Local cyclists speak out after incident with driver, man arrested

MEDINA, Tenn. — One incident escalated on Tuesday between a driver and a group of cyclists.

According to a group of cyclists, Ramsey Hopkins approached them riding on Mount Zion Road in Gibson County.

He was allegedly verbally abusive towards them, erratically drove in their direction and proceeded to throw beer cans at them. Two cyclists were hit and were left with impressions on their bodies by the force.

“It was scary because if you hit that cyclist, and he loses control of the bike, then he can either swerve into the lane of upcoming traffic or he can go down in front of us and then you’re taking out the whole peloton,” said Paul Hare, cyclist.

The riders also claim that Hopkins turned back and approached them again. Stating that, this time, he ran over a cyclist’s bicycle. Thankfully, the rider was uninjured.

“What was even scarier is this gentlemen sought us out. I mean, he came around, hit us, and then saw our other group and went up and hit them. I know motorists get frustrated, and trust me, we’re not trying to make you frustrated, we’re trying to be as accommodating as we can,” said Hare.

If you encounter cyclists on your commute this season, here are a few tips on what to do. First, stay back when approaching one or more cyclists. Do not honk, attempt to touch, high five, or throw things at the riders.

“When you pass us, make sure you can see the front bikes — the bikes that are in the front, in your rearview mirror, before you come over. Also, watch for our hand signals. We’re gonna point left, we’re gonna point right, we’re gonna stick our hand out to let you know we’re slowing, so we’re letting you know,” said Hare.

Hopkins has been arrested for reckless endangerment, aggravated assault and criminal littering.

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