Why the anti-camera stance?

[classic33]

Having moved down from using a vhs camcorder(takes a vhs tape), mounted either on the handlebars or seat post, to a helmet camera. Can someone say why they are so anti-camera.

VHS camera used so that people could see that it was there, little chance of hiding it, due to the size. Used again last year when a delivery company denied their vehicles were in the area. Now the latest arrival is helmet mounted. Smaller, harder to see.

There are some who appear to be on commission for Ebay, with the way they want to deal with camera users.

 

[downfader]

...this could go on and on... Its the new helmet debate, I tells ya.

 

[Chris James]

I'm not anti camera as such, just baffled by the whole thing. What's the motivation?

I can see the argument about evidence in the event of a crash, but I don't video my car commute, so why would I want to video a bike commute?

The whole thing seems to smack of victim culture with a hectoring tone of driver education. I strongly believe that bikes are just one of several perfectly valid modes of road transport and that all should assert their rights equally but also behave with respect to the other modes.

 

[Flying Dodo]

I'm not anti camera as such, just baffled by the whole thing. What's the motivation?

I can see the argument about evidence in the event of a crash, but I don't video my car commute, so why would I want to video a bike commute?

The whole thing seems to smack of victim culture with a hectoring tone of driver education. I strongly believe that bikes are just one of several perfectly valid modes of road transport and that all should assert their rights equally but also behave with respect to the other modes.

All good points. However, some people on bikes end up being picked on by other road users, even to the extent of being attacked, even though the cyclist has behaved normally. In circumstances like that, a video can be valuable evidence.

 

[Crackle]

Oh, I give up.

Really? Can I have your bikes then?

 

[hackbike 666]

Im going to use my camera when I cycle in Bangkok next time.Last time was magic.

 

[classic33]

Sorry about this, it seems to have been brought up before.

Reason behind asking is a valid one, if there are as many drivers on here as they say. It may soon be possible to lower your insurance(motor), if your vehicle is fitted with onboard cameras. Much the same as has been introduced by their parent companies in America.

So before long there may private motor vehicles using these cameras, not just cyclists.

 

[tyred]

Pulls chair up to firseside, opens bottle of beer and sits back to enjoy. This will be better than Eastenders.

 

[classic33]

Pulls chair up to firseside, opens bottle of beer and sits back to enjoy. This will be better than Eastenders.

Why beer. Given the day, why not a Guiness or Murphys

 

[HF2300]

There are some who appear to be on commission for Ebay, with the way they want to deal with camera users.

I don't even remotely understand this bit...

 

[PBancroft]

Sorry about this, it seems to have been brought up before.

Reason behind asking is a valid one, if there are as many drivers on here as they say. It may soon be possible to lower your insurance(motor), if your vehicle is fitted with onboard cameras. Much the same as has been introduced by their parent companies in America.

So before long there may private motor vehicles using these cameras, not just cyclists.

I've heard of this. I'm not sure I agree with the idea that insurance premiums would be lower for those with cameras. I don't think that people will really go for it - or that it will make that much of a difference in a car accident.

 

[HLaB]

I've heard of this. I'm not sure I agree with the idea that insurance premiums would be lower for those with cameras. I don't think that people will really go for it - or that it will make that much of a difference in a car accident.

Its not that your car insurance will be lower if you have a cam, it'll be higher if you don't.

 

[TwickenhamCyclist]

If I had just attacked someone, and was therefore close enough to hit them, I would be close enough to see the camera. Even the most knuckle-dragging bonehead would be switched on enough just to give you an extra smack and take the camera.

There is a simple answer to this scenario. Cycle with your d-lock over the handlebars, if someone gets arsey twat them with it.

Now, no more camera threads and more direct action, theres the answer.

Hi Maggot

I got attacked by a white van driver a few years back – the d-lock did completely change his attitude towards carrying on – but that’s the main reason I got a camera. If I’d had one then he’d most certainly of been nicked rather than just been stopped.
My handle bar mounted camera looks like a light – I doubt very much if most people would realise it was a camera.

 

[magnatom]

A-ha, I'm half-way to proving my point. I just need someone to volunteer that they were half-beaten to death by a thug, who subsequently nicked their camera and I am home and dry in this whole sorry debate.

Anyone?

I was nearly slimed to death by a slug once, does that count?

 

[classic33]

A-ha, I'm half-way to proving my point. I just need someone to volunteer that they were half-beaten to death by a thug, who subsequently nicked their camera and I am home and dry in this whole sorry debate.

Anyone?

Never had one pinched in that manner.I did however have the rear mouted camcorder destroyed by the passenger, front seat, in a car. Thought it would be fun.

I had the tape, which gave me the picture of him destroying it among other things. Does that count?