There is often conflict when multiple forms of transportation share the road.

People wind down their windows to give an angry lecture, curse, make rude gestures, and tailgate to get their point across.

Quite often cyclists, who travel significantly slower, receive the brunt of the abuse.

It’s natural to want to fight back, but police and experienced riders are urging cyclists to make a phone call instead. The Police Assistance Line is for non-serious issues to free up local station lines for emergencies. 

The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is a good place to call if you experience abuse from angry road users.

Avid cyclist and former Bathurst Cycle Club president Mark Windsor said the hotline  is a perfect option for cyclists, but it’s not limited to them.

He encourages anyone, whether they be a cyclist or a motorist, to call the Police Assistance Line if they spot anyone being aggressive on our roads.

“It’s about lowering the stress on the road,” he said.

“I often say ‘it’s a matter of respect’.

“In the majority of cases all you have to do is consider the people around you in a busy transport corridor.”

Mr Windsor advised cyclists to remain “quite calm” if they encounter an angry road user and do what they can to minimise aggravating them. 

To report an issue, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. This number can also be used to report break and enters, failure to pay for fuel (service stations only), motor vehicle/vessel theft, stealing, malicious damage (including graffiti), minor motor vehicle crashes, lost property, and taxi fare evasion.

When a police response is required, Police Assistance Line will arrange for police officers to attend.

PAL can also assist you with general police inquiries.