Cyclists' latest weapon
MOTORISTS with little patience for cyclists have been warned their stunts on the roads will be captured on camera.
Bundaberg cyclist Jan Swanepoel added a sports camera to his helmet about six months ago, following concerns for his safety while riding on the city's roads.
"It's becoming more and more of an issue, this clash between motorists and cyclists," he said.
"I don't want to give up my cycling because of it."
Mr Swanepoel said the camera, which recorded live footage onto a memory card which was then downloaded to a computer, was a "back-up" should things go wrong on the roads.
"It's a good tool to have," he said.
"If something goes pear-shaped and ends up in court, it's probably the only way to have that kind of evidence."
Mr Swanepoel said he used his bike as a form of commuting and obeyed all the road rules, but there were motorists on the road who simply had no tolerance for cyclists.
"I have to say most people are pretty good - it's really the ones who don't want us on the roads that are the problem," he said.
Mr Swanepoel isn't the only one to be getting a workout, with his camera also put to good use since it was installed.
"The other day I had a truck passing me and he just started coming closer and closer and almost ran me off the road," he said.
"We've all had some close calls on our bikes."
The cyclist said it was "unfortunate" some riders were forced to take such measures to be safe.
"Five years ago, I wouldn't have even thought about it," he said.
"It's like insurance - you get it but you hope you don't have to use it."
Mr Swanepoel said the cameras could be bought for less than $100, but more high-tech cameras were available from anywhere between $300 and $800.
"I'd recommend it to any serious cyclists. They have been useful in the past," he said.
"I'm thinking about upgrading to a better camera."
