An UpRider recently captured a concerning incident on camera, where a passenger aggressively threw a water bottle at them. This unusual event highlights the importance of recording your rides as they can provide crucial evidence and help address aggressive behaviours that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What happened prior to this incident?
We were cycling along a relatively quiet, straight country road with little traffic and in a 100 km/h zone. It was early afternoon with light breeze and good visibility. I record my rides mainly to collect evidence (rear camera on a loop) of traffic misdemeanours
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
When I am riding alone through traffic.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road
Better, wider roads and designated road-side bike lanes. Driver education is also critically important.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
The incident was reported to police and the EPA. The reporting process to police was relatively easy but involved copying the video to a USB drive and attending the local police station. The reporting to the EPA was a simple online procedure. In both cases the inclusion of high quality video evidence was crucial to progression of the case.
What do you think about UpRide?
UpRide is a valuable facility for cyclists to lodge evidence.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Always ride with high visibility including bright jerseys, flashing front and rear lights turned on ALWAYS and video cameras front and rear.
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.
