Every UpRider has a reason they hit record.
For Mark, it started years ago, after an incident with a truck, and relying on footage to prove he wasn’t at fault. What happened next was something no rider expects: a hidden cable across a park road, no warning, and injuries that put him in intensive care.
This is Mark’s story, and why he’ll never ride without a camera again.
UpRide turns daily rides into data that drives change.
Every UpRider has a story. Here is Mark’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I was hit by a truck, and luckily there was traffic cam footage that proved without a doubt it was his fault. My kids got me the camera after that so I’d have a record of my rides.
The current video proves that I was proceeding safely before the incident. The county closed the main road into the park parking lot by stringing a wire cable across it, with no warning signs or flags on the cable. They didn’t want to plow snow on the main road and left the side roads open. They removed the cable later that day. I hit the cable across my face and was knocked unconscious. The fall broke four ribs and my scapula, along with a bad cut on my face, extensive bruising, and a small brain bleed. I was in intensive care for two days.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Near intersections in heavy traffic.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Drivers to be more vigilant and patient.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
I was taken to shock trauma by the local fire department, so they notified the proper authorities. The county took down the cable later that day. I’m currently dealing with the county’s insurance carrier. No fines have been issued yet.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Be aware of your surroundings!
Here’s a photo of the aftermath of Mark’s accident!
Real UpRides. Real stories.
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