A BUNBURY cyclist is outraged after a driver lined him up and forced him off the road this morning in a deliberate act that could have had devastating consequences.
About 7.15am, Bunbury Forum manager Vern Merchant was cycling home along Ocean Drive between the Maidens and Hudson Road when he saw a car lining him up from about 100 metres away.
Mr Merchant said the car crossed the road and headed straight for him, so he was forced to take evasive action by leaving the road and riding into a bush.
Fortunately he was not hurt and was travelling slower than usual due to strong winds.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this was a deliberate act – he had his eyes locked on me and didn’t slow down,” Mr Merchant said.
When Mr Merchant had unclipped his cycling shoes and stood up, the driver had crossed back to the right side of the road and driven away without a second glance.
He hopes that a second vehicle which was driving a short distance behind the perpetrator will report the incident and registration to police.
If he had hit me I could have been seriously injured or dead – it’s attempted murder in my mind.
- Bunbury cyclist Vern Merchant
The outcome could have been a lot worse if the target had been a child or someone without evasive action training, Mr Merchant said.
“If he had hit me I could have been seriously injured or dead – it’s attempted murder in my mind,” he said.
“No one has the right to threaten another person and this person needs to be dealt with in court - to resolve whatever issue they have with bike riders, for a start.”
A similar incident took place on Saturday, November 14 at a South West Cycle Club event near Australind when a female driver deliberately drove towards a group of about 15 riders.
Mr Merchant has been cycling regularly for about six months and said the majority of drivers were respectful and aware, but some drivers and pedestrians needed to remember to keep an eye out for riders.
He described the car as a dark blue VN-type Commodore with Bunbury registration plates.
Anyone who witnesses similar incidents is urged to make a police report to 9722 2111.