Cyclists need to record their experiences

A FEW weeks ago I was biking home from work, where I have to turn right next to the Hocken library where Anzac Ave merges with State Highway 88.

As I waited for a gap in the traffic, I heard the sound of a truck engine revving loudly and a torrent of abuse coming in my direction. I turned and looked at the driver of the truck, enraged at the prospect of having to wait 10 or 15 seconds longer than normal at this intersection.

After turning right on to the main road, we both had to stop at the lights by Emerson’s Brewery. I took this opportunity to knock on his window and say, ‘‘You don’t own the road’’.

My mistake: such arrogant and entitled demands for consideration are apparently akin to blasphemy for a sizeable minority of Dunedin truck drivers.

He followed me down the road, verging on to the cycle lane and missing me by no more than 10cm. He then pulled right into the cycle lane, blocking my path, got out of his truck and confronted me.

In the heat of the moment, I did not think to get my phone out to photograph his registration.

We had a heated verbal exchange, but did not come to blows. The truck driver changed his mind about punching me when we actually came face to face, even though he had nearly killed me just before while driving.

My advice to Dunedin cyclists — get a camera and film what happens.

There is a hate culture among a significant number of both car and truck drivers, and we need to protect ourselves.

Tim Leadbeater

Lookout Point

Business views

BUSINESS confidence is down, due largely to the fact that businesses tend to be rightwing and can’t emotionally accept that they lost the election.

But would things be markedly better under Simon Bridges?

The pork industry would take a huge hit. As an erstwhile freezing worker, I know it is extremely difficult to butcher flying pigs.

Ewan McDougall

Broad Bay