In over 40 years of riding road, mountain, and gravel bikes, Brendon has never experienced anything like this. A Ford Ranger, two empty lanes, a long run-up, and a driver who chose to pass as close as physically possible, horn blaring, wing mirror grazing his shoulder at speed. It was deliberate, it was dangerous, and it was all caught on camera.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is Brendon’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I was happily enjoying a road ride along a two-lane road in the middle of a Monday when this Ford Ranger came flying past with his horn blaring, deliberately passing as close as possible despite having two full lanes and a long run-up. I reckon I was doing between 30 and 40km/h on a very slight descent when this idiot came absolutely flying past, his wing mirror literally scraping across my lower shoulder. I could not believe I did not go down like a sack of spuds. Had he been millimetres closer, I would have been completely wrecked.
In over 40 years of riding road, mountain, and gravel bikes, I have never experienced a close call this severe, let alone one this deliberate. This idiot seriously needs to be taken off the road before he kills someone. I lodged a police report on 8 June and uploaded the video footage, but have yet to hear anything back. I will keep pursuing it, because eventually, if nothing is done, this person will kill or seriously injure someone.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
When cars approach from behind at speed, that is the worst of it.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Suitable punishment for malicious offenders would be an ideal start, at least to slowly begin changing the culture for the next generation of cyclists and commuters. The bikeways and signage in Brisbane have also improved significantly in recent years, which has made a real difference to connectivity across the region.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
I lodged a report on 8 June and uploaded the footage, but have received no feedback or correspondence since. I will keep following up.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Use lights, including during the day, and get a camera if you can. The more footage we have of offenders, the better the chance of things changing over time.
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