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An UpRider records the moment a ute driver makes strange attempts to intimidate their group of cyclists by racing to an intersection with a dangerous close pass and throwing threats while driving through a quiet street in the same area. This unnecessary commotion highlights that the road should be safe for everyone to use, as long as we respect each other.

Entitled Driver Close Pass - 7 months ago

What happened prior to this incident?

Prior to this incident we were just doing a training ride out with my mates on a quiet loop. The driver tried to intimidate us for an unknown reason. Then further up the road stopped with some other people and recorded us for another unknown reason. Some people are very strange.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I actually feel most vulnerable when I am not riding with my Cycliq cameras as these are a great line of defence. From increasing my visibility to de-escalating a lot of altercations as you have constant video evidence recording through your whole ride. It’s amazing how quickly drivers calm down when you tell them ‘I’ve caught you in 4k mate’.

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

The most important things to improve cycling safety is education about road safety and the mentality that people have when they get behind the wheel of a car. People think because they lock themselves inside of a 2-tonne metal box they are invincible and that it’s ‘funny’ to intimidate cyclists. Drivers forget that cyclists are humans too.

What do you think about UpRide?

UpRide is great as this creates a global map to see hotspots of incidents. I have seen there have been numerous incidents with the same cars in certain locations!

What is your advice for other cyclists?

I would greatly encourage other cyclists to invest into their safety on the bike. I’ve been using both the Fly12 Sport and Fly6 Pro while out riding and would not go for a ride without them. The new Fly6 Pro is a huge upgrade with a massive battery now, I have been able to do a few mega 6.5hr rides with the light and camera always on, and it’s still got battery left to spare! Knowing that I am constantly recording my rides calms me while out riding as I know if something happens that it’ll be on camera.

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.

An unsettling encounter turned dangerous. The UpRider captured the moment when a P-plater made a close pass at the lights. As the cyclist signalled for more room, the driver repeated their aggressive manoeuvre, blocking the cyclist’s path and verbally abusing them.

P-Plater close pass and road rage - 6 months ago

What happened prior to this incident?

What happened on this ride, happens too often. I was commuting to work – using road that has hundreds and often thousands of other riders. Roads are wide and not too busy. With 2 lanes available each direction, it’s easy to overtake any slow moving vehicles, stopped bus, parked car or bike. Drivers are often used to such obstacles on this road. It rarely happens when I catch the driver at the next set of lights after they have passed me too close. With adrenaline still slightly kicking due to close pass, I passed the vehicle and gestured with my hands that he was too close. Unclear if he understood, but next moment he gets besides me with clear intent to intimidate me. As he passes, I reach my hand out and hit the side mirror – demonstrating how close he came (ca. 0.5m). As the thump to his mirror is loud, he clearly didn’t like that and as he passed, he now slows down to block me. I do not overtake as it doesn’t feel safe. I stay behind and we both move slowly, both yelling at each other. Words like “get off the road”, “you don’t pay rego/taxes”, commonly heard by drivers that don’t like cyclists.

It all ends when I move to the side – to shared pedestrian/bike path. He keeps cursing another 5min as I move along on the path until road and bath slightly split.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

Riding on roads with heavy traffic.

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

Awareness. Examples of penalties applied (infringements notices by police). Infrastructure upgrades with dedicated bike lanes.

If reported, what was the reporting process?

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

Yes – I sent it through Crime Stoppers. Took ca. 1 month until I got a call/e-mail asking to specify the details of incident. They would fine the person driving that vehicle, if I was willing and prepared to go to court (in case he would dispute his fine).

Officer explained what he had discussed with driver and after short consideration, I was fine with just verbal warning. There is still remark on his file in case he does it again.

What do you think about UpRide?

Great platform to share cycling specific incidents.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Keep riding, follow road rules and be exemplary road users so car drivers can’t accuse us of ignorance and disobedience.

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.

An UpRider recently captured a concerning incident on camera, where a passenger aggressively threw a water bottle at them. This unusual event highlights the importance of recording your rides as they can provide crucial evidence and help address aggressive behaviours that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Water bottle thrown at cyclists - 6 months ago

What happened prior to this incident?

We were cycling along a relatively quiet, straight country road with little traffic and in a 100 km/h zone. It was early afternoon with light breeze and good visibility. I record my rides mainly to collect evidence (rear camera on a loop) of traffic misdemeanours

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

When I am riding alone through traffic.

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

Better, wider roads and designated road-side bike lanes. Driver education is also critically important.

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

The incident was reported to police and the EPA. The reporting process to police was relatively easy but involved copying the video to a USB drive and attending the local police station. The reporting to the EPA was a simple online procedure. In both cases the inclusion of high quality video evidence was crucial to progression of the case.

What do you think about UpRide?

UpRide is a valuable facility for cyclists to lodge evidence.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Always ride with high visibility including bright jerseys, flashing front and rear lights turned on ALWAYS and video cameras front and rear.

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.

An UpRider recently survived another close call on Barrack Street, demonstrating the inadequacy of white lines as protection for vulnerable road users. The cyclist was nearly hit by a driver who swerved into the bike lane to avoid delay from a turning car.

Another very close call on Barrack Street, Perth - 6 months ago

What happened prior to this incident?

I had just left the office for my ride home. This 300m stretch is the only part of the 5km ride that has to be on the road. The rest is on a shared bike/pedestrian part.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

Either when I am only protected from 2 tonne vehicles by a thin white line, or dawn/dusk if riding into the sun

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

Change the presumed liability laws to what they already have in the UK (if a car hits a smaller road user, they are deemed liable unless they can prove otherwise). I observed a considerable change in motorist behaviours towards cyclists when I was last back there. The other thing is properly separated infrastructure, which is joined up. It’s no use having a great separated section, only for it to then peter out and the cyclist then pushed back onto the road with cars. It simply puts the majority off from the risk of riding and forces them into cars.

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

Yes, I registered it on the WA Police incident reporting website. I have yet to hear back from them requesting the video.

What do you think about UpRide?

I think it is a superb resource – both for cyclists who are planning on riding somewhere for the first time and who want to be aware of any historical risks, but also for road safety campaigners to be able to give very specific examples to political policy makers and planning authorities on where there are risks in the existing infrastructure or the road behaviours or a minority of motorists that imperil the safety of more vulnerable road users.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Never stop concentrating, even for a second. Plus, always ride with front & back cameras. The more cyclists that have them (& report incidents) the more motorists will be aware that any negative actions will be reported and will have consequences (even if, as so often happens, they quickly remove themselves from the scene of an incident to avoid getting in trouble).

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.

A group of cyclists narrowly avoided a collision when a vehicle cut them off as they entered a roundabout, highlighting the all-too-common dangers faced by cyclists on the road today.

Almost knocked us down. - 7 months ago

What happened prior to this incident?

We were on our usual PANTHERS Tandem Club ride every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings with 14 tandems in a two abreast peloton. Riding on a substandard [less than 14 feet] road with two lanes traveling in the same direction; and an average speed of around 16-18 mph, we were about 23 miles into a 35 mile ride. Weather was clear with a temperature of about 70F. All are experienced cyclists, the majority with more than 25 years, some having toured across the United States and in Europe. Several tandems have Cycliq cameras mounted front and rear. The noted camera was attached to the front of my tandem riding in the 1st position on the left side of the peloton.

This incident is one of 6 events that have been relayed to the Sumter County Sheriff Office. All were deemed serious by the Department and all but two were visited by a ‘knock on the door’ by a working Deputy and with the use of his laptop were advised of their unlawful action involving a bicyclist. The remaining two cases were handled by phone calls. Fortunately, there were no collisions, stern warning were issued; and none were ticketed for their actions.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

If I did not have a Cycliq camera mounted front and rear to record motor vehicles that try to squeeze by on my left and not fully occupy the ‘passing lane’ when passing on my left.

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

As it references the highway and roundabouts in the centre of Florida…additional education for operators of motor vehicle would be very helpful. The majority of the drivers disregard or are not familiar with the Uniform Vehicle Code as it relates to the ‘exercise of due care’ owed to cyclists. Also, when contact is made between a motor vehicle and a bicycle the ‘crash’ is obviously a collision. Calling it an accident absolves the meaning of responsibility.

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

This video was submitted to a local Sumter County Sheriff approximately 1pm on the same day of its occurrence. The motor vehicle displayed a ‘dealers’ tag from the state of Massachusetts. A Deputy made contact with DMV in MA and determined who was the driver of this motor vehicle…that he also owned a home in The Villages and was residing here for a few months. The Deputy reported to me that he called this individual and relayed that he had a video of his vehicle passing a cyclist and not meeting the three foot passing law as defined by Florida Law. The owner stated that his wife was driving and not being familiar with the area, he was relaying driving instruction to her as they approached the roundabout [traffic circle]. He call out to her to be sure to stay in the right lane and without thinking, she pulled over in front of our peloton. Further, he apologized for their actions and he was immediately aware of what she had done. The Deputy admonished him, and explained that it could have been a very serious collision [note: not an accident] with the possibility of taking down a number of riders resulting in serious medical injuries. In addition, with the cost of bicycles, he would have had a costly liability to replace or repair the tandems. The Deputy made me aware of his contact with the driver within two hours after I made contact with him; and in my estimation did a good job of making motor vehicle drivers aware of bicycles on the roadway…teaching them ‘one at a time’.

What do you think about UpRide?

I believe posting these events is a good representation of what other cyclist have to be aware of. In my case, it gives credence as to what I may need to watch out for, and how my reporting of cycling events may lead to helping others feel safer on the roadways.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

If you do not yet have a way to make a video of your rides, get a front and rear camera as soon a possible. Having used a couple of cameras in the marketplace, I am certain that Cycliq is the best.

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.

UpRider ‘L’ captured the moment when a truck driver failed to maintain a safe distance and aggressively passed too closely, attempting to intimidate them. If the UpRider hadn’t reacted promptly, it could have resulted in a serious incident. This highlights the disregard some road users have for others’ safety and emphasises the importance of maintaining a safe distance for everyone’s safety on the road.

Serious injury/death could have occured when truck driver passed us dangerously close. - 8 months ago

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

Prior to this incident, I’ve had many other close passes by motor vehicles over the years but it seems to have got worse. I recall a close pass in December 2023, nearly their mirror brushing my elbow, the person driving the red small vehicle with a passenger did not allow 1m minimum clearance in the 50km/h zone between me and their motor vehicle. We pulled up at the next set of lights where I knocked on their window and mentioned they need to have 1m of distance between a bicycle and a vehicle on the road. The person replied abusively like cyclists should not be on the road. In the heat of the moment I tried to remember details about the make, model, plate number, and what the person looks like to report retroactively. This prompted me to look into safety cameras for the front and rear of my bicycle, where I could record my ride and should I ever have a near miss, incident etc. It helps with gathering all the details and if required can be given to the relevant authorities.

The footage shown here was the start of an early morning ride with a friend before work near the exit ramp at Robinsons/Palmers road. We arrive at the traffic lights two abreast that have just turned red in the left lane, a truck pulls up behind us with sufficient distance (the same vehicle that passed us later). The traffic lights turn green, we form a single file and take off with me leading. At some point the truck driver behind us decided to overtake us, both my friend and I experienced turbulence from the truck.

In the rear camera footage after the truck passes, the turbulence causes my friend to veer his front wheel almost into the gutter. He was lucky to control the bike because behind this truck was another truck that highly likely would have not been able to safely stop in time.

In the front camera you can see the truck passing me and how close he was to us. It gave us both quite a shock and has scared my friend to not ride on roads for a while.

I was glad I had captured this footage because I have video evidence and was able to report the high risk driver.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I feel most vulnerable on single lane roads, around parked cars for risk of “dooring” and roundabouts.

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

1) Be seen, if possible where bright visible colours, have reflective clothing, lights.

2) Understand the bicycle road rules (https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/bicycles).

3) Authorities maintain the infrastructure they control for all users of the road, many times there are paths, roads with cracks, holes, uneven surfaces & debris.

4) Authorities need to put more effort into educating motorists on the rules and enforcing them. Advertising on different mediums, during driving tests about maintaining a safe passing distance between you and a cyclist. Teaching people getting out of cars using the “Dutch reach method” (https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/know-how/dutch-reach/)

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

The incident was reported to crimestoppers (https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/) under High-risk driving. They asked what happened, when it happened and any relevant photos and videos regarding the incident. I received an email a few months after. The police were able to find the driver in question and issued him an infringement notice.

What do you think about UpRide?

UpRide is a good website where you can find the hotspots where riders have had many issues within the area of their choice. I wished authorities looked at something like this as another step was required to report it.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Safety is very important for yourself and others. Knowing the road rules, hand signals and knowing when you can take a lane for safety is a must. Making yourself visible and predictable to other road users is a must. Too many times I see cyclists swerve in and out of parked cars and it can startle other road users. Or cyclists riding close to parked cars. If more of us report unsafe driving and safety issues on the places we cycle on it will make it better for 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.

While passing through a give way intersection, a vehicle speeds dangerously close to the UpRider, narrowly avoiding a collision. Fortunately, luck was on the UpRider’s side as the police notice the vehicle disobeying the give way sign and intervened. This incident serves as a reminder that road rules apply to all, ensuring the safety of every road user.

Caught in the act - 6 months ago

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

Prior to the incident, the vehicle did not stop at give way and nearly caused a collision. I record my rides because I have had a couple of incidents with vehicles and many more near misses. I ride 600km per week so my chances are higher than most riders of an incident.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I feel most vulnerable as a cyclist during my daily commute to and from work.

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

Implementing measures such as education, stricter penalties, and better enforcement of rules are crucial steps toward improving cyclist safety on the road.

What do you think about UpRide?

I think UpRide is a great platform for cyclists to use.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

I would recommend other cyclists to get Cycliq cameras!

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.

M was on his usual commute to work, riding along a familiar route with his Fly12 to ensure his safety on the road. During his ride, a driver in a company van tried to overtake him and cut him off by accelerating at a roundabout. Thankfully, no serious accidents happened, but this incident highlights why cyclists choose to use dashcams for added protection.

Roundabout close call - 6 months ago

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

I was cycling to work and I always record my rides in case things like this happen. It was a normal morning, road conditions were good. I approached the roundabout and was going straight. The van accelerated hard to try and overtake me and then turn left in front of me to cut me off.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I always feel most vulnerable at roundabouts because some drivers do not show any patience or respect for cyclists. Some drivers try to overtake on roundabouts and force the cyclists off the road.

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

The most important improvements are more cycle lanes and more campaigns for driver awareness.

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

I reported the incident to the company who owned the vehicle. The police here will not follow up on any incidents if no one is injured. The owner of the company gave the driver a formal warning and made him phone me to apologise. The driver’s excuse was that he had recently arrived in New Zealand from South Africa and the rules were different there (they are not).

What do you think about UpRide?

UpRide is a great platform to raise awareness and help other cyclists be aware of accident black spots.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

If you feel you are in an unsafe position on the road, indicate that you are moving and “take the lane”. This generally prevents other vehicles from getting too close to you, especially on roundabouts. Don’t forget to thank the driver that you may have slightly inconvenienced.

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.

An UpRider was cycling along a familiar route a few miles from home in a quiet suburban area when a distracted driver suddenly turned into a driveway without signaling, resulting in a collision. Incidents like this are all too common for cyclists, which is why the UpRider started recording with his Fly12 Sport. In addition to distracted drivers and inadequate infrastructure, the importance of anticipating and avoiding dangers are also critical factors in protecting cyclists.

Left hook on Harding - 7 months ago

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

I was near the end of a 30-ish mile mixed surface tempo ride on the coast, just a few miles from home, cruising on a quiet suburban arterial, next to a park.

I have been cycling 8 – 12 hours per week for the past several decades, both on and off-road, including lots of commuting in urban and suburban environments. I have been knocked off my bike by folks driving motor vehicles a number of times, and a few years ago my daughter and son in law gifted me a Cycliq Fly12, “just in case.” I adopted the habit of running it during all my rides that involve time on the road, which is most of my rides.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I am always aware of my vulnerability when I am near motor vehicles, but I think I feel most vulnerable on suburban arterials where there is a large speed differential between myself and the motor vehicle traffic, and when there are numerous distractions to drivers and lots of potential for sudden turns onto cross streets and into driveways.

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

Aside from the usual education and enforcement efforts that must be continuous, I firmly believe the most gains can be made by improving cycling infrastructure. I am partial to focusing public resources on improving design of designated bike lanes, as opposed to creating physically separated bike facilities. Reducing or narrowing motor vehicle lanes to “calm” (slow down) traffic, introducing buffered bike lanes, and especially shading bike lanes to make areas where bike and motor vehicle traffic must cross (intersections, highway onramps, etc.) will produce the most improvement in safety for a given investment.

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

Bystanders called police and paramedics to the scene and an accident report was produced by the police. I took issue with a few details in the report and was allowed to add my comments in an amendment to the report. Although the police report noted that the driver of the car involved was at fault and had made an illegal turn in violation of the vehicle code, I was told that it is the department’s policy to not issue citations at accident scenes unless an officer witnessed the incident.

What do you think about UpRide?

I think UpRide can be a useful educational tool, particularly to demonstrate to the non-cycling community how vulnerable cyclists are, and the need for us to all watch out for each other. I think law enforcement and legislators should be particularly interested in the amount and seriousness of intentional aggressive behavior directed at cyclists.

However, I think there are lots of “incidents” uploaded that are typical of the situations that all urban/suburban cyclists encounter on every single ride, and may just contribute to a sense of victimhood and outrage within the cycling community that is ultimately unhelpful. The fact is, drivers are faced with chaotic environments with many distractions, and every cyclist I know is extremely vigilant and regularly sees and avoids potentially serious incidents, similar to the one I was just involved in. I’m not excusing the negligence of drivers or minimizing the tragic consequences of that negligence, but I think we, the cycling community, can make ourselves safer by maintaining a high level of situational awareness while riding, and by advocating in a rational and persuasive way for changes to infrastructure and laws that will meet our goals.

What is your advice for other cyclists?

Besides my comments above, be vigilant, anticipate and avoid dangerous conflicts with vehicles, don’t behave in ways that provoke drivers, and record your rides whenever possible. If law enforcement does not respond when presented with video evidence of dangerous or aggressive incidents, advocate for changes to policy or law.

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.

S shares a troubling incident on UpRide involving a truck driver who ignored traffic laws and safety signals. Despite the cyclist’s clear intentions, the truck driver’s reckless actions created a dangerous situation that resulted in a collision, without considering the cyclist’s safety. This incident underscores the importance of road safety and serves as a cautionary tale for all road users.

Truck vs Bike = trucks win! - 1 year ago

Why do you record your ride?

I record all my rides for multiple reasons. 1) Sometimes the beauty of nature just takes my breath away and I love to remember all of the amazing terrain that is in our world. From Riding around Mt. Rainier in the Pacific Northwest, to the desert terrain of Utah. It is all beautiful and I love to relive it from time to time. 2) I enjoy embedding my ride data into the videos that I record so I can see my power and metrics at the same time as my rides. It allows me to train more effectively but is also cool to see. It is even better when I drop music on top. 3) When I was riding with a team, it was nice to have records of the rides, and was good for marketing. 4) If I get hit by a car, I have evidence of what happened, not what the driver claims happened. In the battle of cars vs. bikes, the car will always win so it is nice to have indisputable evidence of what actually happened.

What do you think about UpRide?

While it is always fun to commiserate with my riding peers it is often very painful to see what we all go through. There is so much evidence of dangerous drivers out there I think it would be good to have a “driving with bicycles” education center that is mandatory viewing for licensure. It seems to be getting worse with drivers today and if they knew a lot of us ride with cameras it would probably help.

When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?

I feel the most vulnerable when riding on streets in small towns. Drivers often don’t understand how dangerous it is when a two-tonne auto bumps a rider.

In your opinion, what are the most crucial steps to be taken to enhance safety for cyclists on the road?

Education of drivers. They need to watch videos of what a car does to a bike. After education, having video of rides to confirm culpability is HUGE. Even with very obvious video evidence of being struck by a truck the drivers insurance company denied responsibility. If the driver hit a car from behind it would be 100% their fault. So why is it not so with hitting a biker? Doesn’t make any sense. In summary… 1) Education. 2) Video evidence.

If reported, If the incident was reported, could you shed light on the reporting process?

The incident was reported to the police after it happened so no citation was issued to the driver. I went straight to urgent care after the incident and called to local police to report it after returning from urgent care. Even with direct video evidence of the driver crossing a double yellow (illegal in the US) and striking me as I began my turn, there was no citation issued. Without a citation, the insurance company claimed it was 70% my fault for turning.

What piece of advice would you offer to other cyclists out there?

ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS ride with a camera front and back and ride like the cars are out to get you. Signal every turn and ride like your life depends on it.

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.