Car filmed backing into cyclist in Brunswick

IT MIGHT have been a silly move by this motorist in Brunswick, but did the cyclist have the right of way? WATCH THE VIDEO.

IT MIGHT have been a silly move by this motorist in Brunswick, but did the cyclist have the right of way?

Video has emerged of a light coloured SUV coming to a stop at an intersection, then quickly reversing into the path of a passing cyclist.

The cyclist, who turns left in a last-minute attempt to avoid being struck, is knocked from his bike onto the road.

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A still from the video showing an SUV backing into a cyclist in Brunswick. Picture: Facebook

The incident took place at the corner of Barkly and Black streets at 8am on Tuesday.

The unidentified cyclist reportedly rode away from the scene unharmed.

The video was posted to Facebook yesterday and has divided social media users, with some criticising the cyclist’s actions.

“None of the cyclists are indicating which direction they are going, nor are they slowing down to give way to the traffic that is already on Barkly St,” wrote Ryan Alexander.

“The car driver is legally obligated to look before reversing but the speed of the cyclist makes it difficult for the driver of the car to have noticed him.”

But Michael Chandler said the blame clearly lay with the driver.

“It looks like the SUV missed their turn, slammed on the brakes and rammed it in reverse (which) is an instant fail on a driving test,” he wrote.

Greens candidate for Brunswick Tim Read, who shared the video, said it was a scary reminder of the dangers faced by cyclists.

“I was quite upset to just see it — most of us have been riding for a few years and have had some sort of near-miss or bingle often at quite low speed,” he said.

Mr Read said construction next to Jewell Station had caused the Upfield bike path to be diverted onto side streets.

“No one thought about having a huge volume of cyclists going past all this traffic,” he said.

Mr Read called for a temporary, separated bike lane near the southern end of Sydney Rd.

A Victoria Police spokesman said the incident had not been reported.

“When foot, bike and driver traffic converge, in busy multi-use areas, it will always pose a risk for road safety,” he said.

“Cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists are vulnerable road users.

“There is little that separates them from the road and other traffic, one simple mistake can easily result in someone being seriously injured or killed.

“We all need to look out for one another and encourage drivers to consciously look out for our vulnerable road users and likewise for vulnerable road users to ensure that they are sharing the road safely.”

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