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Bicyclist says truck driver almost ran him over, catches encounter on camera

Patrick Johnston said he started filming the driver just in case something happened. He said the truck came at him, almost as if the driver was trying to intimidate him.

YORK COUNTY, Va. — A York County cyclist said a truck driver almost ran him over, and he caught it all on camera.

Patrick Johnston was on his bike, heading home from work Thursday evening. He crossed Victory Boulevard on to Calthrop Neck Road when he said a truck driver was trying to get in front of him.

“I moved over to the center lane and as I got in front he hit the horn and gas,” Johnston said.

Calthrop Neck Road is one lane in each direction. Video shows the driver crossed lanes, still following Johnston. Johnston turned on Yorktown road and the driver sped off.

“He was attempting to intimidate, scare, do something, get a point across,” Johnston said. “I didn't know what was going to happen.”

York-Poquoson Sheriff's deputies said they got in touch with that driver. Deputies said the driver told them they were very apologetic and were not intentionally trying to hit Johnston. A spokesperson said the driver is not facing any charges from the sheriff's office.

“If I didn't watch the video I would believe that,” Johnston said. “I heard the horn and engine, but I didn't realize how far into the other lane he went. That's not a mistake, it's intent.”

Johnston was friends with Brian Utne. Utne tragically died in October after investigators said Alexander Crosby hit Utne with his truck, while he was on his bike.

“Certainly, that was going through my mind,” Johnston said. “This could have been tragic like my friend from a few months ago. A message has to be sent.”

Johnston is considering whether he'll press charges, but he said something needs to change.

Virginia law states any driver of any vehicle overtaking a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, animal, or animal-drawn vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at a reasonable speed at least three feet to the left of the overtaken bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, animal, or animal-drawn vehicle and shall not again proceed to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, moped, animal, or animal-drawn vehicle.

“I'm a husband, father, grandfather, a human being. The roads aren't perfect to be on, but we have to act responsibly,” Johnston said. “We go slower than cars I understand, but it doesn't make me a speed bump.”

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