Bicyclists are highly vulnerable when they share the road with motorists. A collision between a car and a bicycle typically results in far more serious injuries for the cyclist than anyone in the car. A driver who strikes a cyclist on a deserted street can leave the scene and potentially never be caught. Cyclists are also at risk of drivers with road rage and other criminal motives.
Could a camera help? Quite likely.
How cameras can be used to make cyclists safer
Many bicyclists use video cameras mounted on their bikes and/or their helmets to help protect themselves. GoPros and other video devices can capture the scene even if the cyclist isn’t able to. They can provide evidence showing what happened if a driver collides with a cyclist and capture a vehicle’s license plate and other information if the person who caused the crash drives away.
These cameras can help turn a crash from a “he said/she said” event to one where fault is clearly established. Cyclists can place the cameras on the front and/or back of their bikes. A rear-mounted camera can capture footage of a vehicle rear-ending a cyclist.
Protection against road rage and other violence
Cameras can also help prevent cyclists from becoming victims of violent crime. A driver who has it in for cyclists and decides to confront one whom they feel is intruding on their space will likely think twice before taking a swing or using a weapon if a camera on the cyclist’s helmet is seeing everything.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, the video from your cameras can help prove fault and get the compensation you need for medical bills and other expenses and damages. If you didn’t have your own cameras, there may be other videos from surveillance cameras in the area and other evidence that can help. An experienced attorney can help.