A CYCLIST had seven teeth knocked out and broke his arm during a collision with a driver who allegedly failed to remain at the scene of the crash.

William Chen from Banyo is still recovering from the incident that happened on September 15 about 7am on the corner of Sandgate Rd and Northgate Rd.

“The last thing I can remember is I saw a red car in front of me. Then I was in the hospital when I woke up.”

Mr Chen, 39, required extensive facial surgery where metal plates and stitches were inserted into his jaw.

“That night in hospital was the most painful night I’ve ever had in my life and the first week was definitely like a living hell,” he said.

In addition to the seven teeth that were knocked out, another three were damaged, and Mr Chen says he’ll need major dental work to repair his teeth.

The severity of his injuries has also made it difficult to eat.

“I’m a foodie, I like to eat. I think my tongue got hurt too because now I feel like I don’t have much taste in my mouth,” he said.

media_camera William Chen is a Brisbane cyclist who sustained severe dental damage after a collision with a car. PICS MARC ROBERTSON

The systems engineer loves riding to work by bike but admits the crash has made him think twice about his passion for two wheels.

“I reckon riding in Brisbane is like risking of your life to do exercise,” he said.

But he’s determined to get back on the bike when his injuries heal, and he urged motorists to slow down and look for cyclists when driving.

“Just be patient,” he said.

“At first I’m going to be really nervous on the street because I want to avoid the traffic, but I know I have to be brave. I like cycling.”

Mr Chen is recuperating at home and is expected to take six months to recover from his injuries.

“This is my first accident and my first time in hospital. I’ve never been to hospital before so that was definitely a very new experience,” he said.

“I’ve never been in a collision with a car. I know sometimes cars come really close to me – I can feel that – but I just avoid them and try to cycle slowly.”

A Queensland Police spokesman said a 24-year-old woman has been charged with one count each of driving without due care and attention and failure to comply with the duties of a driver involved in a crash.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Policelink on 131 444.