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.
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.
