The Incident
The footage shows a cyclist riding along Hepburn Avenue in Marangaroo, Perth on a quiet Saturday morning. The road was clear, the rider was holding a steady line, and visibility was perfect. Despite this, a white Toyota Landcruiser decided to squeeze past far too closely.
This wasn’t a case of heavy traffic or bad conditions — the street was calm and wide open. A safe pass was possible, yet the driver chose not to give the legally required space.
The footage, captured on the rider’s Fly12 Sport, was uploaded to Upride.cc and subsequently reported to WA Police.
What Went Wrong
The driver executed what cyclists call a close pass — overtaking without leaving enough room to ensure safety. On roads like Hepburn Ave, where space is available, it’s an inexcusable maneuver.
It takes just a few extra seconds to wait for a clear chance to overtake properly. Instead, the Landcruiser driver put the cyclist in unnecessary danger.
The Real Issue
Close passes like this are frighteningly common. Many drivers either:
- Underestimate the space cyclists need to feel safe, or
- Prioritise their own impatience over basic road safety.
What’s most frustrating? On a quiet Saturday morning with light traffic, this driver had every opportunity to pass safely. It highlights the ongoing need for education, enforcement, and awareness to keep cyclists safe on our roads.
