Driver charged in Hamilton cyclist hit-and-run investigation
Matthew Nicholson fractured his pelvis with a motorist hit him with his trailer
Update: Hamilton Police have confirmed the driver has been charged. In an email to Canadian Cycling Magazine, a spokesperson said, “Hamilton Police can confirm a collision involving a Toyota Tundra pulling a trailer and a cyclist occurred on May 22, 2024. Driver was traveling down (WB) on Sydenham Rd (hill) when he came up to 3 cyclists also travelling in the same direction on Sydenham Rd. The cyclists were using the lane and believed to be travelling at approximately 50km/h which is the speed for this roadway. Driver began to overtake the cyclist however the lead cyclist and the rear right of the trailer collided knocking the cyclist off and onto the paved rain curb.”
The driver of the pickup has been charged with Improper Passing.
NB: Although the rider as well as his lawyer believe to know who the driver was, Canadian Cycling Magazine cannot confirm his identity at this time as it has not been made public.
Matthew Nicholson, a cyclist from Hamilton, Ont., expressed disappointment over the lack of action following a collision from a pick-up truck driver that left him with serious injuries.
“I feel like I’ve lost any sense of justice or safety,” Nicholson shared with CBC Hamilton. The incident occurred on May 22 in Dundas, Ont., resulting in a fractured pelvis. Hamilton police have not confirmed if charges will be filed against the driver.
A near-fatal close-pass
Nicholson recounted how the driver allegedly accelerated and intentionally close-passed him and two others, swerving within inches and striking him with the trailer. He was thrown from his bike and slid about 8 metres on the road.
“I thought I was going to die,” Nicholson said, describing the moment of impact. His brother stopped to call 911 while his friend chased after the driver, catching up at a stop sign and urging him to wait for police.
Driver then followed and filmed cyclists
Three days later, Nicholson and his girlfriend discovered the driver’s social media profiles and a YouTube channel where a video from May 25 shows the driver, allegedly Tim Stevens, filming and harassing cyclists in Dundas. The video, posted by Stevens, has since drawn scrutiny as the same person involved in Nicholson’s incident, although it has now been made private.
David Shellnutt, Nicholson’s lawyer, expressed concern over the collision’s implications. “This incident is deeply troubling and not isolated,” Shellnutt stated, highlighting Stevens’ alleged pattern of aggressive behavior towards cyclists. “Just three 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 running a full red light himself.”
A demand for justice
Nicholson and Shellnutt are calling for criminal charges of negligence and assault, in addition to careless driving, arguing the collision was intentional.
Hamilton police are actively investigating the incident but have not yet confirmed if charges will be brought against Stevens, according to CHCH News.
