Should I get an action camera for my bike?

What is an action camera?

Action cameras are also called helmet or adventure cameras. They are small, often high powered digital cameras that are used for recording footage of action and adventure as it happens. 

Typically, action cameras use CMOS image sensors, and can take time-lapse and burst photos, as well as high definition videos. Some of the benefits of action cameras include overturning wrongful tickets and providing evidence in accident compensation claims.

What is an action camera used for?

An action camera is widely used in outdoor sports, such as biking, surfing, skydiving or snowboarding. They are often rugged, compact, handheld, or mountable, so that they can capture video and photos in a way that traditional cameras or smartphones can't.

Why do cyclists and motorcyclists have action cameras? 

Online videos have portrayed action cameras as being very useful in capturing evidence when accidents occur. However, they are also widely used to capture images and footage for both safety and fun. Here are just some of the circumstances you might find it beneficial to use an action camera: 

Record your great road trips 

Action cameras aren't limited to a sports environment. A lot of people decide to use action cameras when they travel. Road trips, in particular, have proven to be a great way to make the most of an action camera. As most road trips are planned around great views and landmarks, an action camera will provide plenty of opportunity to take great shots and make lasting memories.

Help improve your riding skills 

An action camera can be mounted just about anywhere, and a lot of bikers and riders choose to position them on their chest, helmet or the front of their bike, using an action camera bike mount. This way, it's easy to see where they might be able to improve their riding skills. A properly positioned action camera can capture footage of a rider missing apexes, entering turns too low, or even capturing parts of your body as you react to the trail. 

Help overturn wrongful tickets or fines 

According to Which? You can contest a speeding ticket several ways, this includes if you can prove that you weren't speeding or if there was no proper notice of the speed limit. In this case, an action camera may prove useful if positioned correctly while you're riding. 

Help prove liability in accidents

Using an action camera is an effective way to capture liability on camera. Unfortunately, traffic cameras might only capture a small part of an accident, or it might even miss it all together. A camera mounted from the riders perspective, on the other hand, can help prove how the accident might have happened, and who is to blame.

Do I need an action camera for my bike?

Whether a rider needs an action camera for a bike depends entirely on the individual, but action cameras are proving to be incredibly useful and beneficial. They have evolved in recent years to include

features that make them indispensable for the rider. These benefits include: 

•       Providing accident evidence
•       Detering road bullies
•       Spreading awareness of riding issues
•       Capturing amazing footage

How many bike and motorbike accidents are there per year?

You may be surprised to learn how many bike accidents per year occur in the UK. In 2020, there were approximately16,294 pedal cycle casualties, largely as a result of the driver or rider failing to look properly. There were also13,604 motorcycle casualties during the same year.

What features should I look for in a bike action camera?

If you're considering buying an action camera for your bike, you should also think about the sorts of features you'd like for your requirements. Some people consider which action camera has the longest battery life, others consider field of view. Here are just a few:

•       Video quality and frame rate
•       Shape, size and field of view
•       Image stabilising and mounting accessories
•       Durability and resilience
•       Battery life
•       Power accessories

Should I get a front or rear facing bike camera? 

Deciding whether you need a front or back facing camera is about more than personal preference. Some of the worst accidents occur when motorists are driving behind cyclists, leading a lot of organisations to recommend positioning a camera at the back of a bike. 

However, it's also recommended that you consider purchasing both a front and back facing bike camera, to capture as many angles as possible. 

Where should I mount my bike action camera?

While it's common for riders to mount their action cams on their helmets, there are a number of options you could consider. Some people prefer to mount their cameras on their chest area, which would require a septate harness. For those who ride motorbikes, a camera positioned to face the rider or the road would provide the most dynamic angles.

How do I attach an action camera to a bike helmet? 

How to mount a camera on a bike helmet depends entirely on the make and model of your camera. Generally, most people use a special helmet mount that's compatible with their cameras, alongside accessories such as safety adhesives and straps.

What should I do if I'm involved in a bike or motorbike accident? 

What to do after a motorbike accident depends on factors such as whether another party was involved, or if there is any damage to your bike. If you've been involved in an accident, and you've suffered an injury or your property has been damaged, you should get yourself and others out of harm's way. 

You should also get the contact details of the other party and any witnesses nearby.Take photos at the scene and report the matter to the police within 24 hours. If you've had an accident that wasn't your fault, you should see if you can make a claim for compensation.

Can I use my bike action camera recordings as evidence? 

Yes, you can use your bike action camera recordings as evidence. Using your bike camera recordings is a great way to document liability from your perspective. Traffic cameras might only capture part of the accident, or they could be placed at an angle that only captures part of the accident. However, action cameras are helpful in showing how an accident might have occurred, because they are usually positioned from the rider's perspective.

How do I start a bike accident compensation claim?

If your bike accident happened in the last three years and wasn't your fault, then there's a good chance we'll be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Call us on   or request a call back at time that suits you for free, helpful advice with absolutely no obligation to claim. Or start your compensation claim online today.