An article in The Sunday Times of Malta (November 30) recounted how cyclist Kevin Hodkins struggled to report an accident that he had been the victim of, with the police suggesting that he may have struck the wall himself rather than have been forced into it.
Unfortunately, while most policemen are very helpful, it is not an uncommon occurrence for people on bicycles to be deterred from filing reports in this way.
Our group’s president was once told when trying to file a report at a police station after being pressed against a bus by a car towing a much wider speedboat that he was in the wrong for overtaking the bus because he did not have a mirror.
Neither the mirror nor waiting behind the stationary bus are legal requirements. Yet, this was felt to be a valid argument at this particular police station. Even though the president’s bike parked outside had a mirror firmly affixed.
Unfortunately, this kind of rhetoric is all too common. People knocked off bicycles also find it strange that when they attempt to file a report the police officer will often suggest it might have been their fault. All too often it is the victim trying to prove their innocence, not only in court, but during the initial report as well.
A survey run some years ago suggested that most cyclists felt it difficult to trust and report accidents to the police. The only advice we can give people on bicycles involved in accidents is stick to your version of events and if it becomes difficult the Bicycling Advocacy Group may be able to help with advice on legal matters.
We are not sure if the lack of help in reporting is a strategy to discourage it and the paperwork that comes with it, but clearly there seems to be a bias and it has to change.
In addition, while we understand that events have to be reported at the police station closest to the scene of the incident, cyclists are far more likely to wait till they get to their destination to file a report.
Another factor discouraging cyclists from reporting is the prospect of having to face court.
Other countries have learned that bicycles make a huge contribution to fighting congestion and reducing pollution and health care costs. Shouldn’t we aspire to change our driving habits to obtain similar benefits?