Successfully prosecuted a motorist
jetsstar1
Posts: 53
Hello. I am new to the forum so quick introduction.
Commuter cyclist for quite a few years. Another person based in Southampton I'm afraid. Commute from Hamble to Southampton City every day (15 miles round trip). My current commuter bike is slightly modified Trek 7.5FX (most I would spend as I have to lock it outside). My good bike is an upgraded Marin Highway One for sportive, training and the odd commute when I can lock it inside. I don't like RLJs but occasionally take a left at a light when it is dangerous to be in that position (e.g. inside of a bus).
Anyway to the story... Thought I would share, as it seems many people have had run-ins with motorists and it might give you a warm feeling
A year or so ago I managed to successfully get a motorist prosecuted for assault. Cycling home from work I had a motorist beep and shout unmentionable phrases when I tried to pull right across the traffic (I was clear in front). This is at the split at Cobden bridge heading East for those of you who know it. I actually got across so he pulled inside me and rolled down his window and started shouting again. I proceeded to quite simply tell him to "grow up", nothing worse. This obviously incensed him and he started chasing me eventually running me into a curb.
(If you've got this far, thanks for your patience) It was getting really dangerous so I stopped. He got out of the car and immediately came at me and grabbed my neck, while I was still on my bike. :shock: After making him release me and a few heated words I promptly got out of there saying that I will see him again in court. I then reported him to the Hampshire police, luckily I also had a witness but unfortunately I hadn't remembered the license plate correctly so they took the details anyway, but they said it was doubtful that anything could be done. Surprisingly a few days later the local police station called and said that they had identified the car and had been around to his house and he had admitted that it had happened, but said that I was being aggressive and it was self defence. :roll:
Anyway to cut to the chase eventually it went to court. He had pleaded not guilty but my witness turned up and at the last minute he pleaded guilty and subsequently got a record and paid a fine.
I guess the moral of this story is don't let people get away with aggressive behaviour and I'm also glad I managed to keep my cool. The police were great and really helpful but I believe only because an assault was involved. I also am a bit sheepish now and try and avoid conflict with motorists at all costs but the odd shout makes me feel better.
Looking forward to contributing to the forum.
Commuter cyclist for quite a few years. Another person based in Southampton I'm afraid. Commute from Hamble to Southampton City every day (15 miles round trip). My current commuter bike is slightly modified Trek 7.5FX (most I would spend as I have to lock it outside). My good bike is an upgraded Marin Highway One for sportive, training and the odd commute when I can lock it inside. I don't like RLJs but occasionally take a left at a light when it is dangerous to be in that position (e.g. inside of a bus).
Anyway to the story... Thought I would share, as it seems many people have had run-ins with motorists and it might give you a warm feeling
A year or so ago I managed to successfully get a motorist prosecuted for assault. Cycling home from work I had a motorist beep and shout unmentionable phrases when I tried to pull right across the traffic (I was clear in front). This is at the split at Cobden bridge heading East for those of you who know it. I actually got across so he pulled inside me and rolled down his window and started shouting again. I proceeded to quite simply tell him to "grow up", nothing worse. This obviously incensed him and he started chasing me eventually running me into a curb.(If you've got this far, thanks for your patience) It was getting really dangerous so I stopped. He got out of the car and immediately came at me and grabbed my neck, while I was still on my bike. :shock: After making him release me and a few heated words I promptly got out of there saying that I will see him again in court. I then reported him to the Hampshire police, luckily I also had a witness but unfortunately I hadn't remembered the license plate correctly so they took the details anyway, but they said it was doubtful that anything could be done. Surprisingly a few days later the local police station called and said that they had identified the car and had been around to his house and he had admitted that it had happened, but said that I was being aggressive and it was self defence. :roll:
Anyway to cut to the chase eventually it went to court. He had pleaded not guilty but my witness turned up and at the last minute he pleaded guilty and subsequently got a record and paid a fine.
I guess the moral of this story is don't let people get away with aggressive behaviour and I'm also glad I managed to keep my cool. The police were great and really helpful but I believe only because an assault was involved. I also am a bit sheepish now and try and avoid conflict with motorists at all costs but the odd shout makes me feel better.
Looking forward to contributing to the forum.
Marin Highway One
Trek 7.5FX
Trek 7.5FX
0
Posts
The Mad Monkey [2013 Hoy 003] [FCN: 4]
Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
Fixed Pista- FCN 5
Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
Viner Maxima, Tifosi CK7, Giant Bowery, Old commuter.
2013 Yeti SB66
Welcome to the forum.
"What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
"It stays down, Daddy."
"Exactly."
Might be classed as bribery if he did
Cobden Bridge..? Wasnt a red BMW with a white lad, 35ish and blond spikey hair.. perchance? :?
"Shoulda D-Locked the c**t".
Strangely enough, whilst watching the news yesterday at 6pm, a report on the PM mentioned his use of the 'C' word 4 times. It turned out 'cuts' was the word but I immediately thought of c**ts :shock:
I spend far too much time on here...................
PS: Welcome to the board!
I remember describing him to the police as a 6ft 2" Stan Collymore! Makes me laugh now , but not at the time.
I was actually advised against buying the witness something nice, but she was very good to turn up and easy on the eye in the court waiting room!
Trek 7.5FX
Ahh I thought my one was a bit of a coward.
Cyclist (roadie & minor commuter) and car driver myself. I have to say that ever since I took up cycling more seroiusly, when driving a car I have a totally different perspective of cyclist to what I used to have. Not that I ever did anything or said anything to a cyclist (well not out loud) but I have a whole new perspective of what we cyclist face on the roads and have a different frame of mind when I encounter a cyclist on the road.
Maybe they should teach learner drivers more intensivly on how to drive when near a cyclist? I can't remember ever being told anything about it it when I learnt although that was 26 years ago in Oz then 15 years ago when I had to take a UK test.
s**t I'm getting old
FCN3
http://img87.yfrog.com/img87/336/mycubeb.jpg
http://lonelymiddlesomethingguy.blogspot.com/
Notwithstanding my run in with Stan lookalike, for me it's all about the cycling. I love my ride to work rain or shine, warm or cold. Then can't wait to get on my bike at the weekend.
Thanks again
Trek 7.5FX
Joelle (Focus Expert SRAM)
Are you now going to sue him for assault or did the court make him pay you some measely amount?
Get yourself a helmet cam.
Safe cycling.
Think how stupid the average person is.......
half of them are even more stupid than you first thought.
Support Flasheart's comments - one of the best ways to improve safety on the roads IMHO would be to get as many people cycling if only as 'weekenders' so that they can see it through the perspective of us cyclists. Won't help them all though, as I'm sure many of us have had the 'but I cycle too' comment when remonstrating with a motorist.