Cyclists back camera campaign

May 10 2012 by Lawrence Poole, Buckinghamshire Examiner

john somers

CYCLISTS from across the area have backed a campaigner who is riding to work with a mobile camera strapped to his helmet to record bad drivers and pothole-blighted roads.

Last week we reported how John Somers, 45, who lives in Wentworth Place, Chesham, rides to work in Northolt and has become so fed up with the sights he encounters he now films them and passes bad driving incidents to the police.

Keen cyclist John Morris, 76, lives in Coleshill Lane in Winchmore Hill and is president of the Wembley Road Club.

He said: “I do have sympathy with him and I bet his videos make for some hairy viewing at times.

“I think in the main most drivers are good but you do get the odd driver who sees you as a gap to pass through – I always ride wearing a fluorescent green top and a flashing red light, night and day.

“I think most drivers if they can see you do give you space, but it doesn’t help the roads are so appalling – they’re third world in some places.”

Graham Nye cycles to work in Gerrards Cross every day from his home in Maple Cross.

He said: “I can understand where he’s coming from – the roads are pretty shocking and I’ve written to Transport for Bucks about them – when there’s no lights too you are taking your life in your own hands a bit.”

Tim Ward has been a driving instructor for 10 years and runs Chess Drivers, based in Westwood Drive, Amersham.

He said: “I suppose I do have some sympathy with them – the roads have been getting worse and to be fair to the council they are trying to do something about it, but there is just so many of them.

“I would say drivers need to be a bit more aware of cyclists, especially considering the state of the roads they might not be able to ride as close to the kerb as they’d like.”

n Are you a cyclist or driver? Do you share Mr Somers’ concerns? Email our letters page at bucksnews@trinitysouth.co.uk.