When a bicyclist straps on a helmet to head out for some training in his bucolic township, he doesn’t expect to be knocked almost unconscious by a leaping deer.

But in the infinitely uncommon occasion that it happens, you want Kayla Payne to be coming around the bend in her car.

Payne had dropped her child off at school Wednesday morning and was returning home when she came upon Ray Sielski, who was injured and struggling to get up in the middle of Hammond Road in Adams Township.

Instead of talking about his crushed bike helmet, four broken ribs and significant road rash on Friday, Sielski touted the assistance Payne immediately provided without a second thought that morning.

“I’m more interested in letting people know there are good people out there in your community,” he said.

Payne pulled over, ran to the disoriented Sielski, then ran to stop an oncoming car heading toward the duo.

An occupant of the oncoming car called 911.

Sielski also touted the efficiency of Quality EMS, who were on the scene in minutes and provided excellent care.

After a night at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was transported by Quality EMS personnel, the banged-up bicyclist said he will miss the race he was training for, but he will never forget the kindness shown on Wednesday by a total stranger.

“All I was thinking was that he’s somebody’s dad, somebody’s husband,” Payne said on Friday. “I would hope if it was my loved one, someone would stop.”

Payne also took a photo of Sielski’s crushed helmet to show her children so they will understand the importance of wearing a helmet while riding their bikes.

The Eagle extends a hearty tip of the cap to Payne, as it is people with such unwavering integrity that make us proud to live and work in Butler County.

We like to think most county residents would have responded the same way, given the generosity and care shown in times of need and in so many ways over the years.

While Payne may not think she did that much, she demonstrated exactly what Sielski told our reporter for her Page 1 Sunday article on the situation: There are still good people in this world.

And what is more important than that?

— PG