Simon is a regular weekend cyclist who rides the streets of Perth with friends. Like many cyclists, he has experienced his fair share of close calls on the road, and like the best of them, he came prepared. Armed with a Cycliq camera, Simon captured an incident that highlights the very real dangers vulnerable road users face every day. In this interview, Simon shares his thoughts on cycling infrastructure, road safety, and the reporting process, offering practical advice for anyone who has ever felt unsafe on two wheels.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is Simon’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
This was my usual Sunday morning ride with friends, nothing out of the ordinary. I record my rides for instances such as this. Whilst I find the vast majority of other road users in Perth respectful of cyclists, there is a substantial minority that are either actively aggressive towards cyclists or ignorant of the danger they pose to vulnerable road users. Whether it is ignorance or aggression, drivers that put cyclists at risk need to be made aware that their actions are not acceptable, either through sites like UpRide and/or through prosecution by the police.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
I do not like riding in traffic, so avoid using highways, other than early in the morning on weekends.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Cycling safety can be best improved in three ways.
Firstly, by providing better cycling infrastructure, where cycling lanes and bike paths form an actual network. Cycling lanes are infrequent, often too narrow, and often discontinuous, ending without warning and placing the rider in traffic. Shared paths are not a substitute for dedicated cycling lanes; placing cyclists amongst pedestrians is not the answer.
Secondly, better education of all road users. Some cyclists can be their own worst enemy when it comes to their safety, and some drivers seem genuinely surprised that cyclists can be upset when put in danger. Better education, supported with enforcement, will make us more predictable to each other.
Thirdly, if a bike lane must end, make it easier for cyclists to enter traffic by placing the onus on other road users to give way. There are a few cycle lanes that end for seemingly no reason, and others that end leading into intersections. The way the road is marked, with a dashed line at the end of the bike lane, means the cyclist must give way to cars. I would argue that it is far easier for the faster vehicle coming from behind to see the cyclist and slow down, than for the cyclist to turn their head and check behind.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
The reporting process is not difficult, but it is a little time consuming.
I need to look through the footage to identify the vehicle. Finding the right clip is made easier with Cycliq cameras through the save feature. Identifying the car is usually straightforward, but can be made difficult in certain light conditions or if the lens is dirty.
The information required for the police report is all in the footage. The hardest part is describing the interaction, sticking to the facts while also making it clear that the incident was dangerous. One important tip for all West Australians reporting an incident to the police: remember to tick the box indicating you are willing to attend court as a witness. I once made a report to WA Police where the investigating officer refused to take the matter further because I had not ticked this box. I assumed the footage spoke for itself and that my testimony would not be required. Do not make this mistake.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Get out, enjoy the ride, and stay safe wherever you choose to ride.
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