QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

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Thoglette
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QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby Thoglette » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:09 pm

Plan is to put footage on a closed facebook page and have lawyers review it prior to submission to police

Cyclists join campaign to film road rage and dangerous driving with bike-mounted cameras
But Steve Spalding from the RACQ "said he had serious concerns about the campaign".
Andree Withey, ABC QLD wrote: Road cyclists in Queensland are being urged to fit mini cameras to their bikes as part of a campaign to gather evidence against dangerous drivers.

But motorist lobby group the RACQ has warned the campaign could inflame tensions between cyclists and drivers and have the opposite effect on safety.
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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby Scott_C » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:38 pm

Thoglette wrote:But Steve Spalding from the RACQ "said he had serious concerns about the campaign".
Is Steve Spalding from RACQ suggesting that motorists will retaliate because they are being held responsible for their illegal behaviour on the roads? I can't see how else having the law actually enforced could inflame tensions, it isn't like BQ are asking for cyclists to fabricate false evidence, set traps or 'go after' motorists who have done nothing wrong.

As others have expressed on this website before, having cameras and knowing that there is a reasonable chance that illegal acts will be acted upon soothes tensions because cyclists are less likely to react aggressively in the moment if they know that they will get justice in the long term.

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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby Aushiker » Thu Feb 01, 2018 4:53 pm

Bicycle Queensland media release ...
Bicycle Queensland has teamed with a leading Queensland law firm urging frequent road cyclists to use cameras on their bikes, in a bid to build evidence against dangerous driving.

The call marks the launch of a joint campaign by McInnes Wilson Lawyers and Bicycle Queensland to improve safety for cyclists.

The project is the first of its kind in Australia and will include the establishment of a strongly policed Facebook group where Queensland cyclists can share camera evidence and seek informal legal advice.

CEO of Bicycle Queensland, Anne Savage, said the initiative would provide greater support to all vulnerable road users.

“This campaign will help to raise the benchmark in road safety for cyclists.

“We’re proud to partner with the Cycle Law team at McInnes Wilson to help make roads safer for all Queenslanders by discouraging dangerous driving.

“We receive hundreds of complaints each year from riders who feel like the law has failed them.

“Our aim is to strengthen support for cyclists while raising awareness and addressing dangerous and distracted driving.

“This campaign is the start of a community revolution to make our roads safer for all Queenslanders.

“It’s an innovative approach to try and achieve fair outcomes for cyclists and improve compliance with the law,” Ms Savage said.

Leading lawyer and head of McInnes Wilson’s Cycle Law division, Emily Billiau, said the campaign would serve as a strong deterrent against dangerous driving.

“Not only will the actions of irresponsible drivers be captured, but they can also be identified and reported to the police,” Ms Billiau said.

“There are three key advantages to cyclists using cameras – they deter motorists who would otherwise break the law, they gather evidence to help the police prosecute these law-breakers, and they raise awareness that there is zero tolerance for illegal behaviour on our roads.

“The footage captured on cameras can have great legal value, assisting cyclists with establishing liability.

“Our goal is to help cyclists present video evidence to the police so that the police can charge irresponsible motorists and issue them with demerit points.

“Drivers who receive repeated infringements for breaking the law stand to lose their licence – our aim is to ensure that the law removes them from the road in a timely and fair fashion, giving cyclists and other vulnerable road users the level of protection they deserve.

“Our ultimate aim is to make our streets safer for all Queenslanders.”

Cyclists who wish to register online to join the conversation are eligible to win one of 10 state-of-the-art cycle cameras.

For more information on the initiative, go to http://www.cyclelaw.com.au/the-on-bike- ... your-back/.
Andrew

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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby Aushiker » Thu Feb 01, 2018 5:01 pm

Scott_C wrote:
Thoglette wrote:But Steve Spalding from the RACQ "said he had serious concerns about the campaign".
Is Steve Spalding from RACQ suggesting that motorists will retaliate because they are being held responsible for their illegal behaviour on the roads?
He has a problem with the use of social media, i.e., Facebook. Seems to have a comprehension problem ... does not understand the word "closed" or that the purpose of the group is get informal legal advice. I suspect the presence of real lawyers will see any trolls quickly put in the place by facts.
Steve Spalding from the RACQ said he had serious concerns about the campaign.

"I think there is a real potential this will create division and set back the very good work that has been done to build greater awareness of cycling safety, road sharing and courtesy on the road," he said.

"There is already a mechanism and that is to take information or evidence to the police or the Transport Department to have it properly considered."

He said there had been prior incidents where video evidence posted on social media had enflamed emotion and proved unhelpful.

"It should be taken to the police and not to a third party or a social media forum," he said.
Andrew

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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby AUbicycles » Thu Feb 01, 2018 5:44 pm

The approachb appears to be a “qualifier” and cyclists would benefit by knowing if they have a fair chance of proceed and submit.

It shouldn’t prevent a rider reporting to the police when the ‘evidence’ is insufficient... even when police action can’t be taken, the police need to know that there are concerns and incidents as they have a role enforcing and influencing law/politics.

The law firm hs an advantage of winning new clients who can present a good case and BQ is bring their legal services a but closer to their members. Overall sounds good and they are actively trying to find approaches to enhance their services.
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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby Mulger bill » Thu Feb 01, 2018 8:29 pm

Has anybody pointed out to Spalding that none of this would be necessary if his members all drove responsibly and QPS did their job impartially?
...whatever the road rules, self-preservation is the absolute priority for a cyclist when mixing it with motorised traffic.
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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby ball bearing » Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:12 pm

I wager that Steve Spalding has no issues if motorists install dash cams.

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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby biker jk » Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:16 pm

Mulger bill wrote:Has anybody pointed out to Spalding that none of this would be necessary if his members all drove responsibly and QPS did their job impartially?
He know that but prefers the status quo of most close passes caught on video not leading to fines for motorists.

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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby Aushiker » Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:16 pm

Mulger bill wrote:Has anybody pointed out to Spalding that none of this would be necessary if his members all drove responsibly and QPS did their job impartially?
+1 Good point. Will add that to my tweets to @RACQ :)
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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby BJL » Thu Feb 01, 2018 9:33 pm

So what does the RACQ have to say about speed cameras, booze buses and red light cameras? Are their members more aggressive towards police now are they? The RACQ have NO credibility at all, except to their bogan, redneck members.

I didn't read the entire article, only what the OP quoted. Most of what the motoring lobby has to say in Australia these days is just complete BS. No responsibility for their actions or the actions of their members. But they're quick to point the finger at others.

The pedestrian council of Australia (or whatever they call themselves) is exactly the same.

Everyone wants ALL the rights in the world but bugger having to take responsibility for their actions.

Someone else is ALWAYS to blame.

It's just a shame that the cycling lobby in Australia is completely dysfunctional and cyclists don't dare stand up for their rights for fear of retribution. Ironic that, considering that cyclists dishing out retribution to moron motorists who put cyclist's lives at risk is frowned upon by fellow cyclists on these forums. You really don't get it. Humans only understand a limited amount of things. One of those is cause and effect. Do something bad to someone and something bad will happen to you. Therefore, you don't do anything bad. That's nature at work. Whenh you have a situation where retribution is unlikely, you have a problem, for the victim that is. And here we have motorists (the RACQ in this case) making thinly veiled threats towards cyclists and you all just fall into a heap.

And that's exactly what this is, a thinly veiled threat from the RACQ, 'You threaten us, and we'll get you'

Grow a spine folks.

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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby BianchiCam » Mon Feb 05, 2018 8:22 pm

From what I see of the page. Its main aim is to start more pressure on police to actually enforce the law which has been in place for 4 years.
I only moved to Qld last year yet I have felt the need to submit 9 cases.
The amount of victim blaming and excuses that could come straight out of a haters mouth is unbelievable.
It is one thing having a law.
Another one entirely getting the law enforced.
It is a very interesting forum and if any members here have or are having issues in the state of Queensland.
I strongly suggest you add any details to a very long list of folks with appalling experiences with Qld police, Cam

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Re: QLD: BQ encourages cycle cameras & enlists lawyers to review evidence

Postby fat and old » Mon Feb 05, 2018 9:30 pm

Partnering up with an ambulance chaser. I like it!!! Well done BQ, follow through!

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