In a jaw-dropping incident in Nanaimo, BC, a motorcyclist has been thrust into the spotlight after a video emerged showing him making contact with a cyclist, leading to a dangerous fall. The motorcyclist contends that he was merely attempting to touch the rider's shoulder to avoid a collision.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 2, around 8:15 PM, at the intersection of Granite Park Road and Departure Bay Road. A 78-year-old cyclist reported that the motorcyclist pushed him, resulting in a fall that nearly landed him in oncoming traffic, though fortunately, he suffered only minor injuries.

After identifying the motorcyclist, Nanaimo RCMP went to his residence on August 3. Upon their arrival, the motorcyclist eagerly approached them, stating, "Can I tell you what happened?" He explained that he had attempted to touch the cyclist's shoulder to avoid a crash and claimed he was unaware of the fall until he viewed the video circulating on social media.

Constable Sherri Wade from the Nanaimo RCMP acknowledged the community's concerns surrounding this incident, expressing gratitude for the public's help in identifying the motorcyclist. The investigation is still ongoing.

Colleen Sparks, executive director of Capital Bike, weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that there is never justification for a motorcyclist to tap a cyclist on the shoulder. In her view, such actions could easily destabilize a cyclist, potentially triggering a catastrophic accident.

"Cyclists do not expect to be touched while riding, and this could cause even the most skilled cyclist to lose balance. Motorcyclists should always ensure they pass cyclists safely and with ample space," Sparks noted, raising important questions about the motorcyclist's judgement during the incident.

As this situation develops, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for mutual respect among all road users.