Cyclist Told To Carry Gun After Road Rage

Get cycling tips, updates, and exclusive offers on the dashcam engineered for cyclists.
Subscribe here

The Incident

On a road in Tennessee, USA, a cyclist endured a terrifying encounter with an aggressive driver. The video shows the motorist leaning on the horn for an extended stretch before cutting across the rider in a dangerous right hook.

Despite the clear video evidence, when the rider reported the incident to the local Sheriff’s office, the response was chilling: “You should carry a gun.”

The Backstory

    This wasn’t the first time the rider faced road rage. Back in 2017, while riding tandem with his wife, they were rear-ended by an aggressive driver who honked continuously, swerved dangerously close, and even started reversing towards them after stopping ahead. That incident made it clear: they needed cameras to document their rides.

    Since then, the rider has relied on Cycliq cameras to capture their rides — not for vanity, but for safety, evidence, and peace of mind.

     

    What Went Wrong

    This case is a textbook right hook — a driver passes a cyclist only to cut them off by immediately turning right. Combined with aggressive horn use, speeding, and reckless disregard for safety, the driver created an extremely hostile and unsafe situation.

    Even worse than the incident itself was the law enforcement response. Instead of enforcing Tennessee’s 3-foot passing law, the cyclist was told to carry a firearm and avoid the road entirely. That’s not accountability — it’s avoidance.

     

    The Real Issue

    Cyclists are often told to “share the road,” but when enforcement fails, the responsibility falls unfairly on riders. The real issues here are:

    • Lack of enforcement of existing passing laws.
    • Victim blaming, with cyclists told they shouldn’t ride or should arm themselves instead.
    • Systemic disregard for video evidence that clearly shows dangerous driving.

     

    Why recording matters

    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.

    Since 2012 our mission is to make cycling safer and give you peace of mind when you’re on the bike.

    Cycliq's Fly12 Sport and Fly6 Pro bicycle camera and light is the dashcam engineered for cyclists.

    For complete front and rear protection, check out the Ultimate Bundle .