During the week of the Santos Tour Down Under, an incident on Adelaide roads highlighted a reality many cyclists experience far too often, where driver impatience turns into a dangerous overtaking decision. The incident, captured on a cyclist’s Fly12 Sport and shared via UpRide, was later featured by Channel 10 News Adelaide, helping educate the public on road rules designed to protect cyclists.

In an interview with Channel 10 News, RAA Senior Manager of Road Safety Charles Mountain warned drivers against risk-taking behaviour and reminded motorists that cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast in the absence of a bicycle lane. Mr Mountain told 10 News:

“This is really critical at the moment because with the Tour Down Under on, we’ve got lots of cyclists out practising on roads…”

From the footage submitted, it is clear the vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic at Henley Beach in an attempt to overtake a group of cyclists. The group was riding on a road without a dedicated bike lane, a situation where cyclists are legally permitted to ride two abreast. According to South Australian road laws, motorists may overtake cyclists in these conditions, but only if they:

• Allow at least one metre of passing distance, and
• Ensure there is no oncoming traffic if crossing the centre line.

In this case, the driver attempted to overtake despite the presence of oncoming traffic, creating a serious risk of a collision. With increased cyclist numbers on South Australian roads during this period, across both metropolitan Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills, this kind of driver impatience puts all road users at risk.

The cyclist who recorded the incident was visiting South Australia from Perth and joined a group ride heading toward the coast. “This car dangerously overtook the group approaching a roundabout.”

He records every ride for a simple reason: “To have a record of incidents like this, and a way to report dangerous behaviour.” For him, the most vulnerable moments are familiar to many cyclists, when roads narrow, speeds drop, and impatience takes over.

What made this incident particularly powerful was the clarity of the footage. It removed ambiguity and allowed the behaviour to be assessed objectively, not as opinion, but as evidence. As highlighted in the Channel 10 report, the Fly12 Sport footage clearly showed the vehicle entering oncoming traffic, reinforcing why this type of manoeuvre is addressed under road rules.

The cyclist later reported the incident via SAPOL’s online reporting process, choosing accountability over confrontation. “Recording rides and reporting poor behaviour are much better than confronting drivers.”

When asked what would improve cyclist safety, the rider pointed to a combination of separated cycling infrastructure and driver education. Media coverage of incidents like this plays a key role in that education, helping drivers better understand road rules around cyclists and the real consequences of unsafe overtaking.

It’s hard to believe some of the reckless behaviour that happens on the road. But the best defence is crystal-clear video that leaves no room for debate.

You’ve heard it before: “I’m sure they wouldn’t have done that” or “No one would be that stupid.” But unfortunately, we know better.

With video evidence, there’s no more he-said, she-said. It makes it clear exactly how and why those “what just happened?” moments unfolded. And just as importantly, when drivers know they might be recorded, they’re more likely to think twice before making a dangerous move.

Feel safe. Record your ride. With the dashcam engineered for cyclists.