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Cyclist alleged to have made stab threats to driver who suspected she was going to run red light

Police appeal for witnesses

Dorset Police are appealing for information after a cyclist allegedly threatened to stab a driver in Poole. The threat is said to have come after the motorist challenged her, believing that she was about to run a red light.

The incident occurred on Bournemouth Road at approximately 8.50am on Thursday December 7.

It is reported that the female cyclist verbally abused the driver – a local woman in her 40s – kicked and punched her black Honda CRV, attempted to rip its wing mirror off and then opened the passenger door and slammed it shut.

When the lights turned to green the victim drove away and then pulled over to examine her car. The suspect is alleged to have again approached the victim, producing a small pointed item from ‘a compartment on the bike’ and threatening to stab the woman. She also rammed her bike into her.

Police have released a photo of the suspect, who was riding a turquoise-coloured mountain bike and wearing a blue helmet and thermal head cover, trainers, black leggings and a dark pink jacket.

Police Constable Conor Valentine, of the traffic unit, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any part of this incident to please contact Dorset Police.

“I am issuing a photo of the cyclist which was taken as she rode away and I would ask her, or anyone who knows who she is, to please come forward so we can fully investigate this incident.

“Finally, I would ask any motorists who were travelling in the area at the relevant time and have dash cam fitted in their vehicles to contact us if they have captured the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email at 101 [at] dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55170189886.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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44 comments

Avatar
Bikebikebike | 6 years ago
2 likes

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15845196.Woman_comes_forward_after...

 

So it appears the lady on the bike came forward, and there were no charges.  So presumably the motorist was lying, as would it appear from her weird story.

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brooksby replied to Bikebikebike | 6 years ago
2 likes

Bikebikebike wrote:

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/15845196.Woman_comes_forward_after...

So it appears the lady on the bike came forward, and there were no charges.  So presumably the motorist was lying, as would it appear from her weird story.

Looks like there may have been a bit of "creative exaggeration", anyway...

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “Following a photo appeal, a woman came forward to assist officers with the investigation.

“As a result of an investigation the decision has been made that no charges will be brought, and no further police action will be taken.”

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Bob's Bikes | 7 years ago
5 likes

I think the next time I get cut up, close passed, left hooked etc etc and I've recorded it on my cameras I will make stabbing actions at the offender in the certain knowledge that this will then be investigated by the police instead of being swept under the carpet as all my previous reports (with video evidence) have been!

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burtthebike | 7 years ago
3 likes

The Alliston effect again.  One cyclist behaving in a threatening manner, probably justifiably, is far more important, newsworthy and worth police time than the thousands of assaults and threats by drivers.

I fully expect the forthcoming government review about cycling and the law to quote this case many times, whilst ignoring the behaviour of drivers.

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brooksby | 7 years ago
2 likes

"Believing she was about to run a red light" - so, *didn't* run a red light?

"a compartment on her bike" - what is that, exactly? Is that a pocket on her jacket, a pocket on her panniers/saddlebag, or was she using those special bar end storage thingies?

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davel replied to brooksby | 7 years ago
6 likes
brooksby wrote:

"Believing she was about to run a red light" - so, *didn't* run a red light?

Yeah, I read this as some busy twat in one of those ubiquitous SUV things had a go at a cyclist in case they did something that the driver didn't like.

They had a row.

The driver then went to the police. Now this is a busy twat who has a go at people who *might* be about to do something and then runs to plod when it doesn't go her way. Chances of her version of events being accurate? 0.00%

The police are outraged that the cyclist didn't just know her place and accept abuse for not actually doing anything wrong yet. They appeal for footage of this menace to society in case other drivers suffer the affrontery of the possibility that she might break other rules, and then turn things into a row when busy twats have a go at her for not doing anything wrong yet.

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antigee | 7 years ago
3 likes

Quote:

 The threat is said to have come after the motorist challenged her, believing that she was about to run a red light.

thats a very partisan way of saying the motorist used their vehicle to deliberately cut off a filtering cyclist

not to condone the cyclist behaviour but would appear that one angry commuter provoked another using quite a large weapon and failed to successfully make their point

 

 

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PapaSmurf | 7 years ago
5 likes

So, point an object at someone and it all gets taken very seriously because, I presume, it’s considered dangerous? 

Perhaps someone can explain to me why is a wing mirror on an Audi TT traveling at over 30mph that misssed me by a few cm not considered by the Dorset Police to be dangerous enough to take any action?

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don simon fbpe replied to PapaSmurf | 7 years ago
2 likes

PapaSmurf wrote:

So, point an object at someone and it all gets taken very seriously because, I presume, it’s considered dangerous? 

Perhaps someone can explain to me why is a wing mirror on an Audi TT traveling at over 30mph that misssed me by a few cm not considered by the Dorset Police to be dangerous enough to take any action?

Go and ask them!

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don simon fbpe | 7 years ago
10 likes

I'm outraged at this.

Helmet?

Hi viz?

These items need to be banned with immediate effect.

Also plod, take a good look at yourselves, no one was hurt, there were no witnesses and no recorded evidence. Just treat it in the same way you'd treat the victim of a close pass.

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crazy-legs replied to don simon fbpe | 7 years ago
7 likes

don simon wrote:

Also plod, take a good look at yourselves, no one was hurt, there were no witnesses and no recorded evidence. Just treat it in the same way you'd treat the victim of a close pass.

+1.

Whole thing sounds to me very much like going to the police to get theior own "woe is me" story in before the cyclist actually comes along to make a report of a close pass and road rage. Local paper will love it cos it's an anti-cyclist story so a bit of sympathy press for the driver. Regardless of how true it is. By the time the real story comes out (if it ever does) all anyone will remember is the "assaulted by cyclist" story and that will equal "it's OK for me to close pass them in revenge" mindset.  2

 

Avatar
Bikebikebike | 7 years ago
4 likes

It’s just wild prejudice, but this person has a helmet, a hi viz cover for her rucksack and is carrying tools. Just not the sort I would expect to go ape shit crazy for no reason , as is the driver’s story. 

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martib | 7 years ago
10 likes

“Finally, I would ask any motorists who were travelling in the area at the relevant time and have dash cam fitted in their vehicles to contact us if they have captured the incident.”

 

So dashcam footage is OK as evidence, however footage from cyclists is not enough evidence. Rank hypocrisy, as others have said, I think someone is being economical with the truth here.

Funny how the Police won't do anything when drivers use their vehicle as a weapon. 

 

Also hope they are going to have a word with the driver of the burgundy car in the pic, looks like a close pass 

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BehindTheBikesheds replied to martib | 7 years ago
1 like

martib wrote:

“Finally, I would ask any motorists who were travelling in the area at the relevant time and have dash cam fitted in their vehicles to contact us if they have captured the incident.”

 

So dashcam footage is OK as evidence, however footage from cyclists is not enough evidence. Rank hypocrisy, as others have said, I think someone is being economical with the truth here.

Funny how the Police won't do anything when drivers use their vehicle as a weapon. 

 

Also hope they are going to have a word with the driver of the burgundy car in the pic, looks like a close pass 

it's not just hypocrisy it breaks their sworn oath to not show bias/discrimination in their duties to keep the peace. How you police one incident you must do the same for others. If you take into account the relative threat and known outcomes of motorvehicle drivers hurting others (so breach f the peace) then the police by definiton of not acting on vid footage by people on bikes yet wanting to rely on vid footage for something like this means they are breaking their oath and showing discrimination and not being impartial, not showing integrity or fairness or indeed upholding human rights and equal respect.

A reminder of the oath/attestation.

 I. ... of ... do solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental 
human rights and according equal respect to all people; and that I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property; and that while I continue to hold the said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law."

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alansmurphy | 7 years ago
8 likes
Bluebug wrote:

Seems it is best to threaten to lamp someone with your bike lock there and then if you are do inclined as it isn't premeditated, rather than stopping and threatening them later with something in your saddle bag.

Indeed. It appears she's a talented cyclist. Nearly jumping a red light, hearing a driver tut, getting off her bike, removing tools from a saddle bag and going through a mime; all in the time a concerned and careful driver passed nice and wide at 28mph...

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Ush | 7 years ago
3 likes

I wonder do helmets make cyclists that wear them more aggressive?

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hawkinspeter replied to Ush | 7 years ago
2 likes

Ush wrote:

I wonder do helmets make cyclists that wear them more aggressive?

During the summer (maybe a week or so in England) I sometimes get a hot-head whilst wearing a helmet.

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FluffyKittenofT... replied to Ush | 7 years ago
3 likes

Ush wrote:

I wonder do helmets make cyclists that wear them more aggressive?

 

Probably the hi-viz.  Being constantly clad in loud, angry colours perhaps has a tendency to make one loud and angry.  There's a reason why people are rarely beaten up by Goths.

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Bikebikebike | 7 years ago
3 likes

This story does have a strong whiff about it. 

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FluffyKittenofT... | 7 years ago
24 likes

This is why all drivers should be legally-obligated to wear stab-proof vests.

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Ush | 7 years ago
9 likes

This helmet-wearer is giving all of us helmet-wearers a bad name.

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cyclisto replied to Ush | 7 years ago
7 likes
Ush wrote:

This helmet-wearer is giving all of us helmet-wearers a bad name.

Let alone what she does to all of us shoe-wearers

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crazy-legs | 7 years ago
14 likes

Every cyclist in Dorset should now contact PC Conor Valentine of the traffic unit reporting every single incident of close passes, threats of violence, abuse etc.

I assume of course that they'll be issuing the same appeals for information as they have done here? The local paper would probably require an extra dozen pages to accommodate them all.

I think there's a lot more to this story than the harmless innocent driver's side of things...

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brooksby | 7 years ago
9 likes

I think there's a bit more to this than the driver is saying. Mind you, it's pretty impressive that she works for the pre-traffic-crimes department (I hadn't realised that department was up and running yet...).

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Canyon48 | 7 years ago
18 likes

Wtf?!

I was cycling home one day and a lady driving a rather nice Audi pulled out right in front of me on an a-road (but stopped halfway when she realised I was there). She then pulled alongside me, swerved at me, revved and beeped and, in a hail of profanities, told me she was going to kill me and run me over.

I immediately stopped (once the car had gone), called 999, gave the registration and was told it wasn't a 999 incident. So I apologised and called police 101. Long story short, they took my details and my account of the incident, before long I got another call saying they weren't going to pursue anything.

Don't get me wrong, the incident in this article should be investigated by the police - I just wish they'd treat death threats and aggression towards cyclists the same way they do if it were towards motorists. The local police (Avon & Somerset) seem to be all over hate crime cases against homosexuals and ethnic minorities, but don't seem to care if it's against cyclists (having reported 5 incidents in the last year - death threats, stuff thrown at me, swerved into, passengers trying to hit me with various items).

Avatar
davel replied to Canyon48 | 7 years ago
1 like
wellsprop wrote:

The local police (Avon & Somerset) seem to be all over hate crime cases against homosexuals and ethnic minorities, but don't seem to care if it's against cyclists (having reported 5 incidents in the last year - death threats, stuff thrown at me, swerved into, passengers trying to hit me with various items).

If I manage to stay awake long enough, or don't wake up with the hangover that I suspect is brewing as I type, I may well have started the UK Ethnic Homosexual (and mainly cycling) Club.

Don't tell my wife (beard) if I do.

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velo-nh replied to Canyon48 | 7 years ago
0 likes

wellsprop wrote:

The local police (Avon & Somerset) seem to be all over hate crime cases against homosexuals and ethnic minorities, but don't seem to care if it's against cyclists (having reported 5 incidents in the last year - death threats, stuff thrown at me, swerved into, passengers trying to hit me with various items).

 

Get yourself a rainbow jersey.

 

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cidermart | 7 years ago
1 like

Essex police 0 fucks given towards cyclists!

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matthewn5 | 7 years ago
6 likes

Neither are Essex Police. Look at this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz_c6UH9Ev8

"Not enough evidence" they said. He's not a roadie. He's got a disability and rides a sit-up-and-beg bike. Rammed off his bike for daring to ride on the road.

Avatar
Beecho replied to matthewn5 | 7 years ago
9 likes

matthewn5 wrote:

Neither are Essex Police. Look at this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz_c6UH9Ev8

"Not enough evidence" they said. He's not a roadie. He's got a disability and rides a sit-up-and-beg bike. Rammed off his bike for daring to ride on the road.

That, makes my blood boil. A disgrace.

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