Why do you record your ride?
I ALWAYS record my ride. Because you never know when something unexpected might happen! Lovely sunny Sunday afternoon. Drove (13 miles) out to the country to get some light traffic, more open roads. Was 3 miles into my ride. Two-lane county highway. Low traffic count. I was (as usual) in the center of my lane – to be more visible to overtaking drivers, and therefore allowing them more time to react to my presence. Whenever on overtake, I move toward the right. But on roads such as this, without space to share a lane, I still stay out far enough that they have to make a conscious decision whether it is safe to change lanes and pass. I saw oncoming opposing traffic. Including, when only a half-dozen car lengths ahead of me, a medium size box truck with its left front tire already on my side of the double yellow line, and coming more.
I swerved to the right, got half way to the edge, must have instinctively leaned to my right. Was struck a glancing blow by the cover of the driver’s fender mirror on the back of my left shoulder and left bicep. Was able to maintain the bike upright. Stopped. Looked behind me. Saw the vehicle had proceeded a quarter mile, stopped, and the driver was standing in the middle of the road, looking. When he saw me walking across the road to safety, he drove off.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Any time I am on a public thoroughfare. But especially on higher speed highways, such as this: 55 MPH limit.
We need better public infrastructure accommodations that acknowledge the right of vulnerable users to be on public ways. Separated bikeways where feasible. But much more likely: separated bike lanes, protected by bollards, dividers, etc.
Also better public information: Signage (eg: Ohio’s “3 feet clearance to pass a cyclist”. “Cyclist may use full lane, change lanes to pass”). Posting of “neighbourhood greenways” or “bikeway” signage in built-up neighbourhoods.
Finally, continuing education of public safety officers to attend to the safety of vulnerable users and vigorous prosecution of offenders.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
Because the county sheriff was busy, Ohio State Highway Patrol responded. Awesome young trooper. Very attentive, thorough. Inspected the bike (no damage). Photographed my dirty jersey sleeve. Noticed the Cycliq camera and asked. My camera provided a clear picture of the rear license plate as the truck proceeded behind me. Trooper was aggressive in following up, locating the truck rental company, contacting the renter, getting the name of the hired driver, contacting him, obtaining admission that he’d been “distracted by a digital device”. Municipal court required pleading guilty to “lane violation”, “distracted by a digital device”, “leaving scene of personal injury accident”, and “driving under suspension”. $300 fine. 10 days confinement. Driver failed to show. Bench warrant issued. Unknown whether he was ever tracked down.
What do you think about UpRide?
Great. Camera caught the scumbag who hit me. Hoping UpRide’s efforts will help raise awareness, and concern, and maybe even action.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Helmet. Visible clothing. Take your lane. Run a camera.
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.
