Some drivers will say anything to avoid responsibility. For this UpRider, a perfect spring day in Golden Bay was cut short when a driver deliberately passed far too close, then tried to talk his way out of it at the police station. It didn’t work. With crystal-clear Cycliq footage telling the real story, the debate was over before it began.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is Christopher’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I was on one of my regular 100km training rides in Golden Bay, up to the Cobb Valley hydro power house. It was a stellar spring day and I was only about 10km from the end when this idiot decided to strafe me for no reason. This is the second time I have been able to report such driving to the police, and both times it had consequences for the driver.
I have been using my Cycliq cameras for several years. Riding 15,000+ km per year, it is invaluable to be able to report poor driving with solid evidence, otherwise it is just he said versus she said. In this instance, the driver claimed there were two of us riding abreast and that he couldn’t avoid us. Then the officer showed him the video. End of debate. It helps that the Cycliq has such good resolution that you can not only identify the plate, but even the driver.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
When drivers come so close they almost hit me.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Enforce the regulations!
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
I popped into the police station, emailed them the video, and they took it from there. The driver was prosecuted and received a $600 fine.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Get a camera and report everything!
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