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.
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.
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.
