Assaulted while cycling - should I report it?

verybigchris

I was on a cycle ride this morning when I heard a car slow down behind me. I assumed it was because there was a pinch-point in the road ahead and they were being extra cautious and waiting before overtaking me (for the record, I was doing about 20-25mph at the time). But then the car accelerated past, the passenger leaned out the window and slapped me.

I was understandably livid (a bit like this guy: :mad: !!!), and thought about chasing the car but my skinny legs really weren't up to it. So I stopped and made a note of all the relevant details: reg, make, model & colour of the car, description of the occupants, time, location, etc.

My intention was to report it to the Police when I got home, but now I'm not so sure. It's not my local Police force, so it would mean wasting a lot of my time getting there and back if I have to give a statement in person. Also, with no witnesses or CCTV I can't prove anything happened. Even if the Police bothered to chase it up, found the guy and he was dumb enough to accept it happened, he could invent a story that I started it and get his friends to back him up.

So what should I do? Should I let it go, deal with the fact that nobody can resist slapping my lycra-clad backside and enjoy my sunny day off work. Or should I report it, so as to stop them doing it again and potentially causing a serious accident - after all, if I'd been knocked off my bike at that speed I would have almost certainly broken something.

Any advice welcome, especially if anyone's ever had a similar experience.

LandyAndy

I'd report it. Can't you just report it at your local nick and get them to pass the info on.

As you say it could have been very dangerous.

It might not be the first time he's been reported.

reehsetin

I would definitely report it, even if they can't do anything about this particular incident at least it's on record the guy might be scared off by the police being involved at all or he might have a history of it

INT1

Report it, it's an allegation of assualt which they will have to follow up.

SailorSam

I agree you've got to report it, what will happen next time they think this is fun we'll knock this old lady or young child off their bike.

Ivrytwr3

so a GUY leaned out of a car and slapped a GUY's backside?

Ewwwww, but funny!

Sounds like kids messing about, a bet they were pee'ing themselves laughing.

Report it if you want, the police will chase up an assault.

mr_lordi

Although i dont condone this sort of thing i would be thinking is this really worth it... i also think this would be very hard to prove unless you have a witness.... Did this assault hurt you because if i did then yes report it... was this done as an act of aggression or was it two lads just larking around... Questions you can only answer yourself.... You ll have probably done enough by writing down there registration ( if they saw you )as they ll be waiting for the knock at the door.... good luck

Idiophreak

I'd report it every day of the week. It may not be the first time, it may not be the last.

McKneff

I wouldnt think twice about reporting it.

What if the next person he does it to falls off their bike, maimed, killed even.
They need a reality check. Stupid sods.

verybigchris

Thanks for everyone's replies.

My concern over reporting it is that there's very little the police could actually do. The only option available to them is to warn them over their conduct. For most decent people that would be a bit scary, but for cretins like this it'll just be another joke, and just prove to them that they're above the law.

So for now I think I'll rise above it and just enjoy this glorious sunshine while it lasts

custardy

verybigchris wrote: »

Thanks for everyone's replies.

My concern over reporting it is that there's very little the police could actually do. The only option available to them is to warn them over their conduct. For most decent people that would be a bit scary, but for cretins like this it'll just be another joke, and just prove to them that they're above the law.

So for now I think I'll rise above it and just enjoy this glorious sunshine while it lasts

you are assuming there are no previous issues
i cant remember the term but the have sort of car ASBO's
so if this car is subject to it then it could be seized
at the very least the driver gets a visit and maybe the police will have a look over their docs/car condition