UK Driver Emma Way apparently knocks down cyclist, jokingly tweets offense

Police in Norwich, England are seeking a young, female motorist who glibly tweeted about knocking a cyclist off their bike a few days ago. 

The driver, who has been identified as Emma Way, tweeted of the apparent collision: "Definitely knocked a cyclist off earlier — I have right of way he doesn't even pay road tax," and signed off with the hashtag #bloodycyclists.

While Way may have naively thought that only her 100 or so followers would see her tweet, unfortunately for her the Norwich Police were quickly alerted to her comment by Twitter users who were shocked at the misguided remarks.

The social-media-savvy Norwich Police responded with a firm tweet that reeked of you-can-run-but-you-can't-hide sentiment:

And even though Way promptly deleted her Twitter account, she couldn't cover her social media footprints quite quickly enough — she ended up being easily identified from her Facebook page.

In the days since Way's infamous tweet, the police have been sent several other examples of her poor driving: apparently Way had taken photographs of herself tailgating other motorists, and even photographed her speedometer showing a speed of 95mph.

As Way's post went viral, trainee chef Toby Hockley, 29, was identified as the alleged victim by his Norwich-based bike club.

Hockley posted on Facebook: "Oh hi! That was me you hit and FYI, you didn't knock me off, I'm too hard to be hurt by a pissy micra or whatever it was you were driving."

According to the BBC who conducted an interview with the cyclist, Hockley said that he had decided previously not to report the incident.

"I'm fine, few scrapes, bruises and sore joints but otherwise fine," he said. "It could of been a different story if it had been any other rider. I'm not angry at all. Don't see the point."

Hockley said that the best possible outcome would simply be to improve the attitudes of drivers towards cyclists: "We try our best to share the road and be respectful to motorists and deserve the same respect."

While it remains unclear as to whether Way has spoken to the police yet, after receiving a series of furious emails about the incident, her employers at Larking Gowen, released a statement:

Please be assured that this is not a view held by the firm and we most certainly do not condone this behavior. 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 Norwich Police.

Somewhat ironically, the firm sponsors a local cycle challenge.