A 61-YEAR-OLD pensioner has described how a cyclist pushed and the kicked him while he was on the ground during an assault at the Wellington Point boat ramp.
The Capalaba man – who volunteers at Redland Hospital – says he has been left with a bruised abdomen, scratched arms, a sore back and grazed knees.
The man, who asked for his name not to be published for fear of retribution, said he was traumatised by the road rage.
Police have appealed for help to identify the cyclist who assaulted the fisherman about 6.30am Monday at the south-east Queensland bayside suburb.
They released pictures of a man dressed in black and red lycra they would like to speak to about the assault.
The victim said he had passed cyclists on Main Road, Wellington Point, when towing his boat to the ramp but did not realise he had angered anyone until his assailant and a second cyclist arrived at the water.
He said it appeared he had upset cyclists by driving too close to them but that did not warrant the assault.
He said he was reversing his boat when he was approached.
“I was in a nice fishing mode,” he said. “All of a sudden this bloke in lycra attacked me. It was outrageous.”
The man said he first heard the cyclist swearing.
“I looked up and this bloke was getting off his bike, taking his shoes off.
‘He said, ‘you nearly killed me’.”
The man said he was pushed so hard into his vehicle that the ute was dented.
“Then he tried to punch me but I blocked it and he pushed me again,” the man said.
The man tripped, falling to his knees.
“Then he just started kicking me,” the man said. “He kicked me three times while I was crouched on my knees.”
The cyclist was accompanied by another rider who watched from nearby.
The fisherman said he was lucky he did not become a a one-punch victim from the attack.
He also feared the kicks to his abdomen may have caused serious injury as he has had stomach surgery and a chronic condition that forced him to retire early from his job as a hospital wardsman and cleaner.
“I don’t want to crucify anyone but people need to control their temper,” he said. “I was ready to apologise but I didn’t have time to do that.”
The cyclist is described as Caucasian, about 173 centimetres, with a solid build.
He was wearing black, red and white sporting attire with a white bicycle helmet.
Anyone who may recognise the man in the images is asked to contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Quote reference QP1801866455.
