Knocked off bike this morning

[theboytaylor]

Earth,

It's a disgrace that the Police aren't going to act and make the woman think about her driving in future but unfortunately that is the way it is, especially if there is no physical harm caused (I take it you've been to the hospital/docs to get a check over).

Motorists are forever complaining about the cost of driving. I expect this lady, and her husband (who sounds like he did the right thing), would think a bit more about the way she drives if it costs more to run their car(s). I'd get her insurance details and make a claim, if you think the damage is worth claiming for.

If you don't fancy a confrontational route, since you've got her phone number perhaps just phone her up again and try to have a word about how her inattentive driving could have had far more serious repercussions. We are, after all, talking about human beings. Many of them are reasonable people who wouldn't really want to be responsible for causing harm to others.

I know it shouldn't be down to you, but if it helps close the issue for you and maybe improves her driving then that's a positive outcome.

 

[BentMikey]

Parents who dont seatbelt their kids (stand outside any school, you'll look like a nonse, but you'll see it)...

Careful, you might become the subject of a security alert email. My Mrs gets one a week on average about dodgy characters often outside schools or asking kids if they want a lift.

 

[ComedyPilot]

I have spoken to the Police about this after talking to her husband and they agree that it was her fault but because there is no injury they don't care.

I can't believe they won't take action????


She hit a cyclist and didn't stop????

It is a legal obligation to swap details with the other party in an RTC.

She failed to stop - in my book that's hit and run. Regardless of the fact you are ok, her first thought (selfish cow) was for her own neck!!!!

 

[jeltz]

Agree with everyone its a f####g disgrace, she left the scene of an accident, hit and run. Next time her number plate may not fall off and she won't need to phone the police. What caused the number plate to be taped on in the 1st place? Another "accident"?

 

[jamesxyz]

Police action - outrageous = can't be bothered filling in the forms.
RIng again and ask to speak to someone higher up.
Contact MP and local press - police are much more likely to take note if its adverse publicity - local newspapers are always looking for a good story and 'police fail to take action against hit and run' is s good headline!!!

 

[Crankarm]

Well it's up to earth. He has been advised what he needs to do in many posts. If he doesn't want to then that's his problem or he draws a line under it and moves on. It really is that simple.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

Parents who dont seatbelt their kids (stand outside any school, you'll look like a nonse, but you'll see it)... if they dont care for their safety perhaps they shouldnt have kids..

Why should parents be expected to take responsibility?

It's obviously nothing to do with them, just look at the cvase of the school bus driver who is being prosecuted because some badly-behaved "little darlings" suffered through their own misbehaviour.

No wonder bus drivers get a slating, they are not only supposed to control a large vehicle, but be child-minders too!

http://www.thisishullandeastriding....us-window/article-1731530-detail/article.html

 

[earth]

I agree with everyone that its a disgrace. It's a hit and run and no one is interested because no one was hurt. I feel powerless.

My thought on this is that if people are not reprimanded in anyway for careless driving then some of them may one day cause a serious accident. When that happens it is too late. We should be taking preventative measures - it obvious!

Next, she fled to avoid the consequences. Hitting me was careless driving but an accident. Fleeing to avoid punishment is just plain wrong.

Crankarm, I admire your conviction to this. I guess you have had accidents in the past - who hasn't? I'm torn between outrage and then feeling that this does not deserve a crusade. But then I'm also thinking that as a fellow cyclist I should try and make a difference. And finally I do want to move on.

I think the right punishment for this would be points on the drivers license for the careless driving. I say that because it's difficult IMO to justify harsher punishment. I also think this is exactly what the the points system is for. Leaving the scene is a much more serious crime. I'm not sure what that warrants.

 

[Crankarm]

I agree with everyone that its a disgrace. It's a hit and run and no one is interested because no one was hurt. I feel powerless.

My thought on this is that if people are not reprimanded in anyway for careless driving then some of them may one day cause a serious accident. When that happens it is too late. We should be taking preventative measures - it obvious!

Next, she fled to avoid the consequences. Hitting me was careless driving but an accident. Fleeing to avoid punishment is just plain wrong.

Crankarm, I admire your conviction to this. I guess you have had accidents in the past - who hasn't? I'm torn between outrage and then feeling that this does not deserve a crusade. But then I'm also thinking that as a fellow cyclist I should try and make a difference. And finally I do want to move on.

I think the right punishment for this would be points on the drivers license for the careless driving. I say that because it's difficult IMO to justify harsher punishment. I also think this is exactly what the the points system is for. Leaving the scene is a much more serious crime. I'm not sure what that warrants.

Life is sh1t earth, so here's your basic 3 options:-

1) Obtain her insurance details and seek re-imbursement for damage to your bike from her insurer.

2) Make a formal complaint to police - write to the Chief Constable - complaining of the lack of interest that his/her officers have shown you in pursuing this driver despite offences being committed and your belief that admissions have also been made. You feel that the officers have taken the easy and frankly lazy option of declining to do anything. In doing so they have failed in their duty to properly investigate the offences that are likely to have been committed. The police have a duty to investigate. You have not been given reasons as to why they have decided no further action if indeed you have been advised that this is their decision at this stage. Request that the Chief Constable gives this matter his full attention.

3) Draw a line under the whole incident immediately and MOVE ON. Don't claim for damage to your bike option 1) above, neither shake your local plod into action pushing them to purse the woman for the motoring offences you belive she has committed option 2). End of. Carry on with your life. Simples.

You can follow either option 1) or 2), or both of them, or just go to option 3), disregarding 1) and 2).

 

[earth]

I tried getting the wheel trued and it's too damaged. So I just went to LBS to see about a new wheel - £50 to replace the original (Alex rim, Formula hub). So I phone the husband of the driver and he told me 'I was having a laugh' and refuses to pay. I blew my top and told him I would sue. Then I phoned the Police back and told them what just happened.

 

[BentMikey]

Time to phone the driver back and get his insurance company details.

 

[Armegatron]

Time to phone the driver back and get his insurance company details.

+1

 

[downfader]

Time to phone the driver back and get his insurance company details.

Exactly.

IMO ALWAYS go through the insurer as they will then be made aware that their driver has a propencity to knock off cyclists. They can also pay travel costs for the fact you might have tp take a bus, or a taxi down to get said bike fixed.

Technically I dont think its suing, if you go down that road, you go to small claims court (cits advice will help you with that)

 

[earth]

In favor of the Police. Previously I was not satisfied with what happened but it has been explained to me now.

1. It is the Crown Prosecution Service that decides whether something goes to court.
2. There were no witnesses so it is the drivers word against mine.
3. The CPS will not let that go to court because there is no way to prove who was at fault.

Now that I understand that, I do feel satisfied with the Police involvement. They also said that if there had been witnesses then they may have prosecuted.

 

[classic33]

In favor of the Police. Previously I was not satisfied with what happened but it has been explained to me now.

1. It is the Crown Prosecution Service that decides whether something goes to court.
2. There were no witnesses so it is the drivers word against mine.
3. The CPS will not let that go to court because there is no way to prove who was at fault.

Now that I understand that, I do feel satisfied with the Police involvement. They also said that if there had been witnesses then they may have prosecuted.

So, its your word against hers. You still have the damaged wheel I take it? The wheel damaged by the vehicle she was driving. Any paint on the wheel?

As for recording the call, either get a cheap speaker phone, you can then say that you have to put it onto speaker because of injury.
OR
get something like this
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=46963.

Maybe someone found the numberplate that had come free from its selotape mounting & handed it into the police, saying where they found it.

As Crankarm said make a formal complaint to the police. In order to do this you need to see the Duty Inspector. Ask for him by rank when you go to the station.