Iñaki has been riding with the Northern Sydney Cycling Club for years, and he has seen it all. Armed with front and rear Cycliq cameras on every ride, he has made it his mission to hold dangerous drivers accountable. But after years of reporting incidents into what he describes as a feedback void, Iñaki has a bigger idea, one that could change the way cyclist-captured footage is used by authorities altogether. Here is his story.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is Iñaki’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I usually ride with NSCC (Northern Sydney Cycling Club) in one of our four Saturday groups. I have used Cycliq Fly12 and Fly6 light and camera devices for many years to capture proof of motor vehicle drivers’ foolish, dangerous, and illegal behaviour. There is always at least one incident on every ride. With both front and rear cameras, the evidence is solid and the driver’s irresponsibility is clear. The audio recorded can sometimes inform the assessment even further.
Only a few incidents warrant the time and effort to report to police. Unfortunately, NSW Police do not have dedicated online resources to deal with these reports efficiently and effectively. The Crime Stoppers online system is inadequate – reports are rarely followed up and no feedback is ever provided.
I would suggest that UpRide be granted some deputised authority to act on these incidents directly and issue traffic infringements and penalties, just as is done with camera-based offences like speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations. This would serve to deter the behaviour through enforcement and generate revenue from the penalties imposed.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
I always am vulnerable on a road with any traffic where the is no physical barrier between me and the motor vehicles.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Firstly, 100% enforcement through on-the-spot penalties based on camera evidence alone. Secondly, public education and awareness campaigns across widespread media and social media, similar to the “Do the Right Thing” campaigns of the 80s and 90s. These should inform everyone of the cyclist’s perspective and highlight that cyclists are often family members or friends, people you would never knowingly threaten or bully with a motor vehicle.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
I submitted a report through Crime Stoppers and received a submission number, but from past experience, no feedback is ever provided. Given that the evidence is just as strong as camera-based infringements like speeding or running red lights, offenders should be penalised and fined immediately. This puts the onus on the offender to defend themselves in court – which the majority would not bother to do.
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Get cyclist dashcams like mine and use them. Nothing will change, and things will probably get worse, unless cyclists take matters into their own hands in this way.
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