UpRide turns daily rides into data that drives change.
While riding a familiar route, UpRider Dan was nearly sideswiped by an Audi attempting an aggressive overtake straight into oncoming traffic. But this time, karma came quick: the oncoming vehicle was a police motorcycle. Cameras were rolling and the driver was pulled over.
Every UpRider has a story. Here is Dan’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I ride this route often, and most drivers are usually courteous, giving plenty of space. It’s a low-speed road and a well-known cycle route. There’s no shared path here, and the footpath isn’t a safe option for riding.
I’ve captured some crazy moments on camera before, but this one topped it. I couldn’t believe the Audi driver tried to overtake a bike, between parked cars, a group of pedestrians, and then crossed into the oncoming lane, right into the path of a police motorcycle.
I had both my Cycliq Fly6 and Fly12 running on day flash. I was correctly positioned on the road and clearly visible. The police bike was also easy to spot from a distance. All they had to do was wait a couple of seconds. That’s it. Just wait.
I started using Cycliq cameras after I was pushed off my bike by a drunk pedestrian while riding the Riverside Drive PSP. I ended up in hospital. Since then, I record every ride. Because what you don’t see, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And what you do catch, can change everything.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Cycling in traffic can be nerve-wracking. I ride 250–300 km a week and regularly have cars pass too closely. It happens far too often.
I’d love to ride on the road less, but with the current infrastructure, that’s just not possible.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Driver education is critical, especially for new drivers and those with international licences. And we need stronger enforcement of close passing laws. Start issuing fines, and drivers might think twice next time.
The truth is, a lot of road users, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, don’t actually know the rules. That lack of awareness puts everyone at risk.
Unfortunately, the comments on your posts make it clear that many drivers simply don’t want to share the road with bikes. There’s a lot of negativity and misunderstanding about what cyclists are doing out there.
That needs to change. Every bike on the road is one less car. That means less congestion, fewer emissions, and more space for everyone.
We also need:
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More dedicated cycle lanes and paths – many of the current PSPs just aren’t safe or practical for commuting or riding at speed.
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Better signage on shared paths to stop pedestrians wandering into bike lanes.
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More bike storage boxes and bike-priority lights, not just in the CBD but at busy suburban intersections too.
It’s not about cyclists vs drivers. It’s about building a system that works for everyone, and makes safety the default.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Keep rolling and don’t be discouraged by bad drivers and consider Cycliq cameras to record you rides just in case. Keep reporting close passes and dangerous drivers.
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