It’s a week since the accident and, still covered in bruises and bandages, the cardiologist expert is still sore and sorry from his brush with death.

Dr Alford said the one item of equipment that saved his life was a correctly fitted helmet.

He takes the opportunity to remind cyclists of the importance of the safety equipment.

“As sure as the sun will rise tomorrow, I wouldn’t be here today if I wasn’t wearing a helmet.

“That thing saved my life, I am still amazed that I’m alive.”

The 64-year-old was in a peleton on its way home from a 120-kilometre round trip south past Kew.

Dr Alford said he was unable to recall the incident but his mangled helmet served as a consent reminder of how close he came to loosing his life.

Witnesses in the group of cyclists, including his son, said it was caused by a punctured tyre.

“They said we were doing about 45km/h when we hit loose gravel and I had a blow out,” Dr Alford said.

“The bike went down and apparently I was thrown across the highway into the path of the car.

“That’s when the front wheel of the car ran over my head.

“Everyone thought that I was dead.”

Eventually the doctor came to and an ambulance took him to the Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

He praised the work of everyone involved and held no ill feelings toward the driver of the Toyota Yaris.

“She was as distressed as everyone but it wasn’t her fault; it was just one of those freak accidents.

“It would have been a lot worse if I wasn’t wearing a helmet,” he said.

“Or even if it wasn’t on properly, that’s a big message I want to express.

“There’s no point wearing a helmet if it isn’t fitted properly.

“Please make sure you have a helmet and it is securely fitted before you go out to ride.”

A weekly column about recreational and commuting bike rising will start this week in the Express. It’s called On Your Bike. Be sure to get your copy of the Express, home delivered or on line.