Don’t Let S**T Drivers Get Away With It! Why & How To Cycle With A Bike Camera

[@judosteffer]

A good idea for a video would be to go and see the Police HQ where they process the videos, and also investigate if the council actually do anything about the hundreds of videos sent in on particularly dangerous stretches of road. Like do the police and councils actually join up to investigate dangerous stretches of road? I've never been sure.

[@2rocship]

For GMP (Greater Manchester Police), only collision data is analysed.

[@mattwardman]

It would be both Local Highways Authority and Police Force that need visibility on that, since it needs to feed into road design.

[@stevedouglas3975]

I've been recording my rides last few years because of dangerous close passes etc by motorists and I live and ride in a quiet rural coastal area so must be nightmare somewhere busy. I send in clips to Operation Snap and 99% of them have resulted in action against the driver with several going to court where they have received big fines and points on license. It doesn't help me at time but my hope is eventually motorists will get message that endangering vunerable road users has consequences. Plus I have to admit getting a bit of justice against someone who nearly wiped me out is good! For info I have GoPro mounted on bike and carry a spare battery so I have around 3hrs record time which is usually enough.

[@VH5150BAZ]

I bought a cycliq fly 6 pro a few months ago, just had enough of being close passed and not being able to do anything about it. It’s brilliant, records 4K stabilised, with rear light flashing for 6 hours, and there’s more in the tank. Great app, and easy to download. Worth every penny. Although, irony, first close pass with the camera was someone from Holland! They should have known better!

[@markianross]

Non replaceable battery though, which means if the battery dies it becomes a very expensive brick. I won't buy one until they make it replaceable.

[@Roxlimn]

This is a great message. More eyes on the road seeing more drivers can only lead to good things. Let’s hope we get that sorted out as soon as possible.

[@driventomadness117]

Wow, thats nuts. I had a similar incident happen to me. It took everything i had in me not to flip out when i caught up to them.

[@reinholdachleitner2069]

It's really sad to see the UK is not really a cycling friendly country,the roads are really narrow.Safe riding there.💯✌🏻🚴‍♂️

[@babc142]

Great video encouraging citizen reporting. It's funny how standards improve once drivers learn that they're being filmed.

[@averagemanonabike]

I was responsible for 10% of HANTSsnap submissions in 2023. I wholeheartedly recommend getting a front and rear camera.

[@peter572]

Some modern helmets have a GoPro mount with a quick release for safety. The problem is that the rider has to look for the camera after a crash! If you want to capture license plates from a safe distance, a recording rate of at least 2.7K @60fps is needed with stabilization. Insta360 AcePro has decent low light performance (although video is poor from most cameras at night) and a digital x2 zoom mode. All modern action cameras can be powered by an external battery (called power pass through). The best collision evidence is provided by reframing video from a 360 camera in post production. However, you may need an additional action cam video if licenses plates are not clearly shown, as 360 cams have very wide view lenses. Be visible on the road & ride carefully! I have been hit once captured on cam.

[@v_0]

FYI- Met has accepted short films which are less than 30s of an offence. So long as you clearly show the entire event, and what's happened. (I've reported close to 1,000 to Met).

[@jonmathias6159]

@@v_0 I've had close passes both less than 30 seconds into a ride and within 30 seconds of the end of a ride. You just don't know when some arsehole is going to do it.

[@Emtbtoday]

I went and bought the dji action 5 for using for this when on roads and as an action cam on the trails with its crazy long battery life its the perfect set up, expensive yes but it's worth it for this camera!

[@wsbygt]

I definitely approve this message.

[@VRTrucker]

I live close to Porthleven in Cornwall and have really upped my cycling over the last few months. I'm fortunate that even with the roads chocca block with tourists, I haven't encountered anything like the videos. There was a van that turned right across my path in Hayle a few weeks ago. However, I only had to slow down slightly to pass behind him. I did stop to allow a bus and Artic to pass a line of parked cars on their side a few weeks ago. I wavved the bus through, and a van behind me overtook me, nipped back into the gap I'd left for the HGV, and proceeded on his way. More surprising was that several vehicles behind him did the exact same thing. That wasn't necessarily bad driving, pig ignorant, though.

[@stephenprice4739]

I use a Cycliq Fly 12 sport and Garmin RCT715 radar camera. Have sent footage to Dorset and Avon and Somerset Forces. As an ex police officer with A&S camera footage is invaluable. Motorists will get a letter at the very least, which is the lowest level of police action. Hopefully it may make the minority of bad drivers take note. Do not share footage on social media if you report incidents to the police as it will undermine any action police take. Especially if it goes to court as the defence can claim it can prejudice their case.

[@mattwardman]

The CyclingMikey technique is to share after the criminal process is complete, which seems sound.

[@achen131]

if this can make its way to the states it might be the single best british export of this century

[@treguard1982]

There's a podcast? I honestly didn't know!

[@usablellc6735]

Great video but here in New York City, the police will do NOTHING about bad driving and certainly NOTHING about it when it affects cyclists.

[@maldickerson]

If you had to choose between a front camera or a rear one which would you choose? As I’m thinking of buying one but only have the funds to purchase 1.

[@peter572]

Front, because it is hard to record a license plate when car headlights are on. I have been using a GoPro Hero 3+ (1080p) at the back for almost a decade, due to its small size and long battery duration (2h). You may be able to get one for pennies. Front: Switched from a GoPro8 to AcePro. Sometimes I mount an Insta360 X2 as well. I have been hit once.

[@bikeman123]

Check your camera doesnt require its time to be reset by pluggung into a pc everytime you turn it on. Thats pretty inconvenient.

[@howlinhauler]

drivers in the states will play chicken with you, MAD MAX vs cardio, fun. cheers

[@Gugner]

Cycliqs camera (useless in Denmak, due to consistent resistance by the police, are water proof WITH the cover. Record in a loop. The back camera has a high volume theft alarm. Front and rear cameras have up to 9 types of lights. Recommended outside of Denmark, due to Danish police.

[@stevedouglas3975]

Why are police in Denmark against this?

[@Gugner]

@@stevedouglas3975 Ask them….I think they don’t see cyclists as nothing else than disturbance to “traffic” (read: cars) and that serious humans don’t play by using a bicycle….The police men in charge of traffic complaints are all older, obese police officer. They dont use a bike and have neither knowledge about how it is to ride bike in Denmark today, nor respect.

[@stevedouglas3975]

@@Gugner I'm in UK so asking Danish police bit tricky but I assume you are there so maybe investigate why this is case? Seems a shame as I'd have thought be good there, similar to other European countries

[@Gugner]

@@stevedouglas3975 Its NOT. Its mostly a myth Danes like to think. Not based on facts.

[@Umski]

Something that can indicate 1.5m in the footage would be a winner for me - Herts Digital Evidence Team (contracted by Cambs) seem to be not able to judge distances unless literally touching 🙄

[@michealwhite1091]

A link showing us where to buy these camera's would be helpful as well.

[@Cous1nJack]

If you found KZbin you can find a search engine

[@dangerfulmind]

Very sad state of affairs these days with drivers and it's getting worse, i have near misses on the quite north wales country lanes almost every time I go out. The last two rides have been awful, my last ride i had a bloke come across the road into me and i had to dive into the hedge, he had a blank expression on his face as i was shouting at him. Cameras unfortunately are expensive and add to the hassle of preparing for a ride, not to mention the problem with the filthy lanes where i ride and all the spray that would mess up the lenses. I have been really considering giving up and just riding virtual lately because it's got that bad, in all my 45 years cycling the last couple of years have been the worst.

[@jonmathias6159]

@@dangerfulmind Please don't give up. I totally understand how you feel but that's what these bastards want - cyclists off "their" roads.

[@dangerfulmind]

@@jonmathias6159 I probably won't, but in all honesty I have been doing more indoor because of the idiots, it got me fearing for my safety too much, obviously more good drivers out there, but it's the bad ones that stick in my mind and all it takes is one bad driver to put you in hospital or worse!

[@bromptinowner763]

These video examples tell me I'm much safer on the path

[@VinnieCeeCycling]

In France people will literaly call you a nazi if you even mention the idea of sending videos of drivers being dangerous to the police.

[@ph1785]

I wish I had a camera on my bike or helmet, I was crossing a intersection , I push the walk button on the light , I had a light on my helmet and a bright green jersey on , anyway she pulled out in front me , did a left hand turn and she clip my back tire and spun me around, she drove off and said she was sorry obviously she didn't see me she me , . But she didn't even stop to see I was alright, just have to be careful crossing the intersection, people just don't look for bikes .

[@powernab8457]

@ph1785: You don't need to wish when there are plenty of cameras on the market. I don't understand any cyclists that doesn't have cameras on their bike. I don't leave home without them. Three is a minimum, helmet, rear and front handlebars. Also have the front and rear wheel in the frame when recording.

[@Alnvrejdnag9394]

I feel I need one

[@goodobservers]

Awesome. Out where we live there are drivers shooting cyclists with bb guns...I believe some of them purposely run cyclists off the road, too, and a lot of that is they don't know cyclists have the right of way in almost all situations. They think roads are for cars...definitely going to look into a camera, though, it doesn't look like there is a perfect solution on that front yet.

[@shm5547]

"No camera, no ride" That's my rule these days.

[@bugsygoo]

The sad thing is that UK driving is actually amongst the best. Try cycling in Beijing, like I do😭

[@Gugner]

What is the purpose of a pass pixi stick????

[@mattwardman]

It tells drivers you are carrying Shrodinger's Video Camera, and they might be filmed and reported for their crimes.

[@Gugner]

@@mattwardman Does that mean “camera” in english???

[@mattwardman]

​@@Gugner Let me explain. A PassPIxi is a "sticker" not a "stick". It is a reflective sign carrying a symbol like our "speed camera" road signs, which warns drivers that "this cyclist has video cameras" or (like "Shrodinger's Cat") MAY have video cameras. I have one on the back of my cycling jacket, which is attached with strong magnets, that is always there whether I have cameras or not. It helps avoid close passes, because there is a possibility the driver may get points on their licence if I report it. In my experience it helps, but if eg I block drivers in a pinch-point by taking teh lane I try and let them past soon. PassPixi is the product name that can be searched on Google, or at that account name on Twitter. There are different types to go on eg backpack, pannier or jacket. They cost from about £10 to £20 in UKP. They ship overseas. In placed where police do not enforce on these (UK most, but also Ireland, maybe Canada, Australia, parts of USA) it could still be a deterrent due to posting on social media, perhaps.

[@Gugner]

@@mattwardman Hanks. Sadly and illegally Danish police (Københavns Politi) do NOT take claims by cyclists unless you are visibly hurt, after attempted murder and attack. Even then they refuse, unless you complain the the state prosecutor 2 times, where after the state prosecutor FORCE the police to go to trial….the attemped murderer got jail time.

[@michaelmappin4425]

Last time I got hit, it was from the front.

[@anthonywalsh2164]

I was deliberately doored last night by some young idiots! They thought it a great joke.

[@AlexAnteMachina]

Well, at least police in the UK does take this serious. In Germany you are just an annoyance to most police forces if you try to report such infringement.

[@ollekgspd]

Nowadays not only cameras. Also pepper spray

[@francesco7654]

If a close call is recorded, why not allow cyclists to do justice themselves (all on record)? Isn’t it a form of self defence? Surely that would create an incentive for drivers to stop disrespecting the lives of vulnerable road users.

[@CobwobblersBikes]

When I learnt how to ride a motorcycle I was taught defensive riding ( or was it offensive) anyway its about commanding a presence in the road, eye contact, visibility and awareness. Rather than splooging £6000 on 20 action cams a few quid on a mirror might be more useful. If you are aware of a driver coming up behind you and position yourself out from the kerb a few feet they have to give you a wide berth and you've got space to move if they don't.

[@jepulis6674]

Cars just ride over people these days. They are not looking at the road and police here thought sun blinding a driver is an excuse. It should be the opposite, drive while you cant see and its manslaughter with 5 year minimum.

[@Gugner]

Fact: in Denmark the police consistenly denies proof of accidents and aggressions towards cyclists. Consistently….. I use Cycliqs otherwise perfect cameras, which also are ligths. But useless in Denmark for documentation BECAUSE the police consiently denies claims by cyclists. Even by head concussion or attempts to kill you against a fence. This is FACT. After 4 years of bike communting….in Denmark….

[@JoolsBurke]

So would Lancashire police say that it was illegal to make this video with you standing outside unless you had a clear sign held up? (Also, anyone recommend best camera for clearly recording number plates at night? That's where my current ones have failed a bit. Thanks)

[@madyogi6164]

New version of equality for everyone.

[@2rocship]

I use a GoPro 3 black which reliably picks up rear number plates at night. It was £50 from Cex a couple of years ago. You have to choose the settings carefully though. I use 1080p, 60fps, wide angle, protune. (Raw mode). Using raw mode makes the video noisy and disables loop recording unfortunately. I would recommend submitting screen shots of number plates as well as video if the plates are hard to see on the video.

[@JoolsBurke]

@@2rocship Good reminder to look second hand, thanks

[@mattwardman]

Lancashire Police are rather backward.

[@MrWobling]

Here's the worst driving I've ever experienced - Surrey Police did act, although I still don't know the outcome: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYHHcqSrebuqqrMfeature=shared

[@johnnyjensen8805]

Not the ride i want!

[@p.c.9714]

This is insane. You spend thousands of €/£/$ to get the lightest carbon frame and wheels but you keep adding front/rear lights, GPS and smartphone holders, action cameras and now bike cameras?? Better get a mountain bike and get rid of all that crazy stuff. Where are we going? Seriously.

[@Servicehans]

next thing is ABS and then traction control

[@BR-qw5tb]

I think cameras on cars and bikes are good. Plenty of crap cyclists and drivers around!

[@jedisdad2265]

You are correct both pools of people have bad actors.

[@a1white]

As a cyclist in London for 17 years, my biggest concern at the moment that I have to keep an eye out for are the riders of illegal e-bikes. They seem to have zero Road sense and will just run into you, before they think to stop.

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

@@a1white camera isn’t going to help you much with these ….. but I agree … I live in South London and has one ride up behind me down a cycle lane away from the road the other day … was genuinely concerned he was going to push me off for my bike - I stood up on the bike, turned around and forced him to come past me …. Sad times

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Ok, so the instances you show are all justified, but I do find the car drivers and riders who have cameras tend to drive with ‘I’m in the right’ slightly aggressive mentalities .. a camera records everything, but a successful society does need a bit of an allowance and acceptance of those who struggle with driving for example .. use them to record intentional bad driving, but not as a tool to prove ‘I was in the right’

[@Membrillo81]

If someone struggles with driving, they shouldn't be driving. This actually applies to many, even most, drivers.

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

@@Membrillo81 you’re missing the point ….. and doing exactly what I am talking about. Rather than trying to find common ground, and understand every situation has 2 view points …. Everyone wants to be right these days and almost actively picks fights … getting on the road with ‘I am better than everyone else’ mentality tells me you will find issues on the road …. And that’s the exact problem with people who have cameras

[@FirstNameLastName-ev3jk]

@@JIMMYHIBBS1, if only there was some kind of code or law to decide what is unacceptable or not.

[@jonmathias6159]

​@@JIMMYHIBBS1Well, I was hit by a driver crossing a Pelican crossing when the light was green for me to cross. I'd be interested to see what the 'other viewpoint" was in that situation. 🙄

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

@@jonmathias6159 maybe you should have checked before stepping in to the road - no point in the right and dead …. That’s my point, people think having a camera proves they were in the right, and quite often fail to use their common sense, or even worse, it gives them the confidence to get cocky …. Hope you are Ok- but you’re missing the point ….

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

This is all theater. First, you can have video proof that someone ran you over...to show at your funeral? Second, are the cops gonna give a rat's a__ about your video "proof" that you were endangered? Not bloody likely..so what's the point? It's the same with the blinky lights....doesn't make a bit of difference because the ass-hat in the car who is about to hit you is LOOKING AT HIS PHONE!

[@mattwardman]

The article this vid is linked to shows that in 23/24 in the UK there were more than 100k reports from cammers, cycle cammers and dash cammers, and these led to tens of thousands of prosecutions. It is a common pattern for the driver to lie to the police at the start, then plead guilty as charged when they find out there is video. Drivers who are careless or inattentive can be retrained, either because they believe in being a good driver, or because of the risk of a penalty, There's much more to do, but it works.