Why do you record your ride?
I work in central Brisbane and have been commuting to work on a bicycle from Thornlands since 2018. There is limited off road options until I get closer to the city. Over the years I have had numerous close calls, but nothing like the blatant and I believe deliberate actions of the TransDev driver on 5th May 2025. I have used various forms of cameras over the years. The Cycliq Fly12 Sport has been by far the best and easiest to use.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Most drivers are great and considerate. But there is always the odd person who doesn’t appreciate that all road users should be treated with respect. Travelling in peak hour also provides it’s own challenges. You need to be aware that drivers may exit left with no indictor if traffic is heavy and the driver tries to ‘rat run’. This occurs closer to the city, so when travelling up the inside of slow/stopped traffic I am overly aware there may be cross traffic or rat runners that will not indicate their intention. As a rider, it is up to me to ride defensively and avoid conflict at all cost. I am the one that will be worse off in a collision with another vehicle. Over the years of commuting I have seen first hand two cyclist deaths. In both instances I was about 5-10 minutes behind the incident. One near the Mater Hospital and the other near Carindale shops outbound.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Better driver education would be a start. But also cyclists need to own their actions. For example, the Stanley Street cycleway is a good point in question. Each day I ride to work I witness numerous cyclists and scooter riders running red lights. I don’t believe cycle safety will improve until we have a similar culture to that of, say the Netherlands. And I really cannot see that happening in my lifetime.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
Yes, I reported the incident to the online Police reporting site. I am not aware of any action being taken to this point. In my 16 years commuting to the city for work, this incident is probably the closest I have come to a major injury. My adult son even said if the bus had hit me into the guard rail, I would have bounced off and ended up dead under the rear wheels. Interestingly, my son showed my video to a chap at his work who commutes 15 kms to each day. This colleague remarked on how good the video image was and will be purchasing a Fly12 for himself.
What do you think about UpRide?
I wasn’t aware of this site until I recently received an email from Cycliq. I will certainly use and view this site on a regular basis.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Keep alert. Your peripheral vision is your friend and ride defensively. Sometimes it is best to give up your right-of-way and even slow down in areas of traffic conflict. It is best to arrive late, than not get there at all.
Want to share your story?
We’d love to hear from you. If you would like to share your stories and experience as a cyclist please reach out to the UpRide team.
