Cyclist threatened by driver, cops do nothing.

[spindrift]

A sensible thread with no "jokes" about hurting cyclists.

 

http://thecyclingsilk.blogspot.com/

 

Threats and abuse against cyclists is unfortunately widespread especially in the outer London boroughs and the main problem is (usually, though not in this case) securing sufficient evidence to take action against the minority of motorists who are determined to persecute cyclists.

 

 

 

The story has made the national press now, and follows this unpleasant encounter which resulted in a police caution, fine and points for the driver:

 

 

http://ipayroadtax.com/bottle-thrower/van-driver-throws-bottle-at-cyclist-for-not-paying-road-tax/

 

That will put his insurance up!

[Jason Bourne]

Hiya!

 

x

[spindrift]

Whilst I can't speak for Martin, has it ever occurred to you that maybe he isn't doing this just for himself? Maybe he considered the fact that the idiot who endangered his life is still on the road and the next time he endangers a cyclist it could be someone without the same level of experience and ability as him. The next victim of this man's driving may not be able to deal with it as he did and may not walk away from the incident alive and unharmed.

[Forumosaurus]

Already a thread on this exact story.

[spindrift]

Already a thread on this exact story.

 

Disrupted by people "joking" about hurting cyclists and someone posting lies about the QC, so it was closed.

[Forumosaurus]

Disrupted by people "joking" about hurting cyclists and someone posting lies about the QC, so it was closed.

 

Exactly, it's already been discussed people will do the exact same thing.

[spindrift]

Exactly, it's already been discussed people will do the exact same thing.

 

Then they can be dealt with. We shouldn't allow people to prevent discussions by posting spam or dishonest claims or threats.

[spooky3]

Sorry to say SF gets a bit daft in the evenings and weekends...

 

Not that there aren't trolls around all the time though...

[Swan_Vesta]

Could the title of this thread be changed in the same way as the last one as it is misleading? The decision was taken by the CPS not the cops.

 

I'm still waiting for my littany of falsehoods to be pointed out to me spindrift

[spindrift]

It's the nature of any forum that you get attention-seekers and trolls. Closing threads isn't the best way to deal with them because it means they've succeeded in disrupting the conversation. That's what they want.

 

 

 

 

The Dutch (who know about these things) would seem to have the answer.

 

Cyclists are 'special traffic' which recognises their special vulnerability. If you as a motorist hit a cyclist you are automatically in the wrong, almost to the point where you would have to prove the cyclist was trying to commit suicide in order to get away with it. Consequently motorists give cyclists a very wide berth and a great deal of respect. Same with cyclists, if they hit a pedestrian the cyclist is presumed at fault. Cycling in Amsterdam, Berlin, France or Scandinavia is a revelation of courteous, considerate driving around cyclists.