THE family of a police officer seriously injured when he was hit by a car have backed a force road safety campaign.
Police are inviting cyclists to attend "cycle safety hubs" in the city to claim free high-visibility Think Bike packs.
Safety advice and more than 1,000 packs will be offered to cyclists on commuter routes, starting next week.
PC Diederik Coetzee was cycling towards Blidworth when he was struck by a car last November.
He continues to receive intensive rehabilitation treatment, and is making slow but steady progress.
In a statement on behalf of his family, his daughters Lauren and Rachel said: "Road safety has always been drilled into us by our father.
"Some of our earliest memories are of dad going out on his bike, training for many different sporting events.
"Mum was always concerned for his safety on the road, but dad would remind us all, time and time again, how important it was to be as visible as possible to other road users.
"This is something we have never forgotten.
"Cyclists need to be aware of safety precautions, such as wearing high-visibility clothing and a helmet and using lights, especially as the dark British evenings approach.
"But it's not only up to cyclists to make sure they are visible. It's down to all road users to be aware of each other.
"While it was the actions of another road user that caused dad's collision, the fact that he was wearing a helmet very well saved his life that night.
"We will always be grateful for the diligence he showed toward road safety."
PC Coetzee is well known in the area and attracted national publicity in 2006 when he arrested 404 people – a new record for the highest number of arrests in a year.
His performance during his 12-year career at Notts Police saw him singled out for praise by Hazel Blears during her time as Minister for Policing.
The statement added: "Before this happened, we were oblivious to just how devastating head injuries can be. But we can certainly say it has turned the dynamics of our family upside down.
"Seeing the changes in our father – from being a man who used to take part in Iron Man events and who achieved a record amount of arrests in England to a man who needs 24-hour supervision and specialist rehabilitation – has been extremely difficult.
"There isn't a day that passes when we don't wonder what life would be like if he had never been hit by that car and suffered a severe brain injury.
"This type of thing doesn't just affect the victim, it affects their whole family.
"It has certainly changed our lives completely."
The free cycle packs – which include a high-visibility rucksack and jacket, a multi-tool, bike lock and lights – will be available to cyclists at the following locations:
Tuesday – 7.30am to 9am at the junction of Derby Road and Lenton Boulevard.
Wednesday – 7.30am to 9am at Dunkirk Island.
Wednesday, October 3 – 7.30am to 9am at the Riverside Way Toll Bridge.
Thursday, October 4 – 7.30am to 9am in Queen's Bridge Road, opposite Nottingham Train Station.
