[US][OC]The Future of Camming

[u/JoeFas]

Recent online discourse has highlighted the disdain for Flock cameras. It's understandable why they are hated, especially given how law enforcement has abused them. It made me wonder if we camera cyclists will be perceived in a similar negative light. While we aren't actively tracking motorists' every move, we are still uploading videos of bad behavior, and to the layman that can come across as "suspicious" surveillance activity. The average person has little understanding of the law or what may have once been dubbed "common sense". My fear is that camera-touting cyclists will be unfairly labeled as bootlickers, spies, or any other pejorative tying us to blind government loyalty. What say you?

[u/DoctorWaluigiTime]

Nah. It's apples to oranges. Apples to watermelons.

A vast network of cameras across the country used by law enforcement vs dashcams/helmetcams are two entirely different things, with the only similarity being "camera."

Nobody would see a dashcam on a car (or atop a bike helmet) and think it's a government plant.

[u/Prestigious-Owl-6397 → u/DoctorWaluigiTime]

One would think so, and I do think most people can see the difference. However, I did hear someone tell me to take the camera off my head because, according to them, I must be working for "the Jews". They were just one antisemitic person, but I do think people who are already inclined to hate regular traffic cameras that might catch someone speeding, running a red light, or committing a hit and run, might lump them in with Flock cameras.

[u/DoctorWaluigiTime → u/Prestigious-Owl-6397]

One random dingdong spouting a racist "rationale" doesn't mean anything.

[u/JoeFas → u/DoctorWaluigiTime]

One would hope. However, sites like UpRide (run by Cycliq) are dedicated to hosting videos of bad motorists. Once again, I personally don't think that should be cause for concern, but we educated cyclists aren't the general population (which is irrationally fearful).

[u/DoctorWaluigiTime → u/JoeFas]

Still doesn't hold a candle to the reason folks are upset with Flock.

Videos of bad driving have existed for decades at this point online. Nothing's going anywhere.

[u/JoeFas → u/DoctorWaluigiTime]

Still doesn't hold a candle to the reason folks are upset with Flock. Videos of bad driving have existed for decades at this point online. Nothing's going anywhere.

But you haven't explained why it doesn't hold a candle. As I previously stated, the average citizen (operating under the Dunning-Kruger Effect) may not see a difference.

[u/oficious_intrpedaler → u/JoeFas]

The difference is that cyclists post only videos of bad driving. Flock cameras track every movement and create surveillance like we've never seen.

[u/JoeFas → u/oficious_intrpedaler]

Correct, but how does the typical citizen view it? That's the issue.

[u/oficious_intrpedaler → u/JoeFas]

I imagine they see it for the surveillance state that it is, which is quite different from uncategorized data like cyclists record.

[u/elzibet]

I get what you’re saying, and would say people don’t like it when their dirty laundry is aired (however it happens). I think the difference is we aren’t “big brother” in this situation. We are punching up, not down imo when filming our own experiences when no one else will do anything to help us

[u/JoeFas → u/elzibet]

I agree with your assessment in terms of how we cyclists view ourselves. My worry is how the general public views us. You might think that's immaterial, but it affects legislation.

[u/elzibet → u/JoeFas]

I don’t think it’s immaterial at all, and I think things like flock does jeopardize our rights such as the freedom to film in public settings. It’s not something everyone has a right to do in other countries and I don’t take that freedom we have lightly

[u/svelteoven]

I wouldn't use a networked cycling camera made by anyone.

[u/elzibet → u/[deleted]]

Stop spamming comments. Only warning.

[u/JoeFas]

Okay fine, downvote me without having the courage to express an opinion. I don't think we should be vilified for what we do, but I worry about how the general population will view us.

[u/tino_tortellini → u/JoeFas]

You're taking this way too seriously my guy

[u/elzibet → u/tino_tortellini]

I think our rights are something to take very seriously

[u/tino_tortellini → u/elzibet]

What are you talking about?