'Indoor cycling changed my life after car crash'

Melissa Power said indoor cycling became her saviour after she was hit by a car

Melissa Power was 22 when she was hit by a car while cycling, leaving her terrified to leave her home and unable to even imagine getting back on a bike.

She was thrown into the air and landed on the bonnet of the vehicle, which was travelling at about 50mph.

"It probably took me close to a year to start to feel like I could walk again, like I had the confidence to get back out there," she said. "I didn't think I would get on a bicycle again, which is why I switched to indoor cycling."

Now 39, she said the accident "totally destroyed me, but ended up becoming my saviour".

Ms Power, pictured after the crash, said she lost confidence and gained weight

Ms Power said she was cycling over a hill on a dual carriageway in Manchester in 2008 when a car hit her as she indicated to change lanes.

Ms Power - who now lives in north London - said she managed to crawl to the side of the road, where she collapsed, "covered in blood".

At hospital, it was discovered that her right leg was broken, the fascia connective tissue had "ripped" apart and her left wrist was "completely shattered".

Her mental health deteriorated and she gained about four stone (25.4kg).

But in 2010, she discovered a newfound passion for indoor cycling, which led to a change in career.

'Wouldn't cross the street'

"Probably a year after [the accident] I wouldn't go out, I wouldn't cross the street, I wouldn't go into busy places," Ms Power said.

"I think because the accident was so unexpected, I was thinking, probably subconsciously, 'Wow, anything could happen at any point at any time'."

About two years after the crash, she begun to focus on exercise, nutrition, rehabilitation and physio, which led to her trying indoor cycling.

"I totally fell in love with it," she said. "I'm trying to change the face of indoor cycling completely and entirely, so that people know it's accessible, it's the safest form of exercise to do."

In 2018 she launched a training academy, and has certified 800 indoor cycling instructors so far.

Ms Power said she has since returned to cycling outdoors, but chooses not to ride downhill due to her fears from the crash and instead pushes her bike.

Her advice to others in a similar situation?

"Be patient, find a form of exercise that is enjoyable and only do something when it feels right."