything is broken. Thanks to Shaun and Jamie for sorting me out and the lovely copper at the scene.
This is my smiling 😂
Thankful for our NHS ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jt4FdaQDUU

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) February 20, 2023

Walker shared pictures of his facial injuries, which he described as a "mess" but added that he does not think he suffered any broken bones in the collision.

It is unclear where the incident occurred, with the BBC reporting its former employee lives in Sheffield and the pictures were taken in a Yorkshire Ambulance Service vehicle

In previous interviews about cycling, Walker has talked about enjoying cycling through London to get to work.

Dan, so sorry to hear this. Looks really painful. Hoping for a good recovery. Sending love.

— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) February 20, 2023

I hope you recover quickly @mrdanwalker! Despite Dan’s injuries, he is actually very fortunate. 111 UK cyclist fatalities last year. We must never accept this. All relevant stakeholders must strive to reduce road danger and every single road user has a responsibility to be safe.

— Andy Cox (@AndyCoxDCS) February 20, 2023

 Speaking to the Mirror about taking up cycling last year, Walker said: "It's an eco thing."

> Cycling celebrities — famous folk who love to ride their bikes

"'I've worked in London and taxis are a nightmare and I started to get around on the bike. I can go from Downing Street to St Pancras in about 15 minutes, and it's about 30 minutes in a taxi so although I feel like a bit of a geek sometimes, I'm very much enjoying it."

Minus 4 when I set off this morning 🥶⛄️
A day to take great care and wrap up warm pic.twitter.com/GXK7prN5tE

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) December 13, 2022

 "Face is a mess but I don't think anything is broken," he told his Twitter followers after this morning's incident, attracting messages of support from Jeremy Vine and DCS Andy Cox among others.

Thanks for all your kindness. Jamie & Shaun were so great in the ambulance - not sure I was making much sense 😂Thanks to Conor the copper, Charlotte in x-ray & Hannah (below) for being so considerate & brilliant in such a busy A & E
2/3 pic.twitter.com/A3Cggqu4Lg

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) February 20, 2023

The helmet I was wearing saved my life today so - if you’re on a bike - get one on your head.

Smashed my watch & phone, ruined my trousers, my bike is a mess but I’m still here 🙏🏻

Currently eating soup through a straw and being looked after by this gorgeous, tired nurse ❤️
3/3 pic.twitter.com/slELcbFJdL

— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) February 20, 2023

"Thanks to Shaun and Jamie for sorting me out and the lovely copper at the scene. This is my [sic] smiling. Thankful for our NHS"

The BBC's reporting of the incident has attracted criticism from some. BBC South East said Walker had suffered his injuries after "colliding with a car while cycling" despite him saying he had been "hit by a car [driver]".

Him: "Glad to be alive after getting hit by a car on my bike"
You: "colliding with a car"

Can't you see how your choice of language changes perceptions?

— LukeB_MTB @mastodon.social (@LukeB_MTB) February 20, 2023

Another reply added: "Who edits this stuff? Unless you think 'BBC breakfast host eats chicken' is the same as 'chicken eats BBC breakfast host' the words you choose matter. Try replacing 'car' with 'driver' too".

I presume by the headline this was a stationary correctly parked car with no occupants? 🚲 💥 🚙

— Edouard Lapaglie (@EDFROG) February 20, 2023