Correct me if I’m wrong here fellas, but is there ever any reason to push a person, regardless of gender, into oncoming traffic? Not that I can think of.
Sadly though, plenty of responders to the video that’s going viral today showing a man shoving a female cyclist over, seem to think there is.
ICYM the story so far, the video, taken on May 1, shows a man running up to a female cyclist, who has a mounted camera on her helmet, shouting: ‘You wanna put your finger up at me you mug?’ Before pushing her into a road that’s clearly full of traffic. The woman, believed to be in her 40s, is heard to fall and make an injured noise.
Police are now appealing for anyone who recognises the man to get in touch (more info on that here).
What’s potentially even more shocking though, is the responses the video’s received. Because as well as the shock and outrage (normal), there’s been plenty of miguided misogyny, too.
A small sample...
‘As a daily motorist I have noted it is highly common for female drivers to make rude hand signals to other motorists – I find it a typical response if I flash someone doing 70mph on the outside lane to move over. If you make gestures like that you are running the risk of making them to the wrong person who sees red and turns violent.’
From John Smith, a commenter on Yahoo.
‘She could have slowed and didn’t and he didn’t touch her but the righteous woman had to antagonize the guy. the guy is a muppet and assaulted her for sure and should be punished. She’s just another cyclist who think they have more rights than pedestrians and are as bad as car drivers who are not considerate.’
From Fran007, a commenter on the MailOnline
And, in response to the Met Police’s tweet appealing for information....
‘Good one on Him.. She almost runs him over yet expects him to remain calm and composed... I would have punched her in the nose.. listen to what she says... she apologieses for almost hitting him then hopes he wont knock her over. In the real world.. which is the one you dont clearly live in some women are as violent as men or even more so in some cases and deserve a retalatory punch ... start living in the real world mate.’
Tom Ainsworth, commenter on the Huffington Post
So, how’s that for uplifting news on this already rubbish day? Just a friendly reminder people, physical assault is never justified except in self defense. No matter what the victim has done to ‘provoke’ you.
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Here’s How To Take Up Cycling If You’re A Massive Newbie To The Whole Thing
Follow Jess on Twitter @Jess_Commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.