After years of great training rides cut short by dangerous drivers the moment he got close to home, this UpRider decided enough was enough. A Cycliq Fly12 Sport, and a determination to actually do something about it, here is his story, and his very strong opinions on why Australian cycling infrastructure and driver education are decades behind where they should be.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is mark’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I’ve gradually introduced more safety features over the last couple of years. Starting to use a rear radar was a game-changer for me, and as I was training more on my own recently, I thought it sensible to get a Cycliq Fly12 Sport. I was getting sick and tired of going for great two to three hour training rides in the mornings, only to feel like everyone was purposely trying to kill me as soon as I got within a few kilometres of home. I realised that without video footage or anyone to back up my version of events, I didn’t have a leg to stand on!
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Being in rush hour on my own, or where there is a big speed differential and a very narrow hard shoulder.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Wow, where to start! It literally starts at Federal and then State Government level. Having an effective and well-funded active transport strategy is essential and unfortunately, we are light years behind other developed nations. This country’s obsession with cars, and in particular SUVs, 4x4s, and utes, means we are a long way from having safe shared spaces.
Education at a young age is crucial so that vulnerable road users aren’t viewed negatively. The more kids riding on two wheels in any form, and taught how to do so safely, the less aggression we will see in the future, and hopefully fewer cars on the road. In an ideal world, anyone caught driving aggressively or putting a vulnerable road user’s life at risk should be made to ride a bicycle on the road for a period of time, but that’s probably a pipedream!
The cycling infrastructure across Sydney is pretty laughable too. Rather than putting in new lanes, they should review everything already in place and make sure it actually links up properly, makes sense, and doesn’t end with cyclists having to merge into traffic moving at a much higher speed.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
I had the choice of submitting it online or going to the police station, so I chose to do it online. My rationale is that these idiots will continue to do stupid things and put our lives at risk unless we start doing something about it. If they receive a warning or a fine, hopefully they will think twice before doing it again. Having video evidence makes this possible.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Do yourself a favour and get a camera and a radar. It is worth the outlay, not only could it help you get compensation if the worst happens, but it also means we can take back a bit of control and start doing something about the idiots on our roads.
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