The Courier-Mail: Cyclist injured after act of ‘rage’
by: Staff Writer, Westside News From: Quest Newspapers November 15, 2011
A CYCLIST was left with two broken ribs and heavy bruising after being attacked in a road rage incident.
The cyclist, who does not wish to be identified, said he was cycling along Sunset Rd in Kenmore on the morning of November 1 when he was cut off by a white delivery truck.
“When I shouted out in alarm the driver stopped and jumped out,” he said.
“He then proceeded to verbally abuse me and tell me that I had no right to be on the road as I was too slow and that I had not paid registration fees.
“He also went on to proudly say that he had intentionally cut me off and that he does and will cut off any other cyclists that he comes across on the road.”
The cyclist said he turned to leave when he realised the argument was not going anywhere but was attacked from behind.
“He just threw me to the ground. I was still clipped in (to the bike pedals) so I couldn’t do any damage.”
He said he was being kicked and having his head slammed on the tarmac when two men came to his aid.
He said he had been left with up to $1000 in medical costs and bike repairs but would be back on the bike before long.
“What is most alarming to me is the fact that there are people on our roads driving heavy vehicles around with that deadly intent to do serious bodily injury to innocent cyclists,” he said.
Indooroopilly officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Richard Symes said they would be pursuing the matter but as the cyclist had declined to press charges they had limited options.
“We will pursue it and speak with the other party and try to counsel him with support services.”
He said with the popularity of cycling increasing it was only going to get more important for both motorists and cyclists to realise they had equal rights and had to give equal consideration.
“It’s a two-way street here,” he said.
Last year, there were multiple reports of a ute driver terrorising early morning cyclists in Kenmore.
