mexredknee

I was intrigued by the idea of recording the trip to protect yourself in court, ect. I was wondering how a recording is accepted? Can anyone give me an actual case where a video helped them win a case (or find a hit-and-run driver)? I was hoping for some details.

I have considered mounting a camera to my bike to record the south and southwest areas of the bike. Before I make the purchase I want to know how a recording was recieved in court or by the police. All experiences are welcomed.

Thanks for your time

AndrewP

I think it would be received the same way security camera shots in variety stores are. Time and date overlays on the picture would be useful. There may not be enough resolution in the shots to get the plate number. The recordings could give you good entertainment and bike advocacy material.

mexredknee

Thanks AndrewP.
I'll keep the "Time and Date Overlays" feature in mind when shopping.

supcom

Video evidence can be very strong if it gives a clear view of the facts in dispute. It can certainly be challenged as to it's authenticity, when and where it was taken, etc.

You must be awfully paranoid to consider going to the extremes of installing a video camera on the bike to record a crash. Although you did not state where you ride, consider that in urban areas, most car/bike crashes occur at intersections and these usually occur in the forward hemisphere of the bike from right hooks, left hooks, and motorists simply running traffic lights. Very few crashes occur from the rear. In rural areas, most crashes occur from the rear as there are few encounters with cars at intersections and the closing rate of a car to bike along the highway is much faster than a typical urban road.

Unfortunately, a video record of a rear collision may only be useful to your family as rear collisions have a low survival rate.

Consider also that your recording media needs to survive a crash to be useful.

Brad M

aim one to the side for inadvertent drift

mexredknee

Eventhough I commute on back roads, I've had a few close calls. One car seems to demand the road so as not to move over when passing me. This car has repeatedly come whithin a 1.5' of me. I guess I could get the license and report it but I thought that a video record would be better.

As for getting hit when a car makes a turn, I've antisipated this by not allowing myself to stop next to a car at a turn. I'll hang back just in case the driver doesn't see me.

Paranoid? I guess. I count it being prepared.

spandexwarrior

I dunno about how videotape evidence would help in court, but I do know that my messenger friend finds that drivers are much more "courteous" when he has his video gear on while he bikes.
One thing I can do to help is show you ways to make videotaping real easy and fun. My friend has an camera attachment which is basically a special lens-thing attached to a cord which attaches to his camera in the AV slot. He velcros the lens part to his helmet and attaches his camera to his top tube. This is where you can find out more about them or make a purchase:https://helmetcamera.com (pictures below).
There are two other ways of mounting a video camera, which I know of. You will find them at these sites:

https://www.digave.com/videos/how.htm

https://www.camerahacker.com/build/Bi...ra_Mount.shtml

spandexwarrior

Some video cameras are crash proof. Lucas Brunelle says this about 2 models he uses:

mexredknee

Thanks everyone for all your input. I've decided to hold off for now.
When (or if) I do decide to purchase a video recording device I'll keep all this advice in mind.
Thanks again.