“It was 15 against one. But John O’Brien was going to teach the group of cyclists that slowed his progress on a country road a lesson they would remember.
The 66-year-old Hamilton motorist swerved in and out in front of the cyclists, causing them to brake and turn. His actions on Sept. 19, 2009, also nearly forced two oncoming cars on Twenty Road near the Binbrook Conservation Authority into a ditch.” – Hamilton Spectator June 29 2012 – link to article
Un-fricking-Real. I’ve heard so many stories about motorists trying to use their vehicles to teach a cyclist a lesson. I like the fact that this driver got his license suspended for 2 years, but he should be charged with attempted murder.
Reminds me of previous posts:
- A Grand River Transit driver tried to teach me a lesson with his bus.
- This driver ran two of my friends off the road actually hitting one of them.
I’m sure there are others!
Any readers who have a minor in Law: Why aren’t drivers charged with attempted murder in these situations?
Punishment towards aggressive driving is brutal in this country. When I see ‘ license suspended for _____’ I sort of laugh.
I’ll always remember a story The New VR did in Barrie years ago. They followed this man who had his license suspended (for the 8th time). He left the court house — now prohibited from driving he gets into his truck and takes off. Neighbours said he continued to drive.
Until there is a complete cultural shift in this country, people won’t view actions like this as attempted murder…And with the mayor of the largest city in the country sayings; ‘his heart bleeds when a cyclist is killed, but it’s ultimately their fault for swimming with sharks’…I’d say we have a long way to go for that shift.
There was a good post from a former solicitor on the CTC forums as to why such charges are not used against motorists. Its a complicated process that has happened over the years – culturally and legally.
In some circumstances I entirely agree that it would be appropriate to charge them with attempted murder.
Have just realised this isnt Waterloo in England, but Canada. So the CTC post wont be as relevant. Apologies.
I also posted this on Reddit cause I love the rabid bicycle lovers on that site: great comments.
I met one of these people before I was into cycling. He told me how much he hated cyclists and wished he could just run them over and drag them along under his truck. He made me uncomfortable back then, and looking back now it’s truly horrifying.
What happens to cyclists who hit pedestrians on sidewalks?
Intentionally? I never heard of that happening.
Operating a vehicle on the sidewalk + unsafe operation of vehicle causing harm. IF it was intentional and could be proved, probably assault. I don’t think you can argue that a cyclist will intentionally try to kill someone with their bike, there are much easier ways.
Yeah doc oc … hit someone with your car and place a banged up bike on the scene … then tell police the cyclist came out of nowhere and wasn’t wearing a helmet … stole this from a comment on reddit ;P
My question is not about intentional hits, but what do the police do in regards to cyclists who hit pedestrians walking on sidewalks? Octavian has it right and there are no legal prohibitions of which I am aware about how pedestrians walk or pay attention. So, I assume the cyclist is fully culpable.
A few years ago a boy struck an elderly woman and she succumbed to head injuries… the boy wasn’t charged as it wasn’t intentional.. this happened in Toronto. I don’t think any charges were laid…
I was thinking about the highest charges that could be brought against the cyclist. I imagine in most cases, there are no charges. What does that prove though? I think it proves that cyclists are not treated as vehicle operators.
I tweeted a question to waterloo police chief, curious what they say. (I really should find the email of the community police officer(s).