dannyfrankszzz said:
When I was in town earlier today cycling along, a motorist drove past
hurling a load of abuse at me for some reason. I was quite shocked at
this as I was unaware that I had done anything wrong. The vehicle
stopped at the next set of traffic lights, and I approached the
driver’s window querying his actions. The driver hurled more abuse at
me and I told him where to go. As the lights turned to green, I spat
on the car (yes, I know what you’re thinking, but I’m telling you the
whole truth…).
Anyway, as I continued to cycle on, the driver then drove his vehicle
into me leaving me in a heap on the pavement. Fortunately my bike bore
the brunt of the collision and I escaped with cuts and bruises and some
whiplash. The driver then drove off.
There were plenty of eye witnesses to the incident who came forward and
gave me their details.
I think you were an idiot.
Retaliating against someone who is already clearly a maniac is only
asking for further trouble. It will almost certainly result in the
driver becoming more aggressive, if not against you against someone else.
The driver clearly had a problem of some kind.
By telling him "where to go" and spitting you effectively have lowered
yourself to the same level as the driver. IMO you should have taken the
number of the vehicle and reported it rather than getting involved.
Quoted message said:Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t assaulting someone with a car at
speed ‘assault with a deadly weapon’ and comes under GBH?
I'm sure it could be taken that way, but given your responses I think
you should count yourself lucky the drive didn't pull a knife or a gun
on you.
Never *ever* should a cyclist retaliate aggressively. The risks are just
far too high.
Quoted message said:Furthermore, judging from the behaviour of the individual and the way
he was talking, I’m certain that he was high on cocaine at the time,
although I’m not sure how provable this would be.
Irrelevant. If anything, you may find that it would be used as a
mitigating circumstance - on the driver's behalf. I can imagine the plea
by the defence: "M'lud, my client has depression caused by [insert wife
playing away, dog dying, alcohol dependency] and is taking medical
advice [he's seen the station doctor] to remedy it" :-(
Quoted message said:Can anyone clarify the legal situation for me a bit more before I take
things any further?
Notwithstanding the above, I think you should report it, but be aware
that you will end up on the end of the questionning too.
Given the attitude of many in 'authority' to cyclists and their oft
pro-motorist stance, you may find yourself under quite a bit of fire.
I doubt you wanted to hear this, but I found myself in a similar
situation once when I was physically attacked. The attacker will
*always* plead provocation, then, if/when that fails out will come the
mitigating circumstances.
John B
