No War on Cyclists?

Emma Way, a motorist in Norwich, UK tweeted this on Sunday:

Police are investigating and the internet is all in a flurry:

 http://grist.org/list/worlds-worst-driver-hits-biker-and-brags-about-it-on-twitter/

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/cyclist-recovering-after-being-hit-by-driver-who-tweeted-bloodycyclists-37398/

http://road.cc/content/news/84212-norwich-police-seek-driver-who-tweeted-about-collision-cyclist

http://ipayroadtax.com/no-such-thing-as-road-tax/i-knocked-a-cyclist-off-his-bike-i-have-right-of-way-he-doesnt-even-pay-road-tax/

http://www.treehugger.com/bikes/uk-driver-knocks-cyclist-bike-brags-about-it-twitter.html

Apparently, someone spotted the tweet, wasn't amused and tweeted the police. The police were also sent other examples of her poor driving: she had taken cellphone photographs of herself tailgating other motorists, and even photographed her speedometer showing a speed of 95mph. So, she's not exactly the brightest bulb.

Somehow, I think karma is going to be a big factor here. In response to internet anger, her employer, the 125 year-old chartered accountant firm Larking Gowen, wrote:

“Please be assured that this is not a view held by the firm and we most certainly do not condone this behaviour. We are taking the incidents very seriously, and a full and detailed investigation will be carried out and appropriate action taken. We have already spoken to Norfolk Police.”

Larking Gowen apparently sponsored a charity bike ride in 2010. Four of the five charity riders are partners, the other is a Managing Partner. I wonder how they feel about one of their trainees calling them 'bloody cyclists'?

Somehow I think Norwich's unemployment line will soon be a bit longer. In the meantime, I'm sure Emma Way is learning a lot about road tax and the rules of the road, courtesy of the Norfolk Constabulary.

[EDIT] The incident has now been picked up by mainstream media:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2013/may/21/twitter-hit-and-run-boast-road-tax

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/i-have-right-of-way-he-doesnt-even-pay-road-tax--driver-in-bloodycylists-storm-puts-her-job-at-risk-8625947.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/05/21/cyclist-twitter-emma-way-knock-down_n_3311809.html?utm_hp_ref=uk?ncid=GEP&just_reloaded=1

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/469526/20130521/toby-hockley-cyclist-knocked-bike-driver-admitted.htm

Ms. Way has now deleted both her Twitter account and her Facebook page. I suspect this week is not going to go down as one of her best.

Update: Emma Way escaped without being convicted of driving without due care and attention. She was punished with only a small fine and given seven points on her licence for failing to stop and report an accident.