Man who nearly died in hit-and-run works to educate bicyclists, motorists

A bicyclist who nearly died in a hit-and-run crash two and a half years ago, is now speaking out to drivers and riders about sharing the road.

"I think everybody deserves their space," said Nic Nihiser, who was struck by a motorist downtown Indianapolis in September 2009.

More than two years later, Nihiser still has no idea who hit him and left him for dead, suffering from a traumatic brain injury in the 600 Block of North Delaware Street.

Despite the frustration with his case, Nihiser said he also holds himself partially accountable for what happened.

"It was too late and I was downtown in a big city and,” Nihiser said, “I probably shouldn't have been on my bicycle."

Nihiser’s ability to focus on what he can control, is why he said he was able to regain his step and his voice within just eight months, earning him a patient of the year award from the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana.

As Nihiser continues to regain his memory, re-discover his passion for guitar and attain new physical goals like water skiing, he says his greatest accomplishment is only beginning to show.

"My boy. I'm probably the most proud of him," Nihiser said.

Nihiser's son Blake, born just after the accident, recently celebrated his second birthday.

"Instead of dwelling on the past, I focus on the future and how bright it can be," Nihiser said.

Nihiser is now hoping to improve the future of the next generation of cyclists. A recent statewide study conducted by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute found that traffic collisions involving bicycles increased by 7 percent in 2010. It also found that cyclists were 17 times more likely to die in a hit-and-run crash than a motorist.

"Wear a helmet," Nihiser said. "Even if you think you look goofy, it's very important because with a helmet, I might have not lost my vision."

Though Nihiser can no longer ride a bike or drive a car, he hopes new educational efforts by Bicycle Indiana will help teach motorists how to share the road as well.

If accidents do happen, he hopes everyone will act accountable.

"It helps put my mind at ease to know that someone would take responsibility for what happened," Nihiser said.