More News

Some may have read or heard lately that I have been injured, and I wanted to write a brief explanation about what happened and how things are going.

On the evening of Aug. 19, I had a bicycle accident. I was out for an evening bicycle ride, enjoying the weather. As it got late, I was on an unlit street outside of town, and ended up driving off the road into a vacant lot.

I went down and was injured, but fortunately, some youth saw the accident happen, and the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company responded quickly.

I was knocked out, and suffered a concussion and significant back injury. From that, some important lessons are worth noting. My best action was to hear a helmet.

This prevented a more severe back and head injury. I also suggest that riders use well-lit areas and have good head and tail lights for riding at night.

I may have some further challenges ahead, including the need over the next few months to wear an upper body brace to prevent future problems with my upper back.

I am pleased to be in the midst of recovering while remaining active in the community and to getting things done.

I especially want to thank everyone for their concerns and support.

I also thank the town staff for their assistance for a tough few days, and the cooperation and understanding of the Town Council and other officials.

Frank Johnson, Mount Airy

The writer is the mayor of the Town of Mount Airy.