Gopro experiment on bicycle

I recently purchased a Gopro camera and mounted it on a pole (facing rearward) to my rack as an experiment to determine how motorists would react/behave knowing that they were being recorded. My what a surprise (or not)!

When they figured that I had a camera on my bike they followed the rules of the road like in the book(Rules of the Road). They did not pull to close to me when we were stopped for a red light, they passed at the proper distance (3 ft), even the motorists in the left lane (on multi lane streets) behaved in a civilized manner. For the motorists who were acting a little funky, I purposely reached back to click (or not) the button, and then they changed their aggressive  driving behavior!

I suppose this proves that when people think that the are being recorded they become 'polite'.

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Permalink Reply by Waymond Smith on August 20, 2015 at 7:03am

I don't know where you bike, however I can only attest to what I experience while riding across Chicago (and yes I bike a lot through 'less desirable areas'). I been squeezed while using the bike lane (BTW i teach bike safety classes) by impatient motorists who felt they should use the bike lane because motor vehicle traffic is at a standstill, so HOW DARE YOU imply that I'm the cause of the road rage that these individuals display. Sorry, I don't ride in perfect neighborhoods like you!!!!!!

Why should I HAVE TO chose a different route due to the negligent behavior of a motorist?????

Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on August 20, 2015 at 8:58am

Thanks for posting this discussion about your Go-Pro experiment. I think it's raised excellent questions and concerns in regards to knowledge of the laws in relation to cyclists. I also love the recommendation that sometimes the best answer is to pull over and let a motorist pass you. Sometimes the infrastructure makes it challenging for cyclists and motorists to navigate through the narrow streets. 

I also feel responsibility as a cyclist and a motorist to be an ambassador, keeping my cool and following the laws. 

Permalink Reply by Dean Bekken on August 20, 2015 at 4:43am
Brilliant. For those who can't afford these devos, a fake camera could suffice?
Permalink Reply by Waymond Smith on August 20, 2015 at 7:05am

YES!

Permalink Reply by Vandarken on August 20, 2015 at 4:54am
Don't be so myopic. If cars all had cameras wouldn't YOU behave differently? You all know that you don't all obey the rules of the road.. I see it every day. In fact I recommend at test to see how much of the true rules you are aware of. It's people stupid. Cars and bikes are just transport vehicles, it's people who act like jerks when they feel entitled. This has gotten so outrageously divided as an issue... No different than every Democrat/Republican issue.... Everyone retreats to their own corner and throws verbal stones. Cut it out.

So now everyone gets cameras and start daring motorists to misbehave for that gotcha moment to post on youtube and to generate cycling community outrage?!? Cars get cameras in defense and the war of escalation ensues. Great solution. Let's turn Chicago further into a punitive city where fault is everywhere.

I've seen cyclists attack cars and busses with chains for the slightest things, intended by the driver or not, apparently for the adrenaline rush of "fighting back". That just primes the pump of driver aggression against cyclists.

I'm getting tired of this meme, both online and on the street. Instead of finding more clever ways to be "right" with all of the accompanying moral superiority and self congratulation- look for ways to make cycling on the road a safe and efficient experience. Most of the people I know who have been injured by a motorist have some significant blame for the incident; drunk, speeding through intersections, no helmet, no brakes... But I always hear that story about the guy in the BMW...

Cameras... We'll end up with universal citywide camera coverage just in case somebody breaks a rule. Personally, i don't want to live in a city like that. Calm down bikers... Learn to WORK with PEOPLE to make cycling better.
Permalink Reply by Fai Mok on August 20, 2015 at 5:24am

I obliged by the traffic laws on every ride as stated on the League of Illinois Bicyclists since I view myself not just as a cyclist, but an ambassador to cycling as well as a public relation representative of my bike club.  The problem is majority of the motorists does not know the law when it comes to encountering cyclists as the driving test doesn't ask any questions regarding cyclists.  When I took the test to renew my license 2 years ago, there was one question that was related to pedestrians and zero on cyclists.  The DMV need to revamp the questions on the test and do some serious PSA as they currently do with driving in construction zone and using cell phone when driving.

Permalink Reply by Steve G on August 20, 2015 at 6:27am

Yes! Communicating the law to motorists in an official way would do wonders. 

Permalink Reply by Steve G on August 20, 2015 at 6:39am

Don't be so myopic. If cars all had cameras wouldn't YOU behave differently? You all know that you don't all obey the rules of the road..

Actually, your post is an example of what you decry. To start out with, "Don't be so myopic" is itself a provocation.

What is needed is better driver education on the laws, and a general consensus that we all understand what they are, in the way we all would concede that there is a law against crossing the double yellow line. 

Permalink Reply by Fai Mok on August 20, 2015 at 6:58am

Not just driver education but also cyclists education as half of the cyclists don't know the law either.  I see at least one person every day who bike towards oncoming traffic, not using hand signals when turning, riding 2 abreast when vehicle is approaching from behind, etc, etc.  When you are riding unpredictably, it's hard for the drivers to anticipate your next intention.  And that doesn't include riding with no helmet and no head light and tail light during sunset or at night as well as not wearing light color clothing at night.

Permalink Reply by Steve G on August 20, 2015 at 7:56am

Sure! It's a problem. There is much more diversity among cyclists than drivers. For example someone who has several DUIs, can be riding their bike to work, or someone who has never driven a car or been exposed to the rules of the road, also. 

People who just moved here from other countries where bike riding is not considered a way of commuting also need to be educated to learn that riding with the traffic is safe. The wrong way cyclists are likely following the advice for pedestrians to walk against traffic. How do you reach these people?

The laws are behind the culture in this regard, so we need new laws that are appropriate, and ways to educate everyone on what they are.  

Permalink Reply by Bob Hoel on August 20, 2015 at 2:33pm

Steve,

A first attempt at this has been made by the League of Illinois Bicyclists with their Bike Safety Quiz.  There are 3 tracks available covering vehicular drivers, adult cyclists and juvenile cyclists.  The Quiz is found here: http://bikesafetyquiz.org.  The League has been urging police departments, schools and City Mayors to promote the tool to better educate everyone. The questions in the quiz were developed with the help of the Secretary of State's office to make sure they could support it. 

Beyond this, there is a movement afoot to make sure that more materials are included in the Driver's Training classes and there has been discussion in the State legislature to include a unit on bike safety and the rules of the road in elementary school.  The thinking here being to "catch them while they are young."

It is not a panacea but a start.

Bob Hoel

Director, League of Illinois Bicyclists

Permalink Reply by Joe Guzzardo on August 20, 2015 at 4:01pm

Bob, I'm curious. What's your position on the Idaho stop law? 

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