A WELL-MEANING cyclist who tried to intervene in a road-rage incident, became a victim himself after a protracted attack which saw him run off the road.

After seeing Reno Malley stop his car in front of another driver on a Peregian road and begin swearing and punching their window, the passer-by told the infuriated man "it's not worth it” and to drive away.

But, as the cyclist rode away Malley followed him and cut across the bike lane, causing the man to be pushed off the road.

Malley threatened to kill the cyclist, then drove 200m up the road and waited for the cyclist to catch up before again threatening to kill him.

The cyclist put his bike up on its back wheel in front of him for protection, but Malley got out of his car and began to punch it, causing it to fall to the ground before eventually driving away.

He today pleaded guilty to common assault in Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Malley's lawyer admitted to the court the "circumstances don't read well”, but blamed his client's initial explosive tirade on his employment as a taxi driver and disdain for dangerous driving.

Magistrate Ron Madsen said while there was "no physical harm” to the victim, the incident would have been "terrifying” and sentenced Malley to 10 months' probation.