Sleaford Wheelers: Recording Rides for Safety

You might have noticed a few more flashing lights and camera lenses among our ranks on recent club rides. Sleaford Wheelers Cycling Club has made the decision to start encouraging members to record their rides, and we want to explain why we believe this is a positive step for our club and its members.

This decision hasn’t been taken lightly. We understand that the idea of being recorded, or recording others, can bring up questions about privacy and the general spirit of cycling. However, in light of increasing concerns about road safety and the availability of initiatives like Operation Snap, we feel the benefits now outweigh the potential drawbacks.

What is Operation Snap?

For those unfamiliar, Operation Snap is a police initiative that allows members of the public, including cyclists, to submit video footage of potential traffic offences they have witnessed. This can include incidents like dangerous overtaking, close passes, mobile phone use while driving, or running red lights. Police forces review the submitted footage and can take action, ranging from warning letters to fines, penalty points, or even court prosecution. It’s a tool that empowers vulnerable road users to contribute to their own safety and the safety of others by holding dangerous drivers accountable.

Why We Believe Recording is Necessary: A Balanced View

Our primary motivation for encouraging ride recording is safety and accountability.

• Deterrence and Evidence: The visible presence of a camera can act as a deterrent to inconsiderate or dangerous driving. In the unfortunate event of an incident, be it a close pass, verbal abuse, or a collision, video footage provides objective evidence. This can be invaluable for reporting to the police via Operation Snap or for insurance purposes. It moves any dispute from a “he said, she said” situation to one with a clearer, factual record.
• Protecting Our Members: As cyclists, we are vulnerable road users. Video evidence can help ensure that dangerous behaviour directed towards our members doesn’t go unchallenged and can contribute to making the roads safer for everyone.
• Improving Driver Behaviour (Hopefully!): Some believe that the more drivers are aware that their actions can be easily recorded and reported, the more likely they are to drive with greater care and consideration around cyclists. While not a guaranteed solution, it’s a step towards fostering a more respectful road environment.

Accountability for All Road Users

It’s also crucial to remember that accountability is a two-way street. Just as we might record incidents involving vehicles, many drivers now use dashcams – in fact, some surveys suggest around a third of UK motorists own one, with many more considering it. This means our own riding is also potentially being recorded. This underscores the vital importance of every Sleaford Wheelers member adhering strictly to the Highway Code at all times. This includes fundamental rules such as stopping at red lights, never riding more than two abreast (and singling out on narrow or busy roads or when necessary to allow vehicles to pass), and ensuring it’s safe before pulling out of junctions. Public perception of cyclists is often shaped by a minority, with common complaints including riding on pavements (unless it’s a designated shared-use path), not using lights at night, and weaving unpredictably through traffic. By consistently demonstrating responsible and lawful cycling, we not only enhance our own safety but also improve the image of cyclists generally.

Addressing the Ethics and Potential Criticisms:

We recognise that recording rides isn’t without its ethical considerations and potential for criticism.

• Privacy Concerns: It’s natural to think about the privacy of other road users or pedestrians who might be incidentally filmed. It’s important to remember that the primary purpose of these recordings is for safety and evidence in the event of an incident. Generally, filming in public places is legal, and dashcam footage is admissible in court. UK data protection laws like GDPR have exemptions for personal processing of data, which can include use for vehicle security.
• “Vigilantism” Accusations: Some drivers, and even non-cycling friends or family, might view recording as an act of “looking for trouble” or vigilantism.
  • How to respond: Emphasise that the goal is personal safety and a last resort for addressing dangerous situations, not to antagonise drivers. Explain that it’s about having a reliable account if something goes wrong. You can point out that police forces actively encourage the submission of footage for initiatives like Operation Snap.
• “What about cyclists breaking the law?”: This is a common deflection.
  • How to respond: Acknowledge that all road users should obey the rules. However, the potential consequences of a driver’s mistake are far more severe for a cyclist than the other way around. Recording dangerous driving that puts cyclists at risk is about addressing the greater potential for harm. The most common contributory factor in fatal or serious collisions involving cyclists and another vehicle is ‘driver or rider failed to look properly’.
• Criticism from non-cycling friends/family: They might not understand the risks cyclists face or see recording as an unnecessary escalation.
  • How to respond: Share your experiences (or those of fellow cyclists) of close passes or dangerous incidents. Explain that it’s a measure to feel safer on the road, much like a driver might have a dashcam for their own protection. Focus on the peace of mind it can offer.

Our Stance and Recommendations:

Sleaford Wheelers encourages members who wish to do so to use cameras on their rides.

• It’s a personal choice: No one will be mandated to record rides.
• Ride responsibly: Remember that the camera captures your actions too. Always adhere to the rules of the road and represent the club in a positive light.
• Know how to use Operation Snap: Familiarise yourself with the process for submitting footage to the relevant police force if you capture a dangerous incident. Generally, you need to ensure the original footage is saved, often with a minute of footage before and after the event, and be prepared to provide a statement. Police advise against sharing footage publicly if it’s part of an investigation.
• Don’t escalate confrontations: If an incident occurs, the advice is often to “Record, Retreat, Report”. Do not engage in arguments on the roadside; let the footage speak for itself and allow the police to handle it. Your safety is paramount.

We believe that by thoughtfully embracing this technology, we can enhance the safety and confidence of our members while contributing to a more accountable road environment for everyone.

Q&A: Your Questions Answered

Q: Why do cyclists feel the need to use cameras? Is it really that dangerous out there?
A: While cycling has many benefits, cyclists are vulnerable road users. In 2023, 87 cyclists were killed and 3,942 were seriously injured in Great Britain. Averaged over 2019-2023, 2 cyclists died and 80 were seriously injured each week. Many cyclists also report experiencing near misses and road rage. Cameras provide a way to capture evidence if an incident occurs and can act as a deterrent.

Q: Aren’t cyclists often to blame for accidents they’re involved in?
A: Statistics show that in collisions involving a cyclist and another vehicle, the most common contributory factor is ‘failed to look properly’, and this is often attributed to the driver. For example, one analysis indicated car drivers were responsible for 67% of accidents caused by a failure to look, compared to cyclists at 33%. While cyclists, like all road users, can make errors, data suggests that in the majority of incidents involving adult cyclists and vehicles, the driver is often deemed solely or partly responsible.

Q: Does submitting footage to Operation Snap actually achieve anything?
A: Yes, Operation Snap is proving to be an effective tool. For instance, West Midlands Police reported that in 2023, they received over 16,200 video clips which resulted in a nearly 85% success rate for prosecution, leading to actions like bans, fines, and court appearances. Other forces report that around 70% of submitted footage can be acted upon. Nationally, tens of thousands of submissions are made each year through the National Dash Cam Safety Portal.

Q: Is it an invasion of privacy for cyclists to film other road users?
A: Generally, filming in public places, including roads, is legal in the UK, and there is no expectation of privacy that would prevent it. Dashcam and helmet camera footage is admissible as evidence in court. The UK’s data protection laws (like GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018) primarily apply to commercial or systematic surveillance, and often have exemptions for purely personal or household activities, which can include using a camera for personal safety or vehicle security. It’s advised not to publish footage online if it’s part of an active police investigation, as this could compromise legal proceedings.

Q: What about cyclists breaking the law, like running red lights or riding inconsiderately? Cameras will capture that too.
A: Absolutely, and that’s an important point. We expect all Sleaford Wheelers members to ride lawfully and courteously at all times, setting a good example. Cameras hold everyone accountable. However, the focus of encouraging camera use is primarily due to the disproportionate risk cyclists face. While any law-breaking is wrong, the consequences of a driver’s error for a cyclist are typically far more severe than vice-versa. The aim is to deter and provide evidence for incidents that pose a significant threat to cyclists’ safety.

Happy and safe cycling!