Cyclist Secretly Films Rude Truck Driver, Then He Finds Out

He had seen this kind of intimidating behavior from truck drivers before. But this time he wasn’t going to let them get away with it. The cyclist got out ahead of the truck with his camera and the driver looked right at him.

But this particular road rage grudge match wasn’t exactly a fair fight.

Too Many Times

Cyclist and photographer Michael Conti had experienced his fair share of dangerous drivers. As an ultra cyclist, he’d often found himself swerving to avoid road hogs. Many of his peers had just accepted it as part of cycling life.

But when he saw his friend about to fall victim to an aggressive road user, Michael decided enough was enough.

Smoke Signal

One particularly heinous act pick-up drivers are known for across Utah and other states is “rolling coal” – deliberately revving the engine to release a cloud of smoke to engulf a cyclist or pedestrian as the vehicle roars past.

When Michael heard the truck approaching from behind on Highway 14 near Cedar Breaks, he sensed the danger and decided this particular ride was too important to just let it go.

Angry Drivers

One danger with angry drivers like this is that they force cyclists too far over to the side of the road where hazards can lie in the way.

But Michael was supporting his friend Andrew Danly as he competed in the Hoodoo 300, and he knew he had to do something to make sure his position in the race wasn’t at risk.

Heated Confrontation

He heard the engine revving louder as it closed in on his friend. Michael was certain of what was about to happen. He was so angry his friend’s dreams might be dashed by this idiot, he wanted to stop in front of the truck and have it out with him.

But with no way of knowing the driver’s intention for sure, Michael decided to get out ahead of the truck and catch him in the act. If only he knew then that his actions would make national news.