UpRider Baron rides to work three times a week – a routine commute that turned serious when a driver turned without warning, sending him over the handlebars and into hospital with a fractured spine.
Thankfully, Baron records every ride. The incident was captured in full, and police were able to charge the driver with three separate offences, all thanks to the video evidence.
This is Baron’s harrowing story, and his no-nonsense advice for staying safe on the road.
UpRide turns daily rides into data that drives change.
Every UpRider has a story. Here is Baron’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I cycle to work three times a week. I have used cameras for many years and have had occasion to report bad motorists for passing too close and other near misses, all with successful outcomes and fines being issued.
The first few kilometres are along Marion Road, a busy main road. There are many side roads to keep my attention and I am constantly reading traffic to anticipate drivers crossing in front of me – either from the opposite lane or, as in this instance, from the same lane I am in.
On this occasion the driver gave no indication of wanting to turn. Even though I had kept myself clear of his rear end, he braked and turned in the same movement, giving me less than one second to react. At 35km/h, I just clipped the rear of the ute behind the back wheel and flipped over, landing on my back and hitting my head on the road. This resulted in helmet damage as well as a fractured T12 vertebra, five days in hospital, and six weeks off work.
My bike, helmet, and bib shorts were all written off. I am still waiting for the driver’s third-party insurance to respond to my claim.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Riding in heavy traffic is always risky, especially when drivers are frustrated with delays. In this case, the driver admitted he was late to work and not concentrating on his immediate surroundings. I am acutely aware of this, and whenever possible I position myself adjacent to the gap between vehicles rather than directly beside a vehicle in a blind spot. However, if a driver does not even check their mirror or indicate before changing course, a cyclist has no chance.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Better road infrastructure would help, and even though Adelaide does try – and does have some very good infrastructure – it will always fall behind due to cost and physical constraints. Driver education is therefore paramount, as too many drivers simply do not concentrate. As both a cyclist and a driver, I can relate; I have had to remind myself that I have made a turn or lane change without first checking for cyclists.
How to effectively deliver that education is the real challenge, and even then, there will always be drivers who will never be considerate towards cyclists.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
As an ambulance was called, the police were automatically notified. I was visited by the attending officer later that morning while still in the emergency department and was advised of the outcome.
As the driver failed to stop at the scene, the police took my camera and analysed the footage. They were able to obtain the vehicle’s registration and identify the driver who was prosecuted and fined for:
– Failing to stop at an accident
– Failing to give way to cyclist
– Failing to indicate a turn
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Stay alert, use a camera, and never engage an obviously aggressive motorist. It’s not that most motorists are out to get you – it’s that a small lapse in concentration on their part can land you in hospital, or worse, the morgue.
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