helmet cams - advice

[thecube]

Hi, I am new here. I do a little cycling on a road bike and i commute a few miles to work on a daily basis. I have no problems on the road bike, but not always so lucky on the commute through my local town. Due to some recent incidents I have decided to get a helmet cam, I hope this acts as a deterent for bad drivers.
I have a couple of questions or talking points, is the camera best on the helmet or better on the handlebars. Does anyone using a camera find it changes peoples driving or response after an incident? Lastly, do you think the hot weather makes the driving standard worse? Most of my incidents have been on hot days on my way home from work.
For the record I cycle within the law and try not to be too confronational, well until I get a load of abuse after someone else has nearly caused an accident and then tells me to "do one" so to speak.

 

[BSRU]

Cameras do not stop bad incidents as most drivers will not notice a camera.
It may help defusing situations after an incident although I have seen examples where it has had the opposite affect.
They can be useful in providing evidence, especially when it is one persons word against another.

 

[ianrauk]

Most of your incidents? How many do you have?

 

[MrWill]

I'd say for pure footage quality the helmet is best, but possibly dangerous if you have a crash. So I'd go bars.

I really would like a small camera too but it seems a right minefield to find a decent one.

 

[numbnuts]

I've been looking at this one, you can see/buy from Halfords
http://shop.roadhawk.co.uk/roadhawk-ride-bullet-camera

 

[thecube]

Incidents = examples of bad driving that could easily cause an accident without evasive action from me. The most regular examples are people speading past me only to slow rapidly and pull intowards the curb to go over those small spead bumps. Of course I maintain my speed before getting goosed by the motorists! One guys did this recently and whilst he pulled intowards the curb I said through his open passenger widonw, " would you like me to change your radio station", he raced off, stopped and offered to rip my head off! Bit OTT i think, but nevertheless unsettling. Maybe the presence of a camera would help calm things. Another regular situation I have is when I turn left off a main road the car coming from the oppostie direction turns left right at the same time, it's my right of way and I could easily end up under their car. Again some guy tried to hit me when I pointed this out. I just want to get home safely for my family!
I am looking at the Contour Roam2 at the moment.

 

[thecube]

That roadhawk looks OK.
Regarding how visible it is, I think on the top of the helmet is visible so might act more as a deterent rather than being on the bars and merely recording bad driving. I'd rather not have to do this, but if something does happen I like to think I will be able to prove my inocense and the drivers guilt.

 

[summerdays]

Another regular situation I have is when I turn left off a main road the car coming from the oppostie direction turns left right at the same time, it's my right of way and I could easily end up under their car.

Can't help on the camera front. Did you signal you were intending to turn left?

If so don't, not in the situation when you have a car waiting to turn right into the same side road. Then they presume you are going straight on and hopefully wait for you, giving you a chance to turn first. Though it does mean you still have the problem driver behind you

 

[thecube]

Yes I always indicate when safe. Beano, thanks for you arrogance, not really why I post here.

 

[akb]

Do cycle cameras change peoples driving? No.

From what you have posted above, it sounds as though you may need to ride a bit more defensively / assertively; ie primary position around speed bumps. We have loads of speed bumps round here and I always had the 'Must get in front mentality from drivers for them to then pull in front of me and slam their brakes on before hitting the next speed bump. Most speed bumps are in 20mph zones which is achievable on a bike. However changing my road positioning to primary (ie centre of the lane) has reduced these incidents. You will however always have some numpty who thinks bicyles are limited to 6.5mph.

Happy cycling.

 

[akb]

[QUOTE 3203729, member: 30090"]You need a copy of cyclecraft more than you need a camera.

Google 'primary positoon'[/QUOTE]


You could aslo Google Primary Position

 

[summerdays]

Yes I always indicate when safe. Beano, thanks for you arrogance, not really why I post here.

Actually he is correct in talking about using primary position to help on the roads. And the bit about not signalling if there is a car coming from the opposite direction is also from Cyclecraft.

 

[thecube]

two situations where this happens, one with the small speed bumps where the primary position would mean going over them rather than down the side. Secondly, and most common on my route home, parked traffic both lanes, so effectivey enough space for one car and one bike to pass, so the primary position would mean going over the bonnet of the oncoming car! Lastly, so riding on the correct or most suitable road position has never led to dangerous driving then?

 

[thecube]

So by indicating and turning left I am somehow at fault for an oncoming car turning accross me? not sure how this can be the case, i thought it was just an impatient driver, in fact he said there was room for both and that he used the opposite lane to give me more space. Opposite lane with oncoming traffic, sounds safe. but hey-ho, sounds like must be my fault for being there and not poor driving.

 

[summerdays]

two situations where this happens, one with the small speed bumps where the primary position would mean going over them rather than down the side. Secondly, and most common on my route home, parked traffic both lanes, so effectivey enough space for one car and one bike to pass, so the primary position would mean going over the bonnet of the oncoming car! Lastly, so riding on the correct or most suitable road position has never led to dangerous driving then?

In your second situation with the parked cars.... Where do you go?