Patience isn’t a virtue for every driver, as UpRider Olivier learned on a quiet country road near Vourles, France, when a car overtook blindly and forced his riding partner to swerve aside. He didn’t report the incident, as his own experience reporting similar incidents hasn’t been positive, and his hope for safer roads rests on something simple: drivers respecting safe passing distances.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is Olivier’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
My cycling partner and I were nearing the end of our ride and had taken a quiet country road. A car, seemingly in a hurry, overtook us blindly, crossing a solid white line just as another car was approaching from the opposite direction. I was very worried for my partner, who was squeezed aside to let the car pass.
I record my rides to share the dangers of the road with fellow cyclists and, through these experiences, try to anticipate potential mistakes by drivers, as well as our own (we cyclists are not immune to blame).
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
I feel vulnerable every time I share the road with motorists. In France, we’re seeing more and more incivility and disregard for the highway code, and alongside that, a growing anti-cyclist sentiment, with some road users ready to confront us. I’ve reported this type of behavior before.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
I believe simply respecting the rules of the road when encountering a cyclist would go a long way toward improving safety: maintaining safe distances when overtaking, and no alcohol or drugs while driving.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
No. I’ve reported similar incidents before, but in my experience, police in France won’t take a complaint if there’s no accident.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Being seen is essential. Front and rear lights and bright clothing (no black) are a must.
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