Here’s the thing about cycling incidents – they often happen when you least expect them. This footage from “down under” captures the exact moment when following a trailer goes terribly wrong.
It’s a split-second decision that has cyclists everywhere debating who’s really at fault.
The footage comes from a front-facing camera mounted on the rear cyclist’s bike, giving us a perfect view of what’s about to unfold.
The Lead-Up
The group is picking up considerable speed on a downhill stretch.
They’ve opted to ride outside the designated bike lane, which is really just a narrow strip alongside parked cars.
Some will say this is the safer choice – nobody wants to play Russian roulette with suddenly opening car doors when traveling at 30 – 40 Kph.
The Critical Moment
Here’s where things get interesting. The cyclists are following a car with a trailer, maintaining what seems like a reasonable distance.
The car starts drifting left, and any cyclist would assume it’s making a left turn.
Plot twist: the driver is actually setting up for a right turn, using the extra space to accommodate the trailer’s wider turning radius.
The Impact
Our lead cyclist, caught completely off guard by this unexpected maneuver, collides with the trailer as the vehicle swings right.
It’s one of those moments that makes every cyclist wince – we’ve all had close calls, though hopefully not quite this close.
The Aftermath
While the cyclist manages to get back up (thankfully), the video leaves us hanging on the details.
There’s no clear indication of injuries or bike damage, and we’re left wondering if the driver even noticed or stopped.
The Big Question
So, who’s at fault here? It’s a complex situation that highlights the importance of clear signaling and maintaining awareness on both sides. The driver could have signaled earlier, but cyclists also need to maintain a safe following distance, especially when trailing vehicles with trailers.
Safety Reminder: Always expect the unexpected when sharing the road. Whether you’re on two wheels or four, clear communication and defensive driving (or riding) can prevent most accidents.
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