On May 22, 2024, Matthew was cycling with his brother and friend down Sydenham Hill in Dundas. As they proceeded down the steep and windy road, they heard what they perceived to be aggressive honking behind them. They turned around and saw a motorist (Tim Stevens) smashing his horn and gaining on them.
Mr. Stevens roared up behind them and purposely “close passed” the 3 cyclists.
Tragically, the driver swerved within inches of Matthew who was struck by the driver’s trailer. Matthew flew off his bike and skidded across road and ditch for about 25 feet.
The driver sped away. Thankfully due to some skillful riding and a favourable downhill grade, his friend was able to catch the driver and demand he wait for authorities to arrive. Matthew was taken to hospital having sustained serious injuries. The Biking Lawyer LLP has been retained to advocate on Matthew’s behalf.
As terrifying as this incident is, we suspect it is not an isolated event. On May 25, 2024, just 3 days after running Matthew off the road Mr. Stevens was back in the Sydenham Hill area. He stalked and harassed cyclists for 23 minutes, speeding, honking, and shouting at a group of cyclists all while filming as he drove before ultimately he himself ran a full red light at the conclusion of this grotesque odyssey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=036hE-3In6I&t=1s
Our office has alerted the Hamilton Police Service about this ongoing threat to vulnerable road users in the area. We have shared the video evidence above and await confirmation of what if any charges will be levelled against this motorist. In addition to careless driving and pass not in safety, we submit that there is a clear intent behind this incident and ask the Hamilton Police to consider the following:
We are deeply concerned that the amplification of anti-cyclist rhetoric in the GTHA is to blame for emboldening people like Mr. Stevens. It is part of a growing trend of road violence our office has seen in Ontario. We ask that the authorities take swift and decisive action in this case.
We request police and municipal leaders publicly declare their support for safe cycling and denounce vigilantism and dangerous driving.
We ask our cycling community in the area to be vigilant and stay safe. If you see something, report it through the proper channels. Steer clear and be mindful of this motorist Mr. Stevens in his 2006-2010 orange/red Toyota Tundra.
Reporting in Hamilton: https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/road-safety/driving-violations
Reporting across Ontario: https://www.thebikinglawyer.ca/post/reporting-road-violence-a-cyclist-s-guide
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