Cycling Vigilante Criticized for Following Police Car Through Traffic Jam

A Liberal Democrat councillor in Bournemouth, England, has been criticized for following closely behind a police car responding to a 999 call, using the cleared path to filter through a traffic jam. Adrian Chapmanlaw, who has a reputation for confronting drivers for perceived infractions, posted a video of the incident on his YouTube channel, Dorset Safer Roads.

Chapmanlaw was riding his bicycle on a busy road when an emergency vehicle approached from behind. Like other motorists, he pulled over to the side. However, after the police car passed, he proceeded to ride through the gap created in the dual carriageway, overtaking and undertaking stationary cars to catch up with the emergency vehicle.

He defended his actions, stating, "When the police part the seas for better filtering. It is always busy here, there's no cycle lane and I always end up filtering through the queue... The police vehicle just made it easier for me." He also noted that while such an action might be illegal in a car, filtering on a bicycle is legal.

However, guidance from the Home Office suggests that while not explicitly illegal, riding behind a police car on a 999 call can lead to prosecution for careless or dangerous cycling if it endangers others. Many road users and campaign groups have condemned Chapmanlaw's actions as dangerous and arrogant. A spokesperson for Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) & Dorset Motorists stated, "He acts like he is a pseudo cop and now he thinks he can ride like one... If you were one of those drivers you wouldn't necessarily think to look over your left shoulder to make sure there is nobody coming up from your inside after you have seen the police car go through."

Chapmanlaw has previously reported nearly 70 drivers for using their phones while driving since 2023 and has clashed with motorists over issues such as insufficient passing space and tailgating. He has also been criticized for his behavior in other traffic-related matters, including filming children while attempting to catch motorists parking illegally. Complaints to the BCP Council regarding his conduct have been rejected as he is considered to be acting in his own time for his YouTube channel.