On a routine ride on familiar roads, this UpRider was passed by a pickup truck hauling a trailer full of lawn care equipment, well within the three-foot minimum required by state law. It felt close in the moment, and the footage confirmed it. He posted the video to UpRide and has plenty to say about what it will actually take to make roads safer for cyclists.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is Michael’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I was out for a typical ride on familiar roads when a pickup truck pulling a trailer full of lawn care equipment passed me, it seemed a little close. When I reviewed the footage at home, the pass was clearly within the three-foot minimum required by state law. Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite make out the vehicle’s plate, and there is no company branding visible on either the truck or the trailer. I decided to post the video to UpRide so there is at least a record of the time and location for other cyclists in the area.
I record my rides because incidents like this happen, and authorities are far more likely to take action when there is clear video evidence of misconduct.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Riding on busy roads in the late afternoon.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Driver education, and knowing what the laws regarding cyclists actually are. Cyclist education, knowing your rights on the road and how to behave predictably and safely. And cycling advocacy. The more cyclists there are on the road, and the more consistently they behave, the more drivers will come to accept them as a normal part of everyday traffic.
We would all love dedicated bike lanes and paths, but those are not always possible. The more drivers and cyclists learn to share and coexist on the roads, the better it is for everyone.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
Due to the difficulty in identifying the vehicle, a formal report was not made on this occasion. The footage has been posted to UpRide as a record of the incident.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Develop good bike handling and riding skills, whether you ride solo or in a group. Always assume there is a car in your blind spot and be prepared to hold your line over rough pavement, until you glance over your shoulder and confirm it is clear. Pay attention to car indicators, particularly at intersections, and be prepared for the driver just ahead of you to make a turn without signalling. And ride with confidence, drivers tend to trust a cyclist who looks like they know what they are doing.
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