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?”
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.
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.
Sam Anderson
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
Richard
👍👍
Barry dillon
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
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.
Ashley Borges
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
I’d love a helmet camera. My wife would like me to have one, even more than me.
Mark B
Shouldn’t need one but I would like it to help shop idiots!
Judith
Brilliant article, would love to win this!
Stephen Bradnock
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
So, if I don’t win, perhaps I should consider getting a dummy camera if it can influence driver behaviour?
Pete Foden
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.
Karl Mullen
* Fingers crossed *
Elinor
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!
Andy C
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
Good luck everyone. If only we could all win.
Darren C
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!
Stuart Johnson
The more cyclists running cameras the better chance of prosecuting careless and dangerous drivers.
Mark
As I cycle commuter in Bristol I feel like I need one of these..
Mark
🤞thanks
Maxime PLEY
We all need this 😄
Alex Woolley
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
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🚲
John R
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.
Robin Hope
There’s no defence like offence and CCTV footage helps create a fairer fight.
Antonio Coelho
All lives matter, including cyclists..
Tom Unwin
Had a couple of incidents I could have reported this week if I had a camera.
Tom Quinn
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.
Pippa Stroud
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
Would love one of these to join the revolution, shopping one bad driver at a time…
Kristin Bradley
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.
Alistair Leith
Sadly necessary
Peter
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.
Jill Magee
Wish I had one of these when I lead group rides
Johnny
As father Christmas didn’t bring me one maybe the ETA can
Peter Clark
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
Graham Corfield
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!!
Rhodri Watkins
Too many close calls recently, definitely feel like I need to get a camera now!
Owen
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 🚲
Eloise P
Definitely need one of these cycling in London!
Russ Taylor
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!
Tom
Happy to snap up one of these.
Julian Carter
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.
john guile
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.
Jane
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.
Adam Edwards
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.
Mark Trueman
It’s becoming the norm to have a camera to protect yourself
Margaret
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.
Eric Ludlow
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!
Ash
I’d love to snap up one of these, so I could snap unruly drivers!!!
Andrew
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…
Craig D
Would love this! 🎥
Steve
Wish I had this for my LEJOG ride back in August last year 🤔
Chris
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
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!
james
Looks a great idea yes please
Alastair Fleming
If I had one, would hope it would be used to record trips rather than bad drivers
Richard
Andrew above is spot on – It’s sad but true that we need cycle cameras to make the roads safer …
Pam Jibson
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!!!
Sam
Really considering a camera, mainly for safety reasons. Be nice to not have to spend anything on one though.
Ema A
This would def help with cycling in London
Dave
Would love to have one of these
Owen
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 🚲
Ron Stewart
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.
Andy Marvin
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.
Fran Raven
Hoping that upcoming changes in the law will help too !
Lesley
WOULD LOVE THIS
sara garside
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.
Keith Graham
A useful addition to road safety whoever wins it.
Andrew R
I think the time is near when we all need a camera
PeteG
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.
Keith Bichard
Much needed, had several incidents over the last few years, video would have been very useful.
Pamela
Sadly that cycling needs this but I go with anything that helps keep cycliss safe. Yes I would like one.
Alastair
My bike camera is deceased, a replacement would be lovely.
Susan Lancaster
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.
Phil
Boom -caught on camera- nice
Cheryl Ann Buxton-Sait
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
I would love one of these cameras. It would be an added insurance on my daily 30m round trip to central London.
Richard Fitzgibbon
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.
Andrew Duncan
Can I have one if I promise not to put footage on YouTube?
Peter Chisnall
Excellent
Mike with bike
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.
David Ledger
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.
Doug M
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.
Clive Probert
Unfortunately, it’s a good prize to win.
Taz
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 🙁
Rachel Thompson
As non car full time lady rider it would make my journeys safer and more enjoyable
Greg
Unfortunately it is likely we will need evidence and this is ideal.
Jan Chisholm
With the Highway Code changing, this will be very useful!
Dawn
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 🤷♀️
Richard Kelly
Wow this looks great
Brian Ronald
I can has cheezcamera?
Mark Allen
It shoots but doesn’t kill (not a potato gun)
Chris Bromwich
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.
Mike G
Hope I never need to use it in anger, but a good thing to have just in case….
Peter
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
john
good kit to mount on the bike, bit big for a helmet IMO
Paul
Too many close shaves means things like this are now a necessity – sadly
Gillian
A necessary evil in today’s traffic.
Thanks for the opportunity
Karl Wallendszus
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.
robert peel
a cycle camera the best thing out for busy cyclists like me ,i hope i win it
Karen Murphy
Would love a camera for my bike
Andy
Thanks for the chance to get one of these
Mark Nethercoat
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
Anna Green
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.
Stephen
Nice gadget. I think the police do a great job but I do worry how seriously they take evidence of close passes.
Howard
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.
james
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.
wesley
Bike lights, camera, action!
Colin
Cheeeeese 😉
Richard Paterson
Cool, I would love one!
Chris
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
Gordon
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.
Raf
What a great thing to have on the mean city streets!
David
There’s only one thing I’d like more
Than a piece of ham
And that’s this awesome
Cycle cam
Colin
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.
😢
Huw Thomas
Knocked off twice, more close calls than I wish to remember, innumerable close passes. Camera would be very welcome piece of kit. Cambridge.
Bazzer
Sadly, a much needed cycling accessory in these days of traffic congestion and careless driving.
Jimmy walker
More and more cyclists should be using cameras.
richard
Will be interesting to hear from your review of submitting footage.
Martin Thorne
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.
Stanley Green
Always good to have some protection in case of an accident!