Tell us about the incident
My first hit and run after nearly 22,000 miles (34,857km) of cycling tracked on Strava. At first I thought he’d just slipped the clutch, but no, he drove in to me deliberately and with purpose. He then reversed and drove off. Glad I had my Cycliq Fly6.
Miraculously I only suffered a sprained wrist and a sprained ankle and a bit of road rash on my knee. The Dura Ace C50 R9000 is buckled. The Dura Ace R9100 derailleur was bent. The GP5000 tyre is now scrap. The frame appears to have taken it without damage but I’d like to get it professionally inspected.
The car appears to have no MOT and is therefore not insured. The MOT expired on the 25th February 2020.
I appreciate he was probably a bit annoyed that I brushed his wing mirror, literally just brushed it. Not the best time to choose to turn off my computer with less attention than I should have given. Ironically, when I stopped I was unclipping to turn around to wave an apology, which was probably fortunate that I was no longer attached to the bike when he rammed me.
What was the reporting process?
The police response to the initial report was laughable, as they suggested I call my insurers and speak to a solicitor advising no further action. Obviously I was livid, and had camera evidence so made a complaint. It’s fortunate that the specialist camera evidence officer who then reviewed the complaint was a cyclist, who sent it on as serious.
From memory the driver denied responsibility and was offered a (I think) 12 month driving ban. It went to court with one of the drivers behind the defendant as a witness, with the following outcome:
- 27 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months
- Rehabilitation Activity Requirement 25 Days
- Curfew for 4 months, to remain indoors between 8pm to 8am daily, and also to be electronically monitored
- Disqualified from driving for 6 months
- Ordered to pay Compensation of £250
Want to share your story?
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