Current:Home > News"Cycling Mikey" is every bad London driver's worst nightmare-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
"Cycling Mikey" is every bad London driver's worst nightmare
lotradecoin services View Date:2024-12-25 14:50:34
London — If their own safety and the safety of others wasn't enough, drivers in London have one more good reason to pay attention and obey the rules of the road: He calls himself "Cycling Mikey." He's armed with a GoPro and police contacts, and he's not worried about making any friends on the roads of the British capital.
Mike Van Erp, originally from the Netherlands, has taken it upon himself to make London's roads safer by filming drivers breaking the law, usually by handling cell phones, with the camera attached to his helmet during his cycling commute to and from work. He then hands his videos over to police to use as evidence.
He estimated to CBS News that he's reported about 1,100 people over the past five years, with more than 800 being successfully prosecuted for driving offenses.
"The most I caught once was about 16 in an hour, and then I refused to look at anyone else because I would have no more time to live my life," Van Erp said, stressing that he doesn't do it for fun: "I don't want to do this. It's just a bit of civic duty."
Using his cameras, he records suspected law-breaking behavior (pretty much any use of a non-hands-free phone by a driver on U.K. roads is illegal) and the vehicle's license plates to enable police to prosecute the drivers.
"I don't think I'm a vigilante at all," he said. "I'm capturing the evidence, and then I'm letting the police and justice system deal with it."
Once the courts have made their decision, Van Erp uploads his clips to his YouTube channel in what he says is an effort to spread awareness and dissuade others from making the same mistakes.
It's a very personal mission. When Van Erp was 19, his father was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. He said his father's memory fuels his effort to make London's roads safer for his own children - even in the face of the regular threats and verbal abuse it draws from drivers.
"I mostly just remember the good times, but it still adds that little bit of discipline and steel to what I'm doing," he told CBS News, adding that he finds just crossing the road with his kids "quite scary sometimes. So, it's for them."
- In:
- Road Rage
- Drunk Driving
- London
veryGood! (33)
Related
- These six House races are ones to watch in this year’s election
- Flavor Flav and the lost art of the hype man: Where are hip-hop's supporting actors?
- British Olympian Harry Charles Is Dating Steve Jobs' Daughter Eve Jobs
- Jenna Bush Hager Shares Sister Barbara Privately Welcomed Baby No. 2
- Proposal to allow local police to make arrests near Arizona border with Mexico will appear on ballot
- Jessica Simpson Addresses “Misunderstood” Claim About Her Sobriety
- Yes, Nail Concealer Is Actually a Thing and Here’s Why You Need It
- Sam Kendricks wins silver in pole vault despite bloody, punctured hand
- Alabama Supreme Court authorizes third nitrogen gas execution
- Chicago White Sox lose to Oakland A's for AL record-tying 21st straight defeat
Ranking
- Detroit judge orders sleepy teenage girl on field trip to be handcuffed, threatens jail
- Trial starts in case that seeks more Black justices on Mississippi’s highest court
- Michael Phelps calls for lifetime ban for athletes caught doping: 'One and done'
- USA men's volleyball stays unbeaten with quarterfinal win over Brazil
- Don't be fooled by the name and packaging: Fruit snacks are rarely good for you. Here's why.
- Kansas sees 2 political comeback bids in primary for open congressional seat
- Simone Biles’ greatness is summed up in one photo — but not the one you think
- Teresa Giudice Explains Her Shocking Reaction to Jackie Goldschneider Bombshell During RHONJ Finale
Recommendation
-
What to stream: Post Malone goes country, Sydney Sweeney plays a nun and Madden 25 hits the field
-
One Extraordinary (Olympic) Photo: Lee Jin-man captures diver at the center of the Olympic rings
-
USA vs. Germany live updates: USWNT lineup, start time for Olympics semifinal
-
Chappell Roan may have made history at Lollapalooza with 'biggest set of all time'
-
Hurricane Ernesto aims for Bermuda after leaving many in Puerto Rico without power or water
-
What are the best tax advising companies? Help USA TODAY rank the top US firms
-
Houston mom charged with murder in baby son's hot car death; grandma says it's a mistake
-
Why this US paddler is more motivated than ever for Paris Olympics: 'Time to show them'