Why do you record your ride?
When getting back into cycling in 2016, I quickly realised how bad some drivers attitude to cyclists was. Having run a dashcam in my car for a few years, I decided I needed the same on my bike, primarily to provide evidence should the worst happen. At one end of the country road that I live on, there is a small horse yard where the truck involved in this incident is usually stored. The owner of this truck is an elderly man who is blind in one eye and has a habit of blocking the road as and when he feels like it. Just prior to this incident I saw the driver turning the truck then proceed back to the yard where he stopped, blocking the road as usual. As I squeezed past down the side I simply shook my head which sent the driver into a rage and he started swearing at me. I returned the compliment and continued on my way. The rest is on the video.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
During busy times when everyone is simply focused on getting to their destination as quickly as possible and nothing or nobody else matters.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
The reporting process in Scotland is very long and time consuming, thus putting most people off. I only report about 20% of the incidents that I could/should due to this process. First I had to call 101 and provide details of the incident. Then an appointment is arranged for two police officers to visit and view the footage. If they then agree that action is required, a formal statement is taken and I provided a copy of the video files on an SD card. In this case, I received a call about a month later telling me that the driver had been charged. It is unusual to hear anything back and is totally dependent on the investigating officer. I had a further incident with the same driver two years later, when he told me that I had previously cost him money, so I can only assume that he was indeed issued with a fixed penalty of £100 and 3 points on his licence. He was later prosecuted again for the second incident.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
All too often my friends tell me they wish they had my cameras during this ride or that, as without camera evidence, nothing happened. Many people suggest cyclists should have a mirror, but I have found a rear facing radar to be my go to device and this has really changed my attitude and awareness. Too many cyclists continue to ride into danger just because they have “priority”, where they could easily back off and live to argue their point another day.
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.
