Sir Richard Branson, the renowned 73-year-old entrepreneur and founder of the Virgin Group, found himself facing adversity once again following a cycling accident on the picturesque island of Virgin Gorda.
The incident, which occurred recently, left Branson with serious injuries after his bicycle collided with a treacherous pothole, causing him to lose control and take a hard fall.
Branson, an avid cyclist known for his adventurous spirit, took to Facebook to share the details of the harrowing experience.
“Took quite a big tumble while cycling in Virgin Gorda a little while ago! I hit a pothole and crashed hard, resulting in another hematoma on my hip and a nasty cut elbow, but amazingly nothing broken,” he recounted in his post.
The accident occurred in the company of another cyclist, with both men sustaining injuries from the fall. Despite the ordeal, Branson maintained an optimistic outlook, expressing gratitude for escaping more severe consequences.
“I’m counting myself very lucky, and thankful for keeping myself active and healthy. After all, the brave may not live forever but the cautious do not live at all!” he remarked.
This isn’t the first time Branson has faced danger while cycling in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Just two years ago, he was involved in a similar mishap on Tortola when his brakes failed during a charitable event known as Strive BVI, which combines water and land activities to raise funds for worthy causes.
The incident serves as a reminder of the need for improved infrastructure in the BVI, a point emphasized by Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley in his recent budget speech.
Addressing the pressing issue of aging infrastructure, Premier Wheatley pledged significant investment in roadworks and other infrastructure projects, acknowledging the importance of providing residents with safe and reliable infrastructure.
“Our people deserve good infrastructure. There is simply no argument about that. The reality is that much of our infrastructure is aged,” he asserted.
As Branson recuperates from his injuries, the incident underscores the importance of road safety and maintenance, not only for residents but also for visitors to the idyllic islands of the British Virgin Islands.
While accidents may happen, proactive measures to improve infrastructure can help mitigate risks and ensure the safety and well-being of all who call the BVI home or choose to explore its natural beauty.
In the wake of this incident, the resilience of Sir Richard Branson serves as an inspiration, reminding us all to approach life’s challenges with courage and determination, no matter how formidable they may seem.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members