So I Got Brake Checked and knocked off to teach me a lesson......apparently

Sadly it's not only motorists who behave badly, this morning I was left hooked by a fellow cyclist who overtook me then immediately turned left without signalling.

I realise that I'm not typical as I ride rural routes and don't commute, but other cyclists are more of a problem than motorists in my experience.

That is a terrible road for cycling down. Full of pinch points, and drivers using as a rat run.

I'd only report it to the police if you have his registration, contact details for the witnesses, video footage & some magic 4th thing that would make the police do something. I've only ever had 3 out of 4 and so found the whole process to be tedious and frustrating.

@joeinpoole what is the view like from your ivory tower?

You are an idiot and bizzarely seem *proud* of exhibiting the sort of behaviour that gives 'cyclists' a bad name.

I've been cycling for nearly 50 years and I have never been "brake checked" in my life. Why? Because I'm not so fucking stupid that I tailgate a vehicle so fast and so close that I can't stop if said vehicle slows down or stops.

Have you ever read the 'Highway Code'? It's a while since I have done so but I seem to remember that Rule Numero Uno was that you should never, ever drive or ride faster than your ability to stop within the distance that you can see clearly ahead. You failed to do that. The 'accident' was *entirely* your fault. How do you know for example that the driver hadn't braked because a cat had jumped out in front of him?

You don't need to burst into tears and you don't need to wear a stupid foam hat either. You just need to ride sensibly according to the prevailing conditions. If you examine the front of your handlebars you should see some sticky-out levers. They are called 'brakes' and they are really brilliant at modulating the speed of your bike. Next time you find yourself following a dirty great 4x4 (or any other vehicle) you might consider using them.

Sorry mate

You'll feel better in a while. Keep on trucking. My wife has been wanting a portable EMP generator for events like this: a silent blast to immobilize their wagon for life.

I hope you're feeling better. It is, as someone said above, shock from the trauma. It's something to do with hormone imbalances, I think - reduction in adrenaline, that sort of thing. I could, of course, be talking shit!

Mostly, I feel frustration in these scenarios. You have so little power and are (well I am) quite confused at the time as to whether I really did have right of way. It seems ridiculous because the balance of power (mass?!) is very one-sided. If it's car-on-car, the liability always rests with the person behind - you should have left enough space to stop. But, I'm unsure whether it is the same when a) deliberate, as here, or b) it's car-on-bike, again as here.

On the more positive note, yay for old ladies! I had a bit of a fall off one time. It was my fault really. I was wearing headphones and was distracted by the traffic behind and hit a kerb. I felt really embarrassed, especially when a lovely old lady came over to see if I was all right. The warm feeling of someone caring helped immensely, though.

Make sure you get back on your bike, though. Don't let the bastards grind you down. And, most of all, take care and keep enjoying your freedom.

On Sunday I pointed out to a driver that he was parked in a cycling lane. He shouted something I couldn't hear so I gave him a "whatever" hand gesture. Next thing I know the guy is behind me swerving into me hanging back then swerving in to me, then he brake checks me and then cuts into my pasty several times. I got his number at the time, but was reluctant to go to the police because I reacted to him telling him where to go several times. I too am considering some kind of camera. The guy was unhinged and good certainly have caused me injury.

Brakechecking seems to be all over Road.cc at the moment. Happened to me a few weeks ago. Is it the latest anti-cyclist tactic? I know there are a variety of helmet cams out there but I reckon anyone who can invent a small, affordable one with a decent picture that's specifically aimed at commuters could be onto a real winner. I reckon a lot of people want one but there's always a hitch; cost, practicality or quality.

Dreadful events, but a great opp for some recuperative spending!

You must report this guy - even if the police just go and have a word with him, he'll realise he can't behave like he has. Sonofabitch! Just passing you close enough to hit you with the wing mirror is bad enough! Did your bike dent the back of his car? Use that as evidence if you didn't get the number plate; he porbably goes that way every day.

Shit times!

I'd personally be hesitant about going to the police in this instance without video evidence or independent witnesses.

Many years ago, I was riding with a friend when a guy signalling left suddenly changed direction at a roundabout forcing us to make an emergency stop.

The driver was clearly lost as we caught up with him a little later. My friend made a point of pointing out what had happened, to which we received the usual expletive filled response.

We rode on, but the guy in question came after us, did a close pass, followed by a brake test. He then carried on. My mate lost his cool, chased after the chap, to which the driver did another brake test... this one took my mate out. The driver didn't stop.

Long story short, my mate ended up with a caution for riding without due care and attention or something similar.

Just be cautious that if you go to the Police, the driver in question will have his own version of events. In a 'he said/she said' scenario, ultimately going up the back of the car in front is seen as not paying attention/leaving sufficient gap ahead... so you may find yourself being told its your fault and the driver claiming some whiplash injury or worse.

Sorry to be negative.

@IngloriousLou - Who are CAMS??

When I was knocked off my bike a few weeks ago (I wasn't badly hurt) and the driver refused to pay for the broken bits I contacted CAMS and they've taken the claim on without need for witness statements or video of the accident.

I did get the registration of the car and a photo of the driver.

I should add that I've already received a cheque for replacement value of the bike.

Sorry to hear of your experience. What you are describing is shock and sometimes it has a delayed effect. Please report as much as possible. If nothing else, insurance companies are known to check databases and if nothing else you can draw some satisfaction from knowing that this pillock will pay more for his "right" to use the road.
If you have witnesses, go for the jugular as people like this need a spell off the road.
Stay safe and good luck.

Snap! The Contour Roam 2 is very good indeed, I paid £115 on Amazon. Add £20 for the SD card, £15 for the helmet mount and you're away. You'll need to configure it for high-res so numberplates are readable. It also doesn't make you look like a tellytubby (I'm looking at you, gopro!).

I run it on the top of the helmet, but handily the lens rotates to counter the angle at which it's mounted so you don't end up with a lopsided picture wherever it's situated.

@Potiriadis: report the incident to the police, in full, with as much detail as you can. Even if you don't think there's enough there to identify the @rsehole^H^H^H^H^H^H^H^Hdriver and even if you think nothing will come of it, report it. Part of the issue cyclists face is that not enough of these types of incident are reported, so the overall view is that there are a few vocal cyclists complaining about conditions when it's unwarranted...

Cameras: I use the Roam2. It's pretty good (I mount it on the top of my helmet, and I've been using an old Contour HD as a rear-facing camera), battery life is good, mounts are not the best but are serviceable, picture is a little jittery but you can easily identify number plates. Low light performance not that great, but sufficient.

I feel for you mate. Did this happen today?

Having been knocked off myself for the first time a few weeks ago, the shock, adrenaline and general injustice of it all can get to you. Although I wasn't significantly injured i took the day off work whilst I got myself and my steed checked over.

I hope you reported this matter to the police.

The driver sounds like your typical twunt, can't get to that red light/cue of cars quick enough, even if it involves heaping a load of mortal risk onto you as they squeeze past.

As much as it feels like 'giving in' to buy one, this is where a helmet cam is invaluble. It's infuriating. Chin up, and try and spare time for a takeaway treat, a beer and a movie (or whatever floats your boat) this evening.

Don't let it stop you riding either. Let me know if you want advice on the cam.

GRRRR!
Are drivers (of which I am one) the new bell-ends of the road or what?
Why is there such a hatred of every cyclist?
Brake checks, retribution passes, etc....gonna have to tog up like Robocop shortly...avec leg opening machine gun holster....I'd carry a 'JIF' lemon, not quite pepper spray, but works wonders with rampaging dogs...might keep the motorists at bay too...

Bit of shock with the tears innit, I always get the same!

Hope you're OK

Get a good cuppa in ya and take half a day off if u can, go chillax.