A cyclist has allegedly threatened to “knuckle” a child on an e-bike during a heated confrontation on the Sunshine Coast, in an incident that has since spread widely online.
The altercation happened at Maroochydore, where Japanese adventurer Catman Ken was being interviewed on a footpath by a Channel 7 news crew. Ken, whose real name is Kentaro Jin, rose to internet fame after walking more than 6,000km across Australia dressed in a leopard-print onesie and pushing a wheelbarrow filled with supplies.
Children riding bikes were also on the footpath during Ken’s latest journey when the dispute broke out. It is understood the group was blocking part of the path when a cyclist allegedly confronted them. A Channel 7 reporter and cameraman were at the scene and recording when the incident unfolded.
Audio shared online appears to capture the cyclist telling the group to get off the footpath before allegedly saying: “I’ll knuckle one of these kids.”
As tensions rose, the cyclist appeared to move toward members of the group while Ken and others tried to calm the situation. The recording also includes repeated apologies and repeated calls for people to move as the exchange continued.
Footage of the confrontation has gone viral, attracting 2.6 million views on Instagram and drawing a strong reaction from viewers. Ken later acknowledged his part in blocking the road.
After the incident, he issued a public apology and accepted responsibility both for obstructing the road and for the way he dealt with the confrontation.
“I’m truly sorry for blocking the road, and for not stepping in sooner to protect the children,” he wrote.
“I deeply regret how I handled this situation.”
Online reaction was strong, with some viewers condemning the cyclist for “yelling at kids” and others saying Ken “handled” the situation better than they would have. Some argued he had “no need to apologise” and claimed another cyclist seemed embarrassed and tried to intervene. A more measured response called the man “impatient” and “rude” while noting the group had been in the way, adding that “a polite ask” would have been enough.
Ken started the trek in November 2023 in Carnarvon, Western Australia, travelling solo through regional towns and the outback before finishing the major leg at the Sydney Opera House in March 2026. During the journey, he raised more than $70,000 for childhood cancer research and other causes. He has since continued the Australian adventure on two wheels.
