A cyclist in Menston, England, has been fined 1,200 British pounds (approximately $1,200 USD) after he reported dangerous driving to the police using footage he captured himself. While the video showed a car passing too closely to him, police determined that the cyclist also engaged in "riding without due care and attention."
According to West Yorkshire Police, the cyclist was riding too close to a parked car and an oncoming vehicle. Officers stated that he should have slowed down or unclipped from his pedals. The distance he maintained from other vehicles was deemed "significantly less than the car he reported earlier had given him." The cyclist was required to appear at Bradford Magistrates' Court.
"It is important that all road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others," a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said. "Whilst the cyclist was in the wrong on this occasion, there are plenty of cyclists on our roads who obey the highway code and ride responsibly."
This incident comes amidst broader concerns about the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. In Nottingham, police recently seized 60 bikes and e-scooters and prosecuted 38 offenders following public complaints about their use in pedestrian areas. Some offenders faced fines up to 1,000 British pounds and received eight points on their driving licenses. Legally, e-bikes in the UK are restricted to a top speed of 15.5 mph and a motor power of 250W. Non-compliant models are classified as motor vehicles, requiring insurance, taxation, and a license. Nottinghamshire police reported seizing one e-bike that reached a speed of 72 mph during testing.