Viral sensations Travis and Sigrid the bike-riding cat have first crash

In a heart-stopping incident in central London, Travis Nelson, 47, and his feline companion Sigrid, a viral sensation, were knocked off a rental bike at an intersection in Farringdon. The mishap occurred as Nelson, accompanied by Sigrid comfortably settled in the handlebar basket, was waiting for a change in traffic lights.

As the signal shifted from red to green, a collision unfolded when a moped driver struck Nelson’s handlebars. The impact resulted in both Nelson and Sigrid tumbling onto the pavement at the intersection of Clerkenwell Road and Goswell Road. During the fall, Sigrid, attached to the bike by a leash, was ejected from the basket, along with Nelson’s mobile phone.

Impatient, close passing moped driver knocked us off our bike today. Fortunately the police (?) were right behind us, so they could scold me for not wearing a helmet and then leave. First time off my bike since 2007.

Sigrid is fine; my knee is messed up, can’t ride for a bit. pic.twitter.com/LdAESnSXnO

— Travis and Sigrid (@sigirides) November 13, 2023

“Impatient, close passing moped driver knocked us off our bike today,” Nelson explained, via a social media post. “Fortunately the police (?) were right behind us, so they could scold me for not wearing a helmet and then leave. First time off my bike since 2007. Sigrid is fine; my knee is messed up, can’t ride for a bit.”

Nelson, visibly shaken, acted promptly to ensure Sigrid’s safety from oncoming traffic. Despite the incident, both emerged physically unscathed. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Nelson expressed his surprise, revealing that such an occurrence had not transpired since 2007, emphasizing his commitment to safe cycling practices.

An undercover police vehicle was on the scene and a passerby advised Nelson to wear a helmet, a precaution he generally adheres to, according to the article, but opted against on this occasion due to the short distance and managing various items. The responsible moped driver, described as “very nice,” admitted guilt but left the scene without providing contact details.

Man knocked off bike with cat ‘receiving messages telling him to kill himself’ https://t.co/Bx8INKPO7q

— Travis and Sigrid (@sigirides) November 15, 2023

Despite reporting the incident to the police, no further action was taken. The incident, captured on video and shared on X, has garnered millions of views, sparking discussions about cyclist safety and the significance of helmets, not to mention Nelson having to weather a significant backlash of haters who dislike the idea of cycling with his feline friend.