A driver intimidated a group of charity cyclists in the Highlands because he was infuriated by how much space they were taking up on the road, a court has heard.
Iain MacDonald followed closely behind the six cyclists and blared his horn before passing them closely.
He then stopped to remonstrate with the group, shouting and swearing.
Although he was initially charged with dangerous driving, MacDonald’s plea to a lesser charge of careless driving was accepted by the Crown at Inverness Sheriff Court alongside a guilty plea to a single charge of threatening or abusive behaviour.
Fiscal depute Karen Poke told the court that the incident occurred on May 1 last year on the B9154 near Moy.
She said: “On the day in question there were cyclists on the road that were training for a charity event.
“Whilst the cyclists were travelling along the road they became aware of a vehicle behind them travelling in close proximity.”
Driver made cyclists feel ‘uncomfortable’
The car began to sound long blasts on its horn, which the cyclists felt was an attempt to intimidate them.
MacDonald, of Moy, then “overtook in close proximity to the cyclists,” Ms Poke said.
“The cyclists felt uncomfortable about the situation and believed the accused to be acting aggressively towards them.”
According to the Highway Code, cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast.
Rule 66 states they should “be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups”.
“You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders,” it says.
“Be aware of drivers behind you, and allow them to overtake (e.g. by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is safe to let them do so.”
Rule 213 also says “on narrow sections of road, on quiet roads or streets, at road junctions and in slower-moving traffic, cyclists may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane, rather than towards the side of the road.
“It can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast in these situations.”
John MacColl, solicitor for MacDonald, said his client was frustrated by the way the cyclists were using the road near to his home.
He said: “His position was that the cyclists were taking up the whole width of the road when there was no need to do so.”
He said that his client “did toot his horn” and then passed the cyclists, but once this had been achieved he: “Decided he wanted to speak to them.”
Driver acted ‘inappropriately’
This led to an exchange between MacDonald and one of the group where “industrial language” was used.
“He realised he had acted inappropriately,” Mr MacColl added.
Fining plant hire company owner £1040 and imposing five penalty points Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said: “It is certainly towards the upper end of carelessness given the manner in which Mr MacDonald drove and acted towards cyclists on this stretch of road.”
