Road cyclists in Queensland are being urged to fit mini cameras to their bikes as part of a campaign to gather evidence against dangerous drivers.

But motorist lobby group the RACQ has warned the campaign could inflame tensions between cyclists and drivers and have the opposite effect on safety.

Anne Savage from Bicycle Queensland said the call was aimed at achieving fair outcomes for cyclists and greater road-rule compliance.

“We receive hundreds of complaints every year from riders who feel like the law has failed them, particularly when it comes to close passing,” she said.

The campaign also involves McInnes Wilson Lawyers and requires riders to register to take part.

It will include advice on the best types of cameras and how to install them.

“Their footage will be posted on a closed Facebook site,” Ms Savage said.

“Lawyers will examine it and provide informal advice to people who are sharing the videos.

“We’ve been in regular discussion with the police and they understand as we do that there are issues and they too have problems using camera material as evidence.”

Because the quality of video footage can often be a problem in terms of prosecuting drivers, bike riders are being advised to have two cameras installed, one on the front of the bike and another on the back.

This could set back cycling safety’

Steve Spalding from the RACQ said he had serious concerns about the campaign.

“I think there is a real potential this will create division and set back the very good work that has been done to build greater awareness of cycling safety, road sharing and courtesy on the road,” he said.

“There is already a mechanism and that is to take information or evidence to the police or the Transport Department to have it properly considered.”

He said there had been prior incidents where video evidence posted on social media had enflamed emotion and proved unhelpful.

“It should be taken to the police and not to a third party or a social media forum,” he said.

Source
ABC News

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