Cyclist Takes Law Into Own Hands, Punches Driver for Close Call

The roads have become a space of unsafe for cyclists venturing out on the roads. At first, one thought that this problem was restricted only to the roads of America, but reports over the past few years have shown this to be a global phenomenon. Cyclists all over the world have experienced several incidents involving crashes, accidents, and even death.

The lack of infrastructure and negligence by authorities to make the road accessible for cyclists has meant that they are fending for themselves on the road. While cyclists have always been on the road, the pandemic brought about a massive change in lifestyle. People have become more health aware, and it also proves to be a sustainable option for the environment. This has meant a sharp rise in the number of cycles on the road, but the slow pace of development has led to several unfortunate encounters.

One such encounter on the road between a cyclist and a driver was reported from King’s Lynn Road in Norfolk County.

Frustrated cyclist lashes out at driver

33-year-old Christopher Lopez was out on the roads, cycling as he felt the cool breeze, enjoying a lovely afternoon. An unfortunate encounter with a driver on the road cut his joyride short.

He alleged that he and the driver traveled the same path from Queen Elizabeth Hospital to Knight Hill roundabout, but things took a turn over there. As both the Lopez and the Peugeot approached the second roundabout, the car’s side-view mirror grazed the unaware cyclist.

Lopez alleged that the car was too close to him and that eventually led to some contact between the two. He was equipped with a camera, a habit that all cyclists tend to follow.

The camera caught the 33-year-old’s violent interaction with the driver, which included some unpleasant exchange of words. The war of words escalated into a full-fledged mid-street brawl as the driver stepped out of his car.

Consequences of road rage

What followed was Lopez punching the driver in his face. He stated that his previous experiences while cycling on the road led him to take such extreme actions. Lopez also claimed to feel threatened by the driver and his presence but stated he did not act in self-defense.

It was out of anger and frustration at being neglected as a cyclist on the roads. His punch left the driver, who was a motorist too, with facial injuries. The driver had issues with mobility and he avoided what could have been a serious injury.

ALSO READ: Cyclists Find a Unique Way to Celebrate a Noble Cause in the Spirit of Halloween

Richard Mann, the lawyer representing Lopez in court, stated, “He says that this driver got too close and that he was struck by the wing mirror. After he pushed the wing mirror in, the man squared up to him, but he is not seeking to claim that he acted in self-defence.”

“He accepts that he could have dealt with it in a better way.” 

Lopez pleaded guilty to assault in court and the district court judge handed him a 12-month conditional discharge, warning him that any offending would see him punished further. He was also asked to pay the driver £200 as compensation for the injuries.

Watch this story – Veteran Cyclist, 62, Triumphs Over Near-Fatal Encounter