News / cycling
Case dropped against cyclist who filmed driver on phone
A cyclist who held up traffic for a few seconds while filming a driver he alleged was using their mobile phone while driving, has had a case against him dropped.
Tom Bosanquet was investigated by Avon & Somerset police after sending in footage of the motorist from his helmet camera.
Tom, who lives in Bedminster, was cycling through Stokes Croft in March when he spotted the motorist using their mobile phone. He stopped at the junction with City Road and told the driver to get off their phone.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dECm-zQ-nvA
A van driver behind Tom was subsequently held up for a few seconds, before sounding their horn and speeding past him and through a red light.
This was also caught on his helmet camera.
After watching the footage, police decided to prosecute the 43-year-old cyclist for “inconsiderate cycling” after he held up traffic.
Following this decision, support poured in for Tom both from individuals and from groups like Bristol Cycling Campaign and Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence.
Tom’s legal fees were covered by the Cyclists’ Defence Fund and he was due to appear at North Somerset Magistrates’ Court on October 7.
But the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case following a review that concluded that it was not in the public interest to proceed.
Main photo: Tom Bosanquet
Read next:
- Bristol needs a ‘comprehensive’ network of protected cycle lanes
- All-weather path officially opens in Stoke Park
- The multi-million-pound plans designed to improve cycling and walking in Bristol
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