Road Rage

Here is the text of a letter that I sent to the police last week. It often surprises me the hatred that some motorists have for those of us who choose to cycle, it is not logical and obviously not well thought out. Most of those who scare us do so accidentally, but from time to time I encounter people like this guy, who does not realise how easy it is to track down a signwritten vehicle.

The thing is, that this guy (and others like him) is likely to hurt one of us, and if we let the police know what he is like, they will know where to look. They will also make contact and and let him know that they have been notified.

I think that if you encounter drivers like this you have a responsibility to collect as much information as possible and pass it to the Police. After all, it could be your riding buddy that you save.

"A complaint against a motorist;

This morning, at about 9:15, I was cycling from Link Drive to my place of work in Ashfield Road, a short trip that requires me to be in the right lane when turning into Wairau Road from Target Road. I could see that the traffic lights up ahead were red, so I proceeded into the middle of the right lane in Target road (an action that is necessary to prevent drivers of cars from trying to squeeze past when there really isn’t room).

I heard from behind me that most threatening of noises, an impatient driver revving his engine. The vehicle did squeeze past, so I approached the driver who indicated his lack of patience by accusing me of being all over the road, and saying that bastards like me should be banned from the road. He then said that he should get bull bars so that he could run us down and kill us. At this point, I decided that best I get the hell out of his way, so I took off in another direction.

I was unable to record the registration or brand of vehicle, but it was a light truck, sign written with the name “Sign Erections Ltd” on it. The sole director of that company is Rodney Kenneth SCHOU, whose address is 3-62 Kitchener Road, Milford. A quick check of the street view in Google Maps reveals a similar style of vehicle parked outside this address.

My point is this. I am a regular cyclist who is in touch with many others, and this guys comments are similar to those reported from the driver of a white ute who the police are seeking for the killing of a cyclist in Peak Road. This arrogance tends to permeate through all aspects of driving, making him a danger on the roads.

I would appreciate it if one of your officers could visit this person, and let him know that such threatening behaviour is unacceptable, and that he is not anonymous. His actions should have consequences."