[Closed] Assaulted on my road bike (again!) camera recommendations please

in future don’t call car drivers idiots, just think it.

Yep. Learned this years ago. Just smile and wave. Ruins their day.

As I said last time this happened, hit the **** back.

Sounds awful. I have no useful advice but you have my sympathy.

I have one of the cheap ones from chilli tech it does the job.

Police are ****ing idiots, why would you call them if the driver had done nothing? Do they seriously not know the reality of riding a bike on the road? Idiots. Thats why you have to take the ****ing law into your own hands. Camera? you need a gun! 😂

Heres a uneventful video

I've had 3 or 4 incidents I've reported all have shown very clear reg numbers, including in low sun situations, not looked at any recordings from night time tbh.

Police are **** idiots, why would you call them if the driver had done nothing?

That'll stand up in court.

I was punched off my bike after confronting a driver who cut me up while on his phone at traffic lights. He punched me twice but I didn't lash out at the driver. I just wish I'd never rang the police and dealt with it myself as the police tried to blame it on me. Luckily not a lot of people decide to confront a muscular 6'5'' heavily tattooed bloke.

I've got Cycliq front and rear - one close pass recently the low sun meant the plate wasn't clear in the front camera but was fine from the rear camera. One thing I've learned is that you're unlikely to get much feedback from plod, sometimes all they do is acknowledge the poor driving and say the incident will be added to their database. Hope they've got plenty of capacity...

I have two cameras for sale

https://m.pinkbike.com/u/thepodge/buysell/

I'm open to offers.

To the OP - glad you are ok. It’s a real shame we have to consider having cameras on our bikes to be able to get some sort of police action taken against these bullies.

What's required is a covert network of cycle vigilantes, ably supported by a police insider (provide name and address info based on reg number), who can provide appropriate retribution where the authorities fail to take appropriate action i.e. 99% of cases. The retribution needs to be swift and excessive (possibly limited to vehicle damage for a first offence) so the aggressive lying fxxk knows full well what happened, and that it can happen again and again if needs be.
Experience an incident, report the incident to the police, if appropriate action not being taken there and then e.g. an arrest, report it to the good guys for swift and appropriate retribution.

The current situation is wholly unacceptable.

The above actions could result in societal change, hopefully very quickly. It would definitely help individuals make better choices.

Just a thought, and no doubt needs some fine tuning by the Hive Mind.

The sad fact is that as a vulnerable road user (I'm both a cyclist and motorcyclist) you can be morally correct but you're very likely to come off worse. Once you're off the bike / out of the car, it's a different story.

I've had a guy try and do the same to me on the motorbike and end up chasing me to try and get me. Until he realised I was heading directly to the police station.

Anyhow, the advice I can give you is make sure you have a decent low light if you are riding at night, as you will want the reg number. I only got a partial when someone ran a red light. That and the police "declined to attend the scene".

That and decent stabilisation.

Something like the Go-Pro Hero Session may do the trick.

But consider where you mount it, if someone tries to push you off the road and your camera is forward facing you're not going to get much.

A-A's video used to be my commute home for about 15 years! I reckon 50% of the time the drivers at the first mini-roundabout failed to stop, just like the black RR.

The retribution needs to be swift and excessive (possibly limited to vehicle damage for a first offence)

Nope, vehicle damage just cements the cyclist hate, they need confronted and if they threaten or assault, then return the compliment.

They wouldn't pull someone up in the pub for being in their vicinity without expecting the potential for it to kick off, a skelp in the mouth will make them think next time.

Otherwise the next poor bugger to get in their way gets the same treatment.

A chap I know, a lawyer funnily enough, when confronted by anything like this is just ultra polite. I have witnessed it first hand, the aggressive party is so shocked by being addressed as sir, and have a frightfully nice day, they are in shock and just back off.

I don't think I could do it without cracking up laughing, he is super posh though.

I dont get how he drove his car into you if he had already overtaken you 'I got overtaken on a blind corner'? Perhaps you stopped him?

How did he hear you call him an idiot if he had overtaken or as he still behind you?

Confused.

Glad you are OK.

I dont get how he drove his car into you if he had already overtaken you ‘I got overtaken on a blind corner’? Perhaps you stopped him?

How did he hear you call him an idiot if he had overtaken or as he still behind you?

Should I draw you a picture? 😉

He was overtaking me on the blind corner.
As he was alongside me I called out 'idiot'.
He heard me, slowed down, and preceded to aim his car towards the side of the road, blocking my path and forcing me between his passenger door and the hedge.

After I had a prick in a big Jag turn across me and write off my nice road bike before driving off back in May I have got all camera’d up.

Cycliq Fly12 CE on the front which has been reliable and the footage is good.

I also had a Cycliq Fly6 gen 2 on the back which was fine until I went out in the rain and it promptly self destructed so that went back for a refund.

I am now waiting for the Fly6 gen 3 to start shipping which is apparently waterproof.

I think to get a really good perspective of close passes you really need front and back cameras. Just having the front doesn’t show the build up to the manoeuvre.

I’ve reported a number of close passes and dangerous moves this year and to be fair to the police they have followed them all up promptly. A couple they have said it’s not close enough in the video to follow up (see above) but a couple they have taken action against the drivers involved.

I am actually thinking about getting a dash cam for the car now as it makes everything less stressful knowing that if someone does something stupid (sometimes other cyclists!!) then it’s captured.

I highly recommend the fly rear camera/light. I have the Aldi copy (which is no longer available) but would buy the Fly if the current one(s) ever fail. I have one of them on each of my bikes and always turn them on because it is a rear light if nothing else for each journey.

I have had a successful prosecution from it and it shows what the driver is doing as they start to pass you.

I have also bought one of those cheap Chilli bullet cams for the front recently (after a PSA on here).

When I sense someone is going to overtake me on a blind bend I put out my right arm and go to the centre of the road as though I am turning right/going across the road until I get just around the bend and as long as nothing is coming move back to the left.
Try that instead of shouting idiot and then getting knocked off into a hedge...

CycliqPlus front and rear, not sure what generation, but proven reliable (and, unfortunately, highly useful) for me. Best having front and rear to collaborate/provide a clearer view of incidents IMO.

Hence the reason why I'm an mtb'r, I ride on main roads as little as poss.

in future don’t call car drivers idiots, just think it.

I thought that after the first assault - driver cautioned.

Still occasionally slips out my mouth though 🙄

It’s not just as cyclists that we are vulnerable, i had a ****wit drive through a red light and hit my car a few months ago.
She admitted it, and her insurance paid for my car to be repaired (almost 3k, for barely visible damage)
But it brought home to me how vulnerable i am if I’m on my own and there are several ‘winesses’ in another vehicle.
Camera was bought while i still had the courtesy vehicle.

Wish I had a camera a couple of weeks ago.  Early Sunday morning, just gone into Tier4 so quiet roads.  On the way into Windsor (long straight road past Runnymead) I felt a car really close pass me, no-one on the other side so no need.  There was another cyclist 100 yards in front of me, the car actually moved towards the cyclist to pass and only missed him by about a foot, I was so angry but utterly helpless to do anything.  I assume that if caught on camera this could have brought a case/charge?

I assume that if caught on camera this could have brought a case/charge?

Yes, in my experience reporting these types of incidents, it comes down to if the car gets within a certain distance as to constitute a close pass, the police will then do something with it.

Generally now instead of getting angry I just point to the camera, depending on how daft it is - sometimes the red mis descends and abuse will be shouted 😀

A-A’s video used to be my commute home for about 15 years! I reckon 50% of the time the drivers at the first mini-roundabout failed to stop, just like the black RR.

Yeah I saw it coming a mile off. I'm compiling a library of similar incidents to send to council. Its fine for you and I but right next to the school it does worry me.

When I sense someone is going to overtake me on a blind bend I put out my right arm and go to the centre of the road as though I am turning right/going across the road until I get just around the bend and as long as nothing is coming move back to the left

Did you read my op?

I sensed him coming up behind me, so took primary position near the middle of the road.
He still overtook me.
One of the first things he shouted at me after he'd assaulted was that I'd 'cut the corner' so he'd had to go round me.
I pointed out that is taken up space on the road to stop him overtaking, but in his mind I'd just got in his way.

Here's what to do. As soon as he gets out the car kick the living shit out of him. Leave him bleeding and unconscious at the side of the road.

Ride home, get your car, and return to the scene of the crime. Kick your left headlight in, call the police, and be sure to say to the brain damaged **** in the ditch, 'Sorry mate, I didn't see you'.

When they arrive say, 'He came out of nowhere. But let's be honest, he was parked in a really stupid place.'

Your word against his. Easy.

I have nothing to suggest in way of camera recommendations, but I can offer the following

1) People will cut you up on the roads. Often. In most cases this isn’t deliberate - it’s because they’re not very good at dealing with / passing cyclists. Don’t react when they do. Just let it go, otherwise you’ll end up a very angry person.

2) If you do end up in a situation where someone’s threatening physical violence, make it really clear that you’re not intimidated by them. Don’t get emotional, and make it clear that you have no interest in deciding who’s right or wrong. Meanwhile be prepared for them to try and take a swing at you, and if they do, make sure you absolutely leather them. Most people - especially those who talk big - don’t expect to get punched in the face. As soon as they see that’s a possible outcome of their inability to keep their emotions in check, and that the person they’re shouting at might be the person delivering said punch they often back down. Also, most people are really sh*t at fighting.

Naturally though, violence is a last resort and the taking the first option of defusing the situation by showing you’re; not emotional, not apologetic, not threatened, and not threatening is the best option. Whoever’s shouting at you will likely run out of steam, realise that they look like a crazy person shouting at a (calm) cyclist, and wheel spin off in their £379-a-month 2.0 diesel in some desperate attempt to show you and all who’re now watching that they’re still the alpha.

3) Actually, I do have advice on the camera front. Don’t bother. As much as I have respect for the Police, they’re stretched and if you present them with the evidence of an angry man hitting you, complete with reg number, what do you *really* think the result will be? Unless Mr Angry Man is a known crim and Plod are looking for _something_ to stick him with so he sees time, chances are that the worst Mr Angry Man will get will be a little visit and some finger wagging. To re-iterate, this isn’t a dig at the Police - I have the utmost respect for anyone that does the job and a few of my close friends are serving front-line officers. It’s just the reality of a world where they’re stretched following years of cutbacks.

3) Actually, I do have advice on the camera front. Don’t bother. As much as I have respect for the Police, they’re stretched and if you present them with the evidence of an angry man hitting you, complete with reg number, what do you *really* think the result will be? Unless Mr Angry Man is a known crim and Plod are looking for _something_ to stick him with so he sees time, chances are that the worst Mr Angry Man will get will be a little visit and some finger wagging. To re-iterate, this isn’t a dig at the Police – I have the utmost respect for anyone that does the job and a few of my close friends are serving front-line officers. It’s just the reality of a world where they’re stretched following years of cutbacks.

I disagree with this entirely. Presenting evidence of dangerous and/or careless driving to the police with a nice video and all the forms filled out for them makes it easy for them to tackle dangerous drivers and many of said drivers have points/fines/courses as a result. These drivers might think twice about that close pass or take extra care at junctions in future...

Would you suggest that just because many people are shit at driving and either willingly or unintentionally endangering other road users that everyone should just accept it?

Just had a very nice email from the officer who attended the incident...

I have crimed this incident as a common assault by beating. The crime number is CR/*********

As I explained at the scene, I am afraid that there is little that can be done in this case. I do understand how frustrating this is, but the incident was effectively one word against the other, without any corroborating evidence.

This does not mean that I don’t believe that a crime was committed, just that there is no evidence to proceed further.

So basically, we know he was lying, but there's nothing we can do.

Must be frustrating for them too.

Anyway, the ****s details are on record, so if he does it again he'll hopefully get collared.

Chrisdb I agree, whatever all the internet hard men say, vigilante would is not for me.

Only time I well and truly lost it was when some fanny got out his car to have a go at me after cutting me up.

I'm not remotely hard in any way but im not having some fat little prick try to knock me off my bike then think he can intimidate me, especially given it was evident he was a little runt of a man. Closest I've been to fighting someone in about 20 years.

That said my reaction may have been more restrained if he had looked like a threat to my safety!

not emotional, not apologetic, not threatened, and not threatening is the best option.

It's true, much as I disagree with most of that post. Last one I had, saw him turning round to come and have a go at me. Parked the bike up, took off my helmet and walked up to the car.
After a bit of abuse about how crap his driving was and how much his child transporting car stunk of weed, he just drove off. Half my age, so lucky really.
Yes, OP, get a camera, but don't spend Fly money on it, they're well overpriced for something you'll use (in anger) so infrequently.

I ride an adventure motorcycle and I have a Go Pro on my lid. This is mostly to record my trail riding exploits but I do find having a camera makes a massive difference to how people treat you.

For example once I was travelling down a lane in Norfolk when I met a group of the tweed jacket types on a shoot.

One took offence to my motorcycle and raised his gun towards me, until he saw my cam and then he started waving at me and practically begging me he was joking. He got lucky that day as my battery had gone flat or I would have gone to the police.

Numerous other times car drivers have backed off when they notice the Go Pro.

My favourite is passing someone in their cage when on their phone, I ride  beside them and look in their window and point at my cam. Often they drop the phone or throw it to one side 🙂

So my advice would be, whatever cam you get make it nice and visible!

p

Chrisdb I agree, whatever all the internet hard men say, vigilante would is not for me.

Just because someone is willing to say they'll have a go back when someone is an arsehole, doesn't make them an internet hardman Al. I've not had a fight for about 20 years, thankfully as it's not nice, but if I think I'm gonna get skelped by some prick out his car, I'll be getting in there first.

And vigilante is something completely different.

Edit - flat pedals ftw, you don't wanna be adopting queensberry rules with disco slippers on!

I’m always a little bit disappointed when I hurl a load of abuse and gesticulation at an errant car driver that has somehow wronged me and the brakes lights don’t even flicker.

Oh no. I remember your last thread.

I really wanted you to say you'd been assaulted then retaliated with change back.

If you're not going to get into it, or at least front up so that he thinks there's zero chance you're not RIGHT up for it.

Best to not remonstrate if you don't agree with their driving.

Just saying.

If you’re not going to get into it, or at least front up so that he thinks there’s zero chance you’re not RIGHT up for it.

I'm not a cowery person - 'oh please don't hit me sir!'
But then neither am a fighty person.
I've had two fights in my 45 years on this earth...
One was punching a bully at school, and the other was stepping in when I saw a bloke beating up his girlfriend (I gained a broken thumb and a black eye for that good deed).

I will however express my opinion on shit driving, and stand my ground if someone threatens me.

Why should I cower if some bully in a car thinks he can walk all over me?

Hopefully me going through with calling the cops will make him think next time. He wasn't charged, but it will be on record with his name and reg number.

Describe the situation a bit more - you called him an idiot as he passed you, or before, or after ?

How did he hear in any of those situations (assume you're in the UK, it was ****ing freezing and his windows were up) ?

No swearing; how much gesturing or slapping of roof/window ?

I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been assaulted. It boils my piss when I hear about stuff like this.

Riding a bicycle on the road is dangerous and stressful and I’ve now completely given up on it. I was either going to end up having the shit kicked out of me or doing time for skudding some pricks face off their bonnet for close passing me.

Worst one was the agressive little bell end revving his engine, shouting at me (literally in front of a city centre police station!) before a ludicrous close pass and then him arriving at the back of a traffic jam some 5 seconds later.. for having the cheek to be on the rod on a bicycle.

Me offering some complete stranger his gans 100 yards from the office by braying on his window explaining what I thought of him and his driving was not one of my finest moments.. Although it was quite funny to watch him sink into his seat and not move his gaze from dead ahead as some 16 stone skinhead geordie bloke screamed incoherent nonsense at him 😃

Commuter bike now permanently attached to turbo trainer.

@scaredypants

Honestly no swearing, gestures or slapping.
I shouted it as he passed me.

My first comment to the Policeman was 'sorry I shouldn't have shouted at him.'

POs answer, 'I would have sir'. 😆

I had an incident months ago with a riverford veg driver. He tried to overtake me when I was in a right turn lane at a roundabout, chased me round the roundabout revving his engine and then came alongside to shout some nonsense. I contacted riverford and their response just blamed me.

This man was not the worst I have seen. Kill them with politeness and blow a kiss. Tends to work.

Really it should be cars that have the cameras/ voice recorders not bikes. That way pc plod could just visit said motorist, view the black box record or do it remotely and all the evidence is there. It would make the roads safer for us all, peds, cyclists, motorists, animals, everyone...

Riding a bicycle on the road is dangerous and stressful and I’ve now completely given up on it. I was either going to end up having the shit kicked out of me or doing time for skudding some pricks face off their bonnet for close passing me.

This +1.
If the government want to lower CO2 emissions they need to provide a safe environment with educated road users backed up with enforcement. Similar to the above I'm done with bicycle commuting after 15years.

Did you read my op?

I sensed him coming up behind me, so took primary position near the middle of the road.
He still overtook me.

Did you read mine? I said I actually indicate (and continue to hold my arm out) rather than just move near the middle of the road I am actually in the middle of the road with my arm out. As soon as I know 100% that nothing is coming the other way, there is not a horse or cow standing in middle of road etc,. I move back to the left and 'cancel' my indicator.

I have a few blind bends on EVERY ride and haven't been hit into a hedge yet.

Top tip - if you are going to shout and gesture do it when they are well past you so you can see if they are going to stop and you can be ready to take action and more importantly not get knocked off.