GreenAnvil

This morning on my regular Saturday training ride I almost got hit by a truck. I came to a 4-way intersection with one of those roundabout and out of the corner of my eye I notice this full-size truck approaching the circle from my right. I have the right of way since I'm already in the roundabout and there are "Yield" signs posted... but this guy shows no signs of stopping. Knowing that whether or not I'm right if I get hit I'm going to lose anyway, I decide to stop as quickly as I could. The truck driver sees me at the last minute, jams on the brakes, and skids a few feet before coming to a full stop a few feet from me. I point to the "Yield" sign, but all I get in response is both the driver and a passenger making angry gestures and signaling for me to get off the road. I got angry and almost flipped them off, but kept my cool and pedaled away. It's just not worth it stepping down to the level of some people.

I normally do this ride with my family, but one of my kids had to work, the other is swamped with college homework, and my wife had to skip the ride, so I was alone.

I've been seriously thinking on getting either a GoPro or a Garmin VIRB and mounting it on either my helmet or my chest so I can have more control on where I point the camera. I'm thinking that if perhaps drivers see that they are being recorded they'll be a little more civilized, although with Florida being full of morons on trucks I'm not so sure. (Yes this is only one instance, but a see plenty of morons on trucks and SUVs on my way to work everyday.)

Is any one using a camera as sort of a "safety device" while out training? What are you using and/or what woud you recommend?

Thank you.

BobbyG

I commute and have been using a helmet mounted camera for two and a half years. My first was a cheap cast-off but it worked. For the last year and a half I've been using a contour roam. I can tell you it doesn't help cars realize you have the right of way. What has worked for me is an AirZound airhorn. You pump it up with your bike pump and it sounds just like a handheld stadium horn or boat horn. I know it works 'cause I often "get the finger". Even in winter with their windows rolled up, I often see a driver's head snap in my direction when I honk to let 'em know I'm there. But even then, some people just don't care as their "lizard brain" says "I'm bigger, I have the right of way"
Here's some video including horn honks:
https://youtu.be/e_lCi0iWDgg?list=PLf3ojHz4OgojXJqeh7c5TfAHK4EOymjDg

Chris0516

I have a GoPro Hero 4 Silver for all my rides. Since I am not in training. Which I mount on a Chest Mount Strap. I use a Chest Mount Strap. Because, Prior to getting my camera(as a birthday gift in May). I managed to get the Chest Mount Strap from a local bike shop. At that time(back in May), GoPro accessories(Chest Mount Strap, Re-Chargeable Battery X 2, USB Battery Charger) were 1/2 off.

I use a Chest Mount Strap, instead of mounting it on my helmet. Because I watched a lot of helmet-mounted cameras' on YouTube. If the person suddenly moved their head. The image of the camera would move with the person's head. It would make me feel queasy.

dynodonn 

Chris, how's that chest mount working out, I tend see a lot of hands and handle bars in many chest mount videos that I have watched.
I've found that an additional rear facing camera is very useful too, maybe the B'day gods will be smiling again sometime in the future, and you might have two cameras in your possession.

Chris0516

I am extremely glad I got the Chest Mount Harness. Yes, I do see my hands in the videos'. But I angle the camera. So I can get rear license plates as they pass me too closely. If n' when I get a second camera. I will mount that one my helmet and have it facing rear.

dynodonn 

I mounted my rear camera to the side of my rear basket, since I had the issue of a helmet mounted camera not pointing in the direction that I would have liked it to be, at times that I really needed it the most. Plus, the location of where I mounted the rear facing camera, I have viewed several close passes that were much, much, closer than I had originally thought at the time.

Chris0516

I have been thinking about that aspect too. Which is why I got the Chest Mount Strap for the forward facing camera. I have thought about the seat stem. But, If I mounted it on the rear seat stem. I would have to decide whether my rear light would be above or below the camera.

Also, Since I don't use mirrors, I turn my head. That would be disconcerting to see on the camera. With the constant movement of my head. Then again, since I turn my head to the right to look with my peripheral vision to see what's behind me. That would turn the camera to the left. Which would catch the vehicle passing me, on camera for the length of the pass.

1983

Another non-incident a/s thread. Go figure.

dynodonn 

Nothing wrong with some BF members in their wanting to share or gather information from one another.

1983

The information is already there, many times over, as threads of this format are posted frequently.

jgadamski

I like the horn for drivers using cells. Well worth the cost for the enjoyment of watching them freak out.

hooCycles

You're right. From now on I'll only post if I die in a fiery wreck.











Wait wut?

1983

Now don't be silly, they only have satellite internet in the afterlife so good luck getting a decent connection.

Feel free to post other non events too like OMG I ALMOST SPILLED MY COFFEE, HOLY ****, sorry something almost just happened (but didn't)...what were we talking about again?

Chris0516

Ditto!!! I guess then, we will be 'HOT' stuff by the police. Who will want to put out the flames then. But not until then.