Bike cameras

[Bosie]

With the increase in road rage towards bikers, I'm thinking of getting a bike camera for security.

Anyone have any experience with these gadgets?

Would you get one to face backwards, forwards or both?

Do you think they are worth it?

[DBarnes]

Craig,

We are looking at purchasing the Fly6; after what happened to Megan I am thinking this would be a great investment. Not sure if you need front and back but we are sure interested in getting a rear facing camera.

https://cycliq.com/

Rear Light /Camera $199
Front Light / Camera $399

[WendellC]

I think ideally you will need a forward and rear facing camera. As this covers vehicles not yielding as well issues overtaking. In terms of features, it is best to find one that will auto-loop so you don't have to continually clear the memory card to continue recording (I think a number of the cameras do this now including some GoPros).

The cycliq cameras are nice (but expensive) in that the combine a light and camera together so you can reduce the clutter a bit. I have the original Fly6 (kickstarter) and it works pretty well, although the actual tail light function could be brighter (I run a second brighter light in winter). I have had mixed results getting licence plates of speeding cars (e.g., see viewtopic.php?p=32047#p32047 ), but newer versions are higher resolution and have a higher frame rates so they will likely do a better job.

Camera in general are a hassle to run, as you only get about 5 hours run time so its one more gadget to charge, but now for better or worse I have a collection interesting transgressions. Some of the more interesting include:

• The recent sufferfest 80 kph close pass
• someone nearly clocking me in the Blanshard St. bike lane (wheels were over the white line - again no license plate)
• someone "rolling coal" on me (although I must say it was poorly executed)
• a variety of out of shape cyclists getting dropped while attempting to get a free draft down the peninsula when I commute home.
• a variety of lazy roadies picking up a free draft (few offer to take a pull)
• getting my doors blown off consistently by the same roadie day after day.
• e-bike riders blowing my doors off and aggressively passing on blind corners on the lochside path. That one was crazy as I actually bridged up and clocked them at 50 kph on the path!
• idiot with lumber sticking about 3 feet to the side of their vehicle
• various tight passes to get to a stoplight first
• people yelling word salads from passing vehicles.

Most incidents felt worse than they look on video (likely due to wide angle). Also zero convictions so far.

[Gerry L]

I have been using the Garmin radar the last few months.

Pros:
-detects the car before it is audible for a few extra seconds of warning
- shows how many cars are approaching and how fast
- if closing speed > 30 kph a red indicator shows on the head unit and maybe gives a chance to dive for cover
-useful when contemplating a left hand turn- help to know if more than one vehicle behind
-works best on back-roads- like a "car back" call to yourself
-changes pattern or brightness to alert drivers
-motor cycles are detected a few seconds later than other vehicles
-it will sometimes detect a group of cyclists (but not one)
-battery has lasted over 5 hours

Cons
-not useful in group rides. The "beep" is too quiet to hear over the noise of the other bikes and watching the display is not possible
-does not show if car is on collision course
-need to use a compatible head unit
-$270 at MEC

I find it most useful on solo rides on back roads- much like a rear view mirror.

Gerry L

[frankchien]

The Idea seems really very nice to implement..