UpRide.cc - Make Cycling Safer

Why do you record your ride?

We were climbing Myers Creek Road when I could hear a car approaching me at speed, normally cars back it off when passing on such a narrow road, but this car (Toyota Hilux Surf) seemed to speed up. It felt like it deliberately passed as close and as fast as it could to intimidate me. It ran me off the road and as I was moving back on the road, a red 80s Series Toyota Surf passed me at speed into the path of an oncoming car.

To make matters worse, the following week were climbing Myers Creek Road again around the same time, and the same idiot passed me and my friend as close as they could at speed and revved their engine after to acknowledge their stupidity. The red 80s Series Toyota passed us an again a few moments later, but was much safer this time. We reported the incident to police and didn’t see the idiot again, only the red 80s Series. I hope the Hilux Surf was taken off the road.

When you are climbing a narrow and winding road and cars don’t slow down to pass or consider oncoming traffic. When there is no shoulder to move into, you feel like it’s only a matter of time before a close pass takes you out.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

When you are climbing a narrow and winding road and cars don’t slow down to pass or consider oncoming traffic. When there is no shoulder to move into, you feel like it’s only a matter of time before a close pass takes you out. An education program on the importance of keeping at least 1m from cyclists and fining idiots who pass closely at speed would be good.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

Yes, I rang Healesville police station, who said they would pass it to Highway Patrol. I emailed them through the videos and registration plates. After a week I followed it up, but they aren’t responding to my emails any more.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Get a camera and report incidents to police. If you don’t get a response, keep writing in until you do.

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.

What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?

Prior, the roads were very empty as it was about 4am, I was cycling my normal 25km ride from Hamilton to work in Cambridge.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

Mostly Intersections, as Drivers try to push past even though it is illegal to overtake on an intersection, and where there are cycle lanes but they can’t be used (vehicles blocking or debris), and drivers get abusive as they think I have to use cycle lanes regardless.

What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?

More Cyclists taking the lane, showing that we are like any other vehicle, and allowed the same amount of space.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

The Police were very interested, and will be taking the driver to court, where he would likely lose his job, didn’t hear back about the outcome

What do you think about UpRide?

Its an awesome site, where cyclists can submit their footage, and see what other riders have had to deal with, what areas, how it was dealt with officials, and that it doesn’t just happen to them.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Take the Lane, cyclists need to be more dominant on the road, and it makes you more visible and overall safer. Have bright lights, so that they are for you to see not for other road users to see you.

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.

Why do you record your ride?

I was just riding along a local country road. We have NO bike paths, the only place to ride is on the country roads with the nearest bike path being 60km away. Our country roads DON’T have shoulders to ride on, I had not long purchased the equipment but it turned out handy. 

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

When cars and trucks actually come too close when riding on the roads.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

No report made, but lots of people knew the truck and it was shared to the truck driver, so hopefully a lesson learned.

What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?

Have the cyclists take more responsibility and ride in brighter clothing with lights on at all times. I don’t think that vehicle drivers will improve at all, you are either a careful driver and aware that bikes share the road or they don’t care. Educate drivers that they can cross double lines if safe to do so and pass a cyclist.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Wear bright clothing and have your lights on – lots of cyclists don’t!

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.

Why do you record your ride?

I have been riding for years and came across this innovative product, which I thought would be a helpful addition as it combines a light and a camera.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

When the bicycle lane ends or during peak traffic hours, we need to improve protected bicycle infrastructure and raise awareness among drivers.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

It was reported to Police Traffic Watch and will likely result in a caution to the driver.

What do you think about UpRide?

It’s easy to use and helpful for identifying areas of concern.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Record your rides and share them to help educate other riders.

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.

Why do you record your ride?

I always ride with a front and rear facing camera, there are too many incidents with drivers.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

When there is little to no shoulder, there should be harsher fines and jail time for drivers who intentionally hit or force riders off the road.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

Yes, it was reported to the police. The Monterey PD did a poor job of recapping the incident. The report was riddled with errors, even though they had the video. However, the driver was cited for “following too closely” and causing the crash.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Ride with cameras and remember a car will always win in a crash.

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.

Why do you record your ride?

I was just biking home down Lincoln Road when I was cut-off. I record my rides to share and to remind drivers to pay attention!

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I’m a confident cyclist, but I worry about my wife and loved ones who bike across Christchurch on unprotected lanes.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

Didn’t report my incident, I wasn’t hit.

What do you think about UpRide?

It’s cool.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Stay safe!

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.

Why do you record your ride?

I believe there is a need for education at all levels. R.U.L.E.S. (Road Users Love Equality for Safety). Without all road users following the rules that apply to them, accidents happen.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

Anytime I am on the roads.

What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?

Education at all levels is crucial. I have approached our Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the State of Massachusetts, who has since released two videos.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

No, but I have tried with others, and unless there are injuries, there is no interest in following up.

What do you think about UpRide?

I think it is a good platform for those that use it.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Be aware, be defensive, and follow the rules. Make yourself as visible as possible with lights and use a mirror. Use cameras to record and help educate others.

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.

Why do you record your ride?

The car was behind me at the junction and decided to overtake and cut me off, as shown in the video. I record incidents like this and previous accidents because it’s easier to provide evidence to insurance.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

When cars pass too closely or overtake but fail to fully pass, staying level with you.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

No I didn’t report it, I didn’t get the registration.

What do you think about UpRide?

It’s a good idea. I think it’s good to shame bad driving by posting videos.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Keep spinning and don’t let idiots in cars stop you riding.

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.

Why do you record your ride?

Due to the number of close calls I’ve experienced, I record every ride. Initially, I got the camera to record rides for voiceovers, showing some of the places I ride. However, I ended up capturing so much bad driving that I started uploading videos to my YouTube channel to highlight how dangerous some driving is and how often car drivers break road rules.

In this case, I was happily riding in the cycle lane (which was separated until this point), intending to go straight ahead. This car was behind me in the car lane, could see I was going straight, and increased its speed to pass before cutting in front of me. The driver’s actions were illegal, and the police are looking into it. One of my aims is to make people aware of incidents like this while also campaigning for better cycling infrastructure.

In addition to riding to get places, I also ride for fun and mental health. I find that when stress builds up, going for a ride fixes it—even if the ride involves yelling at stupid drivers in their metal boxes.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I feel most vulnerable around car drivers. However, it doesn’t worry me too much. I actually love rush hour traffic.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

Yes, reporting here seems simple, but most reports—unless someone is hurt—get ignored. Getting the police to even warn a driver takes a lot of effort, as they effectively side with the driver and accept the false “I didn’t see him” claim. On the rare occasions they do charge a driver, it is always the lowest possible charge. 

What do you think about UpRide?

Love the site and hope it gets at least a few drivers to think about their driving.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Be confident. Be assertive in your riding and don’t be afraid to claim your space on the road. If taking the lane is necessary to ensure your safety—because you know some drivers will take risks with your well-being as a cyclist—then take the lane and disregard the impatience of the person in the metal box. Your safety comes first.

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.

Why do you record your ride?

I ride in Toronto and Mississauga, and I’ve witnessed all sorts of aggression from drivers towards cyclists. This isn’t going to change anytime soon. Even if I report incidents to Toronto Police or Peel Police with video evidence, they don’t seem to take action to correct the driver’s dangerous behaviour. I record my rides to document the worst behaviours and have proof in case I get hit by motorists (which has happened twice so far: once by an aggressive driver and once by a clueless driver).

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I feel most vulnerable when I’m riding alone on the side of the road in Toronto and Mississauga. Drivers often take their frustration out on cyclists, and when I’m not in a group, it happens more frequently—likely because there are no witnesses when I’m riding alone.

Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?

Yes, I reported the incident. The Peel Police website states that for a first report against a vehicle, they will send a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle. However, I couldn’t attach pictures or videos to the report, and no one contacted me to obtain the evidence. So I doubt they did anything. It’s frustrating because, while passing 30 cyclists on a narrow road, the vehicle nearly caused two head-on collisions with oncoming traffic!

What do you think about UpRide?

It’s great for posting videos and raising awareness. When I post a video, I’d like it to go live immediately so I can share the link while the topic is still fresh.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Choose your routes carefully. If you live in the Toronto area, try to get outside the city for safer road cycling and ride with a buddy. Always document your rides—you never know what could happen.

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.