Gordon Ramsay offers cautionary tale about bike safety after harrowing accident

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has long been known for his biting critiques and acerbic wit on popular television shows such as Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nighmares, but a more pensive side to his personality was revealed over the weekend.

Ramsay took to social media to share a pre-Father's Day message chock full of advice gleaned from a recent accident, which left him with physical injuries of startling severity, as the Hollywood Reporter explains.

Counting his blessings

Ramsay's message was seemingly prompted by what he described as a “really bad accident” that occurred while he was on his bicycle in Connecticut.

Noting that he felt fortunate to be in one piece after the incident, Ramsay admitted that the entire scenario “really shook” him and his outlook.

“Honestly, I'm lucky to be here. Now, from those incredible trauma surgeons, doctors, nurses, and the hospital that looked after me this week, they were amazing,” Ramsay declared.

Fatherly advice

The popular British personality then proceeded to offer some advice he hopes no parent will ignore when it comes to the safety of themselves and their children when engaging in what should be a fun leisure activity and a terrific form of exercise.

“But, honestly, you've got to wear a helmet. I don't care how short the journey is,” Ramsay asserted.

He went on, “I don't care [about] the fact that these helmets cost money. But they're crucial. Even with the kids, a short journey, you've gotta wear a helmet.”

Doing so, he said, could help prevent the sort of catastrophic head injuries that he was lucky to have avoided, though he did describe some of the painful injuries he did sustain.

Noting that he had not broken any bones, he did acknowledge, “I am a bit bruised up looking like a purple potato.”

Speaking from experience

Ramsay's strong feelings about bike safety likely comes not only from his harrowing recent experience, but also from his own vast experience as the father of six.

With his kids ranging in age from 26 to just under one year of age, Ramsay has likely seen it all when it comes to cuts, scrapes, and bruises and therefore likely knows whereof he speaks.