Cycle cameras: Turning the tables on dangerous drivers

helmet cam

If you’re member of the Twitterati who also rides a bike you’re almost certainly already familiar with @cyclingmikey – the mild-mannered London cyclist who uses a camera to record and subsequently report dangerous drivers. The metropolitan police has prosecuted over 20,000 motorists since it started accepting video evidence via an online portal and @cyclingmikey can take credit for 800 of them.

The Guardian this week published an article about the man behind the @cyclingmikey account. The piece reveals how Mike van Erp lost his father in a road crash caused by a drunk driver, but as he explains to Peter Walker, the reasons for his camera campaign go beyond his personal story: “I just like to think that with the power of one I’m trying to change a little bit of road safety. Most people who cycle realise that bad driving is largely tolerated by society. It’s not considered a really serious thing. Yet it’s claiming 1,800 people’s lives a year in the UK alone, and 27,000 are seriously injured. That’s a quite serious toll, isn’t it?”

bicycle with action camera

Cycle cameras – a necessary evil for today’s roads?

Running a cycle cam on your handlebars or helmet doesn’t make the roads feel any safer, but you do feel less helpless. In the event of a road traffic incident, video footage goes a long way towards guaranteeing legal redress – it’s a cycle insurance of sorts.

One of the great frustrations about cycling on British roads is the lack of infrastructure is compounded by an absence of justice for vulnerable road users. We are one of the only countries in Europe to eschew something known as strict liability – a common sense law that makes motorists automatically liable for injuries caused to pedestrians and cyclists.

The result for us is that court cases rest on one person’s word against another – and given that pedestrians and cyclists are often injured in road traffic collisions, their recollection of events can be affected. And when you consider that legislators, the judiciary and jurors comprise almost exclusively drivers you begin to understand how the the cards are stacked against vulnerable road users.

When the criminal justice system is so shaky, it pays to have camera evidence

How does the law regard cycle cam evidence?

Aside from the police portals designed specifically for the purpose, there is no reason why footage cannot be admitted as evidence like CCTV is used. It is likely that a witness statement would have to accompany the cycle camera footage and it would have to be downloaded to a CD with a certificate (countersigned by a solicitor) stating that it had not been altered in any way from its original digital format.

The Metropolitan Police is one of a number of forces that allows road users to upload camera footage when reporting a road traffic incident. The Met has already received well over 20,000 submissions and around two thirds lead to action being taken. Such systems are a game changer for cyclists. Evidence of close passes, abusive drivers and collisions can all be passed to the police with the click of a mouse. One imagines the thousands of drivers who have already received penalty points following an online submission of camera footage will become more considerate and careful road users as a result.

Good value cycle cameras

There are a thousand and one different types of action camera on the market, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to spend a lot of money. The domination of the market by GoPro has inspired a host of Chinese competitors to follow suit. For example, the Akaso EK7000 is a 4K ultra high-definition action camera that shares more than a passing resemblance to a GoPro – even its various mounts are compatible. And while is doesn’t have a touch screen, it’s more than up to the job of recording the daily commute. Most importantly, it’s great value at less than £55 – a price that includes a case that’s waterproof to 30m and a bewildering array of mounts. The Akaso does a remarkably good job of capturing steady handlebar footage without the digital stabilisation offered by so many of its more expensive rivals.

We’ve been testing an Akaso action cam in the office and in the weeks to come we plan to chronicle the process of submitting footage to the police…given our collective experience of the daily cycle commute, it won’t be long before we capture a dangerously close overtake. In the meantime, we’re offering you the chance to win an Akaso EK7000 cycle camera.

Akaso action camera

Win your own cycle cam

To be in with a chance of winning an Akaso EK7000 action camera and accessories worth £55, simply leave a comment at the bottom of this page and we’ll pick a winner next week.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance (covers cargo bikes), breakdown cover  and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

Comments

  1. Sam Anderson

    Reply

    It will be a good day when the only reason I have to consider buying a camera is wanting to film road rides with my mates

  2. Richard

    Reply

    👍👍

    • Barry dillon

      Reply

      Being as im cycling the great devide mountain bike trail at the end of June. Would be good and wise to have one 👍

      • Caroline morrison

        Reply

        Sadly a bike camera when out especially road cycling is not just for fun but becoming more and more essential to record close passes and aggressive, hateful behaviour towards cyclist and dangerous driving.

  3. Ashley Borges

    Reply

    I’ve been using a camera for a number of months and I’ve noticed a difference in the way drivers behave depending on whether I’m using it on my chest mount or my helmet mount.

    • Vincent

      Reply

      I’d love a helmet camera. My wife would like me to have one, even more than me.

      • Mark B

        Reply

        Shouldn’t need one but I would like it to help shop idiots!

      • Judith

        Reply

        Brilliant article, would love to win this!

    • Stephen Bradnock

      Reply

      As a cyclist who does as much as possible to make myself visible to motorised vehicle drivers (fluorescent clothing, bright lights and a bright yellow helmet) and as someone who knows how to ride defensively, yet with consideration, I know I put my life in the hands of people who think it acceptable to pass me at 60mph within an arms reach. I’d happily share camera footage if it helped to make our roads a safer place to be for everyone.

      • David Gray

        Reply

        So, if I don’t win, perhaps I should consider getting a dummy camera if it can influence driver behaviour?

  4. Pete Foden

    Reply

    Interesting article, been looking at getting a camera for the bike for a while now but there are literally hundreds to choose from. Close pass is not fun, usually around 3 a day on my commute so maybe it’s time to start reporting it to the police.

  5. Karl Mullen

    Reply

    * Fingers crossed *

    • Elinor

      Reply

      I would love a cycle cam for my husband. He regularly cycles, both to commute and for leisure and has an endless catalogue of close passes and aggressive drivers. Not to mention past insurance claims where drivers hitting him while turning across the cycle lane can get away with arguing that they don’t bear 100% liability!

  6. Andy C

    Reply

    Having been knocked off my bike during a close pass where I didn’t have a camera I’m investigating getting one. The driver briefly stopped to shout at me that I should cycle on the pavement because it’s safer and then drove off. I was still picking myself up so didn’t get a reg number. Wish I had the camera to spot it for me!

    • Kiwi

      Reply

      Good luck everyone. If only we could all win.

  7. Darren C

    Reply

    Would be a great extra tool to give myself and my family some peace of mind.
    Regarding your sentence “Running a cycle cam on your handlebars or helmet doesn’t make the roads feel any safer, but you do feel less helpless” there are camera signs you can buy which you attach via magnets to your clothing or backpack to warn/make other traffic aware that you are recording.
    Not used one myself but imagine that they could make some drivers more careful, but also some more aggressive too!

  8. Stuart Johnson

    Reply

    The more cyclists running cameras the better chance of prosecuting careless and dangerous drivers.

  9. Mark

    Reply

    As I cycle commuter in Bristol I feel like I need one of these..

  10. Mark

    Reply

    🤞thanks

    • Maxime PLEY

      Reply

      We all need this 😄

  11. Alex Woolley

    Reply

    3 front headlights ( one flashing) 2 rear flashing lights on my bike and 2 rear flashing lights on my helmet, proviz jacket, lights on my rucksack and still I get …” Sorry mate I didn’t see you”

    Time I started recording these commutes…

    • Owen Phillips

      Reply

      We have been riding a tandem for 15 years and many times my wife the stoker has shouted at the driver behind to get off our mudguard. Our bike is 8 feet long and drivers think it necessary to slipstream us before overtaking within arms length and cutting in sharply. Hi-viz and lights make no difference and I often believe a rear facing camera would be beneficial. Happy cycling🚲

  12. John R

    Reply

    I would love a GoPro camera, as I am tired of motorists trying to make me history by ignoring my presence on the roads. Such a camera would deter motorists from behaving in a reckless manner.

  13. Robin Hope

    Reply

    There’s no defence like offence and CCTV footage helps create a fairer fight.

  14. Antonio Coelho

    Reply

    All lives matter, including cyclists..

  15. Tom Unwin

    Reply

    Had a couple of incidents I could have reported this week if I had a camera.

  16. Tom Quinn

    Reply

    My old Contour camera has given up the ghost and I’d like to try a new one. Police in Scotland are pretty rubbish at dealing with helmet camera footage, but it’s good to have.

  17. Pippa Stroud

    Reply

    It’s really sad that we have to, but I’m coming to the conclusion that everyone who has a bike should have a camera 🙁

    • Helen

      Reply

      Would love one of these to join the revolution, shopping one bad driver at a time…

  18. Kristin Bradley

    Reply

    I’ve currently got a camera warning sign on my cargo bike pannier (one too many close passes on the school run) but no actual camera. Would be great to have actual footage to send in.

  19. Alistair Leith

    Reply

    Sadly necessary

  20. Peter

    Reply

    I have seen some incredibly dangerous driver behaviour on an almost daily basis in Edinburgh and this would be incredibly useful, even as a deterent.

  21. Jill Magee

    Reply

    Wish I had one of these when I lead group rides

    • Johnny

      Reply

      As father Christmas didn’t bring me one maybe the ETA can

  22. Peter Clark

    Reply

    Normally put some kind of quip here but this is too serious – would still love to win one but it’s sad why they’re needed so much

  23. Graham Corfield

    Reply

    Already run daytime lighting, but adding a camera to the bike is the next thing I need to do. Fingers crossed for this one then!!

  24. Rhodri Watkins

    Reply

    Too many close calls recently, definitely feel like I need to get a camera now!

    • Owen

      Reply

      Having been riding a tandem for 15 years my wife as stoker has often shouted at drivers to back off from our mudguard. The bike being 8foot long makes some drivers feel the need to slipstream us before racing past within arms reach. We both wear plenty of hi-viz and front and rear lights, sometimes we feel a rear facing camera would be worthwhile. Happy cycling everyone 🚲

  25. Eloise P

    Reply

    Definitely need one of these cycling in London!

  26. Russ Taylor

    Reply

    I wish I had something like this. I don’t cycle a great deal currently due to covid-regulation home working. However, even with that I cannot count the number of close-passes I have had and one was so close the driver broke his wing mirror on my elbow! Amazingly I managed to stay upright.

    I want to be prepared for the next incident with the ammunition to get the offending driver the penalty notice he deserves!

  27. Tom

    Reply

    Happy to snap up one of these.

  28. Julian Carter

    Reply

    After years of cycling to / from work and for leisure I’ve never felt the need for a camera … until last week after eyeballing the car behind and signalling for a right turn the driver nevertheless overtook anyway just at the point I was about to make the turn.

  29. john guile

    Reply

    Excellent idea! I get around on my mobility scooter and because I live in a rural area there are not always footpaths or pavements to keep you safe from vehicles and this would be great to have on board.

  30. Jane

    Reply

    As a cyclist, pedestrian and motorist wouldn’t it be lovely if we all showed more consideration to other road users and didn’t need camera evidence.

  31. Adam Edwards

    Reply

    I have a small Chilli camera and so far have two videos uploaded to the Met police. So a better camera would be sadly well used on my commute in Barnet, the borough which ripped out cycle lanes to smooth the traffic flow.

  32. Mark Trueman

    Reply

    It’s becoming the norm to have a camera to protect yourself

  33. Margaret

    Reply

    Changes in the law and in cycling infrastructure are long overdue. In the meantime, maybe the camera is our best defence, along with See and Be Seen. It would be good to have this.

  34. Eric Ludlow

    Reply

    It’s a shame, but I think I’ve got to the point that I need to run a camera to retain my sanity whilst riding!

  35. Ash

    Reply

    I’d love to snap up one of these, so I could snap unruly drivers!!!

  36. Andrew

    Reply

    It’s sad but true that we need cycle cameras to make the roads safer. Thank you ETA for your tireless work on this. I’d love a camera – most drivers are considerate, but every time I cycle there are 1 or 2 who are so dangerous! If they won’t change voluntarily, then camera evidence and prosecutions are the way to go…

  37. Craig D

    Reply

    Would love this! 🎥

  38. Steve

    Reply

    Wish I had this for my LEJOG ride back in August last year 🤔

  39. Chris

    Reply

    I’ve been reading recently about all the convictions for dangerous driving these cameras have led to, as regards car drivers using their mobiles whilst driving etc. They are a great idea and I would love to possess one.

    • Jennie Parsons

      Reply

      Only yesterday having experienced yet another close pass, and then reading about Mickey the Dutch cyclist in London, I thought I think it’s time to investigate getting a camera!

  40. james

    Reply

    Looks a great idea yes please

  41. Alastair Fleming

    Reply

    If I had one, would hope it would be used to record trips rather than bad drivers

  42. Richard

    Reply

    Andrew above is spot on – It’s sad but true that we need cycle cameras to make the roads safer …

  43. Pam Jibson

    Reply

    Sadly a necessary piece of kit these days. I even saw a driver this mirningvhonking loudly and for a prolonged period at two pedestrians who were crossing the road as he came around a bend. When did motorists claim ownership and priority on the roads!!!

  44. Sam

    Reply

    Really considering a camera, mainly for safety reasons. Be nice to not have to spend anything on one though.

  45. Ema A

    Reply

    This would def help with cycling in London

  46. Dave

    Reply

    Would love to have one of these

    • Owen

      Reply

      Having been riding a tandem for 15 years my wife as stoker has often shouted at drivers to back off from our mudguard. The bike being 8foot long makes some drivers feel the need to slipstream us before racing past within arms reach. We both wear plenty of hi-viz and front and rear lights, sometimes we feel a rear facing camera would be worthwhile. Happy cycling everyone 🚲

  47. Ron Stewart

    Reply

    It would have been good to have had a camera an hour ago as I approached a parked car on the left and saw an oncoming vehicle at the same time as I heard a vehicle approaching fast from behind in a 40 mph zone. I got away with it but the oncoming driver was forced to take avoiding action.

  48. Andy Marvin

    Reply

    Accepting all the points mentioned by others about having evidence etc. but do be aware that cameras on helmets potentially compromise your safety in a crash. It has been suggested that a helmet mounted camera may have played a part Michael Schumacher’s brain injury. Better to mount the camera on the bike.

    The same goes for helmet mounted lights. Also, I often get blinded on my bike by oncoming cyclists with helmet mounted lights when they look directly at me. They must do the same to drivers as well. Lights belong on the bike as well.

  49. Fran Raven

    Reply

    Hoping that upcoming changes in the law will help too !

  50. Lesley

    Reply

    WOULD LOVE THIS

  51. sara garside

    Reply

    Hello, my husband watches these videos online, loudly, multiple times a day.
    It would be absolutely wonderful if could make his own, from his own camera. Please consider us. Thank you.

  52. Keith Graham

    Reply

    A useful addition to road safety whoever wins it.

  53. Andrew R

    Reply

    I think the time is near when we all need a camera

  54. PeteG

    Reply

    I wish I didn’t need to have to have one, But my experiences tell me it makes it an increasingly sensible course to take.

  55. Keith Bichard

    Reply

    Much needed, had several incidents over the last few years, video would have been very useful.

  56. Pamela

    Reply

    Sadly that cycling needs this but I go with anything that helps keep cycliss safe. Yes I would like one.

  57. Alastair

    Reply

    My bike camera is deceased, a replacement would be lovely.

  58. Susan Lancaster

    Reply

    My son who cycles 20 miles a day to work and back was knocked off his bike by a motorist at a roundabout. He was lucky to only sustain a broken pelvis but I’m sure if he’d had video evidence to help with his insurance claim, it would have been settled by now and he would be fully compensated – financially at least.

  59. Phil

    Reply

    Boom -caught on camera- nice

  60. Cheryl Ann Buxton-Sait

    Reply

    My other half cycles as his main form of transport. Some of the stories he tells me about bad drivers are terrifying. I’d love for him to be able to record the bad practice so it can be tackled

    • Philip Gregg

      Reply

      I would love one of these cameras. It would be an added insurance on my daily 30m round trip to central London.

  61. Richard Fitzgibbon

    Reply

    A driver of a parked car opened the door suddenly and banged into me on my bike causing me to fall heavily on the road. There were no witnesses. I suffered cuts on my leg and bruised knuckles. I am 70 years old and cycle every day. My present bike is 4 years old and I have clocked 27000 km. on it. Fortunately I was wearing my helmet. Had I been using a camera I could have taken a case against the driver. I would love to win your prize.

  62. Andrew Duncan

    Reply

    Can I have one if I promise not to put footage on YouTube?

  63. Peter Chisnall

    Reply

    Excellent

  64. Mike with bike

    Reply

    After several near misses from passing vehicles recently this piece of kit would certainly give one the chance of redress and perhaps reform the culprit.

  65. David Ledger

    Reply

    Andy M made an interesting point about safety and helmet mounted cameras (and lights). Helmet mounted are more flexible when evidence gathering, but perhaps are more noticeable to drivers. Bike mounted are more discreet. Interesting to look at the pros and cons.

  66. Doug M

    Reply

    One of these would give me the confidence to get on my bike more often. I know that I wouldn’t actually be much safer, but at least I might get some redress if the worst happens.

  67. Clive Probert

    Reply

    Unfortunately, it’s a good prize to win.

  68. Taz

    Reply

    Not a day goes by where I’m not nearly killed or run over on my bike! It’s come to a point where I’m considering giving up cycling 🙁

  69. Rachel Thompson

    Reply

    As non car full time lady rider it would make my journeys safer and more enjoyable

  70. Greg

    Reply

    Unfortunately it is likely we will need evidence and this is ideal.

  71. Jan Chisholm

    Reply

    With the Highway Code changing, this will be very useful!

  72. Dawn

    Reply

    I’d love a camera to film those idiots who think it’s ok to overtake me when I’m signalling right and have moved across towards the centre of the road, especially when they decide to stop in front of me and turn right themselves 🤷‍♀️

  73. Richard Kelly

    Reply

    Wow this looks great

  74. Brian Ronald

    Reply

    I can has cheezcamera?

  75. Mark Allen

    Reply

    It shoots but doesn’t kill (not a potato gun)

  76. Chris Bromwich

    Reply

    Hadn’t considered the use of a Camera as “insurance” but having read the article it makes perfect sense.
    Yes, please, add me in with a chance to win and if I don’t then it looks like I will need to investigate purchasing one.

  77. Mike G

    Reply

    Hope I never need to use it in anger, but a good thing to have just in case….

  78. Peter

    Reply

    The comments above show how big a problem close passing is. Yes it’s time for a camera to record these incidents, even if I don’t win one

  79. john

    Reply

    good kit to mount on the bike, bit big for a helmet IMO

  80. Paul

    Reply

    Too many close shaves means things like this are now a necessity – sadly

  81. Gillian

    Reply

    A necessary evil in today’s traffic.

    Thanks for the opportunity

  82. Karl Wallendszus

    Reply

    Looks like a neat piece of kit. Of course it’s sad that bike cameras are considered necessary, but I’d like to have some fun with one as well.

  83. robert peel

    Reply

    a cycle camera the best thing out for busy cyclists like me ,i hope i win it

  84. Karen Murphy

    Reply

    Would love a camera for my bike

  85. Andy

    Reply

    Thanks for the chance to get one of these

  86. Mark Nethercoat

    Reply

    Pretty easy for some road users to see me cycling – always have bright tops and double flashing lights and camera warning on jackets, although a minority of drivers have trouble seeing me – myself, a decent camera and the local digital evidence police team will I’m sure, exchange lots of videos

  87. Anna Green

    Reply

    I have been thinking of getting a bike camera for a long, long time, but I’m usually put off by the cost. The Akasa sounds like good value.

  88. Stephen

    Reply

    Nice gadget. I think the police do a great job but I do worry how seriously they take evidence of close passes.

  89. Howard

    Reply

    Any movie of my travels will be a bit dull, I hope! Average speed 7 mph, frequent stops for birdwatching, nose blowing, chats with walkers etc. But I would like to record the occasional car, or idiot cyclist overtaking too close, dropping/chucking litter, out otherwise behaving thoughtlessly.

  90. james

    Reply

    Could have used this when I ended up in Accident and Emergency when a car pulled out in front of me from a side road. luckily, I was wearing a helmet, the inside of which ended up in pieces.
    unfortunately i did not have insurance at the time.

  91. wesley

    Reply

    Bike lights, camera, action!

  92. Colin

    Reply

    Cheeeeese 😉

  93. Richard Paterson

    Reply

    Cool, I would love one!

  94. Chris

    Reply

    Only a week into the New Year and already had a very close shave with a car driver, a camera like this is now essential

  95. Gordon

    Reply

    It’s a real shame that we need cameras to be deterrents to bad driving, but if it helps, then I’d love to give it a go.

  96. Raf

    Reply

    What a great thing to have on the mean city streets!

  97. David

    Reply

    There’s only one thing I’d like more
    Than a piece of ham
    And that’s this awesome
    Cycle cam

  98. Colin

    Reply

    I tried reporting a dangerous and abusive driver to the local police, but was told that unless the driver had actually hit me, they would do nothing.

    😢

  99. Huw Thomas

    Reply

    Knocked off twice, more close calls than I wish to remember, innumerable close passes. Camera would be very welcome piece of kit. Cambridge.

  100. Bazzer

    Reply

    Sadly, a much needed cycling accessory in these days of traffic congestion and careless driving.

  101. Jimmy walker

    Reply

    More and more cyclists should be using cameras.

  102. richard

    Reply

    Will be interesting to hear from your review of submitting footage.

  103. Martin Thorne

    Reply

    Although I have never had any problems with errant motorists – so far – I would like a cycle helmet camera just for peace of mind. Martin, Ely, Cambridgeshire.

  104. Stanley Green

    Reply

    Always good to have some protection in case of an accident!

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