Cyclist Who Lost Leg In Hit-And-Run Is Back On His Bike

 LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A bicyclist who was struck by a hit-and-run driver and severely injured in February is back riding.

Nearly killed by a hit-and-run driver, Damian Kevitt isn't just back on his bike.

He told KCAL9's Rachel Kim that he's adjusting to life and learning to smile every day.

Kevitt doesn't dwell on nearly losing his life. He's more concerned about appreciating his new one.

"There's no way I was going to have that accident and not get back on my bicycle," says Kevitt, 37.

The cycling enthusiast was hit by a minivan and dragged for more than 600 feet on February 17.

"I realized at that moment, when I'm staring up underneath this car, realizing I'm on an on-ramp to a freeway, with the vehicle speeding up, that I literally has seconds to live or die," says Kevitt.

He lost his right leg and suffered major injuries to his left.  Kevitt lost teeth, broke 20 bones, shattered his right shoulder, had to have skin grafts on his elbow and buttocks.

He also spent four months in the hospital -- there were nearly a dozen surgeries, major rehab for his injuries.

"My entire life changed at that moment," he says about the accident.

Kevitt had tried to remain upbeat through his rehabilitation and recovery. He's had his wife and friends and family to support him all the way.

"I really worked and focused on staying positive and looking at the future. And that way, I was able to make it through a tremendous amount of pain," he says.

A $25,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the suspect still stands.

Kevitt says he doesn't hate the hit-and-run driver, he pities him.

"How cowardly do you have to be to hit someone and run away?" he says, "If he ever wants a chance to live a normal life, to bring closure to something he was involved in, he should turn himself in."

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run driver is urged to call the CHP at (800) 835-5247.

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