Why do you record your ride?
Too many close passes at speed in Ireland. When I’m cycling in Spain I never have any issues with drivers because drivers have more respect for vulnerable road users and the laws are more strict and enforced. This driver came around a blind bend and crossed a continuous white line while using his mobile phone. The car was practically fully over on my side of the road and if I had been travelling in my car (as cyclists also drive, but drivers think all cyclists are hippies) this would have been a head on collision.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
When cycling all the time on public roads in Ireland. I’ve now resorted to mountain biking or gravel riding as much as possible. Cyclists need to be proactive and record and report as much as possible and over time driver behaviour will change. Cyclists need to be proactive and record and report as much as possible and over time driver behaviour will change.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
This driver was reported to the police the same day and it took over 2 months for the police to take a statement from me and over a year to get this driver to Court and the case was then put back another 6 months. This shouldn’t deter cyclists from purchasing safety cameras and reporting close passes or dangerous driving as it transpired that this driver also had no insurance. Unfortunately this driver has carried on driving since the incident over 14 months ago.
What do you think about UpRide?
Excellent platform for highlighting road safety issues.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Be safe, be visible. Definitely use safety cameras and not only for the event of an incident or accident but please be proactive and report all close passes and dangerous driving. Lobby your politicians and let’s change the laws and driving behaviour.
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.
