For those with a cam Question.

[markharry66]

I know its just bad luck on my part. Recently seem to be getting more idiots on route into work and in general.
I am wondering if a cam is the answer. Not sure if motorists treat you any differently or if it will make any difference. I have been thinking of giving up and getting bus in so wondering if this will make an attitude the idiots I have encountered recently.

 

[Drago]

It won't make any difference until after the event. There's no link between the prevalence of cctv and crime levels, and I doubt there is with other types of camera surveillance.

 

[byegad]

I suspect that a pair of prominently mounted cameras, one facing front, the other to the back, may just dissuade the odd looney from using you for target practice! However I suspect many more will see them as a challenge.

 

[Markymark]

Forget you have the camera whilst riding. Use it to review and report after the event if you feel it is necessary.

Do not post it on here unless you want to be ripped apart for your riding.

 

[Drago]

Markie makes a fair point. A lot of the Camera Taliban joust with the traffic and post indignant messages while globs of saliva drip on their keyboards, while totally blind to their own appalling roadcraft. Traffic Dwoid and his chum Robin, the Boy Wonder, are two classic examples.

If you're going to do it at least make sure your own riding is halfway safe, decent and lawful.

 

[Booyaa]

I know its just bad luck on my part. Recently seem to be getting more idiots on route into work and in general.
I am wondering if a cam is the answer. Not sure if motorists treat you any differently or if it will make any difference. I have been thinking of giving up and getting bus in so wondering if this will make an attitude the idiots I have encountered recently.

I don;t think it is the answer, a bad driver can still knock you over and kill you whether you have a camera or not.

 

[ianrauk]

Get practicing with your shouting...

YOU'RE ON CAMWRA!!

 

[BlackPanther]

I had an Rlj last Friday, Volvo driver. He was oblivious, and as I approached on green, I had to slow and give way. I did beep my horn to try and make him aware, but when I filtered past him a few mins later he gave a prolonged beep as I passed. Thought nothing more until I was aware of a black Volvo behind me about 5 mins later. After a couple of turns I was aware I was being followed by him. As I pulled onto a cycle lane, he stopped. I carried on but heard him shout something. I almost stopped to have a chat........assuming he wasn't aware he'd rljd, but as I didn't know if he had others in the car, and not particularly wanting it to escalate I just carried on.

However, if I'd stopped for a chat, I could've proved to the driver that he'd rljd, or, had he followed me all the way home, and done anything, I have proof that he'd rljd, and gone out of his way to cause trouble. Looking at the footage I have his number plate should anything happen in the future.

Cameras can be very useful. Just waiting for the day when I catch on camera an Rlj/mobile phone accident so I can be a witness!

 

[snorri]

Recently seem to be getting more idiots on route into work and in general.

Time to brush up on your defensive cycling?

 

[Drago]

Some years ago I suggested to my Mum that maybe she should give up driving, as her skills were deteriorating.

"I'll have you know if never had an accident", was her indignant reply.

I cheekily responded, "yes, but I bet you've seen hundreds, often in your rear view mirror."

"Oh yes", she replied without thinking.

 

[markharry66]

Nothing wrong defensive driving. Just seemed to have a spate of complete nobheads recently. Ithink maybe presence of camera may put them off slighlty

 

[Drago]

There's no evidence it will put them off at all, never mind as much as slightly.

 

[PK99]

When driving, I don't think I have ever been aware/noticed a camera cyclist. I'm looking at traffic and position in the road not focussing on items of equipment a cyclist may or may not have.

 

[Sara_H]

It might just bet perception but I think taxi drivers tend to behave better when they see a camera.
On the other hand, I've had a couple of occasions where you've have made intimidating comments about it ( I ride through a bit of an ASBO area, with "youths" hanging about).
So, swings and roundabouts.

 

[ManiaMuse]

Doubt it would make much difference to driving standards unless its really obvious from quite a way back that it is there and not a bike light or something else.

Probably easier to tell on a motorcyclist as why would they need to mount a light on their helmet and they stand out a bit more on a full helmet.

Might deter a driver from doing anything rash in a confrontation, but by that point you've probably already experienced the moment of bad driving and there is no point in confronting bad motorists anyway because they're not going to listen.