just thought I'd share this - crazy car driver

[MaMaLa321]

I've reported this to the police, but I doubt if anything will come of it, unfortunately.
I was walking down the road this morning, and was aware of a car sounding it's horn continually behind me. When I turned round I saw a car driving parallel to a young man on a bike. The driver had stopped sounding his horn, but was leaning over the woman passenger, who was screaming at him to stop, in order to yell abuse at the cyclist. From what I could hear, it was something about cycle lanes. Anyway, when they came off the roundabout, the driver cut across, right in front of the cyclist, across the cycle lane, obviously with the intention of knocking the cyclist off. Luckily, the cyclist was experienced enough to stop without falling off. Then the car sped off.
I took the registration of the car and reported it to the police, but, as no one was hurt, I doubt that much will come of it.
Sorry - not much point to all this, but I am still shocked at how aggressive the driver was.

Shocking behaviour. Some people are so awful ro cyclists. They seem to forget that someone son/daughter/husband/wife etc is on that bike there.

There seems to be so many wankers on the road it is untrue. Unfortunately I have to drive an 80 mile round trip up and down the M6 a few times a week and its jaw dropping how many men people drive like arseholes. You most definitely did the right thing to report, hope he gets a visit from the Police.

Well done for being caring and quick thinking enough to get the number and report it. Many people would have looked the other way and ignored the situation.

The police certainly ‘should’ do something as there were at least two crimes committed here which were clearly reported. You also noted the vehicle registration and reported that which is equally important. There is also an independent witness which is huge. Do you know if the cyclist reported it? I’m crossing everything he did or does. The driver is likely to at the very least get cautioned.

I’ve reported numerous incidents to the police, against me, as a cyclist. Largely close passes. They’ve ALWAYS followed them up with me and issued what they call ‘words of advice’ to the driver. They’ve not been able to take it further as I’ve had no independent witnesses. For info for anyone else reading this - an independent witness is just that. So not someone out cycling with you, but anyone else who witnessed it. Obviously this could be another cyclist.

For anyone else reading this. Please please please do report anything/ everything to the police and ensure you memorise or jot down the vehicle reg. Even if the police don’t take further action, having the police knock on your door and issue you with ‘words of advice’ about your driving is likely to (hopefully) improve your attitude towards other more vulnerable road users, particularly if you know they can and will report you. It also helps to generate data, inform road safety stats etc. It might identify a problem on a particular stretch of road leading to road improvements or increased police presence or presence of unmarked police vehicles.

Please (if you are reading this and thinking ‘shit’ cycling is dangerous) don’t let this put you off cycling. Incidents like this are extremely rare. The majority of drivers are fab - extremely thoughtful, patient and considerate. If we all collectively report this fukwits, the roads will get safer still. On the flip side the more of us, as car drivers, who turn to two wheels, again the roads become safer. I’ve been a car driver far longer than a cyclist and I certainly drive differently now vs before I started cycling. Just small things. Extra looks at junctions. Giving a lot more space when passing. Checking mirrors (both sides) and blindspots before pulling off, likewise checking before opening my door. Approaching blind bends ‘expecting’ to encounter a cyclist.

Good points WhiskeryWoman.
I think they attitude to this type of incident sadly varies considerably from area to area. Some police forces are very diligent at following up, others much less so. But you are quite right that if we don't report, they can't act.
I also drive and cycle and the fact that I cycle definitely influences my driving. The fact that I drive also influences my cycling. This whole "them and us" culture could be vastly improved if more people did both and just showed a bit more understanding and respect all round.