Helmet Camera - Any suggestions?

Not everyone can afford the latest GoPro camera. So please post what other options you are using for a helmet camera.

Contour Roam POV Camera review - Nice low profile camera fi you don't want a bulky camera with a playback screen. Priced around $150.00 I'd consider one. This camera was used by the TV show Dirty Jobs when they needed to go somewheres the regular cameras could not. And we all remember the nasty environments they used to film in.

It's all your fault

The next time you get hit by a car be sure to tell the driver “it's all my fault”. Or so claims Kah Chan or more aptly referred to as “Kahpow” (http://www.kahpow.co.nz/). A video game designer by trade, he claims that cyclists with helmet cams are antagonizing car drivers.

Mr. Kahpow posits the question; “Why have traffic relationships deteriorated to the point that cyclists feel the need for cameras as a self-defense mechanism?” He claims the videos often failed to provide any context to incidents and overwhelmingly present motorists in a negative light. There has been no deterioration, its always been this bad, now with small low cost video cameras it can be documented for everyone to see. If a driver is portrayed in a negative light its because they have chosen to do so


Cameras are the only way a cyclist can prove that they were verbally threatened by a driver or hit by a car. Why cameras? As pointed out in this article; “Without the striking car's make or model, tag numbers or further details, the case becomes challenging to crack”. And this was an article about hit and run car crashes. Helmet cameras may be the only way to get the license plate, description of the car and driver, since the hit cyclist will be in no condition to recall details like those. Video does not lie and it is a very reliable witness to fight against claims by the driver that “they came out of nowhere” or “I never saw them”.


Imagine having this guy behind you honking his horn for five minutes, they ran out of memory after 2 minutes. He was charged only because of the video and because the publicity another victim came forward.




Or getting hit by a car that drifts into your path and drives off. Arrested only because of video enchantment revealed the license plate.


Or worst of all, someone who deliberately hits you. Skip to the one minute mark if you don't want to see the context of someone riding a bike.


How much context does one need when someone uses their 2000 pound vehicle as a weapon? Cyclists are using cameras as a way to protect themselves and ensure they receive the full protection of the law that every other road user receives. Its people like Mr. Kahpow that seem to play up the concept that there is war between cyclists and cars. There is no war, just the desire to have equal protection under the law.

Really Philebrity, Really??!!

Philebrity.com likes to rail about Stu Bykofsky and anti-bicycle columns, but it appears they are intent on becoming the hipster version of Stu. Their most recent column, Reasonable Humans Draw Up Pedestrian–Cyclist Armistice That Will Be Followed Everywhere But Here Because Of, Well, You Know.

They allude that an article in Slate Magazine which promoted a simple solution of mutual respect between cyclists and pedestrians to end common misperceptions of each other. Philebrity’s response was, it won't work here because “you know”. The problem is, we don't know. Is Philebrity inferring that there is something unique about Philadelphia cyclists and pedestrians that won't make this work? Do they have to keep perpetuating the myth that all cyclists are bunch lawless renegades. Terrifying little old ladies as they ride on the sidewalks and running stop signs at will. Or a group of individuals on the fringe who ride because they have no choice because of DWI/DUI or a environmental extremist.

Why does Philebrity need to engage in the same type of pot stirring that Stu Bykofsky does? Is this a ploy to increase the number of hits on their website or do they truly feel that Philadelphia cyclists are a bunch of renegades? It would be nice if Philebrity could explain why this won't work, but only they know.

Friday Funnies - Bubble Wrap Bike

Yes I know its not Friday, but this is funny and a great way to start the week.

A Giant walks amongst us

You don't see to many advertisements on American television these days and while there are plenty in magazines its always the standard bike porn. Road racers in full kit glistening with sweat and mountain bikers bikers with a light layer of dirt on their faces, arms, and legs. Or pictures of the riders that are sponsored by various cycling manufacturers. You never see anyone normal, like the people you see when you are out riding your bike. Giant Bicycles has created two advertising campaigns that reaches to the general public and makes them ambassadors for their brand


In 2011 the Australian campaign reached out to the average cyclists who ride for fun, exercise, commuting, or race for the thrill of it. A unique commercial attracted 11,000 Australians to register for the opportunity to be one of 30 sponsored riders who would receive new bikes, accessories, and full year of tune ups and repairs.





The winners were truly a unique mix of cyclist and they can be found here.

The current Canadian campaign, “Random Acts of Bikeness” kicked off this summer. “If you see some ‘70s-looking detectives cruising around on Giant bikes, don’t run away. In fact, run toward them.
All summer, all across Canada, Giant’s super stealth, polyester-clad team will be hitting trails and festivals, bike parks and suburban sidewalks looking for totally random people to give new Giant bikes to. The campaign is called Random Acts of Bikeness, and it’s Giant’s way of taking bad, jiggly, rusty, beaten down bikes off the street and replacing them with much cooler rides. Watch this video to see how it’s all going down (and to see how good we look in mustaches.)”



Perhaps someday we may see an equally unique advertising campaign here in America has more cities improve their infrastructure and create more opportunities for cyclists..