iPhone 4 bicycle helmet cam

Small, lightweight video cameras are now so cheap they are becoming increasingly popular among urban cyclists. The footage they record can prove helpful in the event of a road traffic collision, but what if you could use your iPhone instead?

There is no external camera accessory for the iPhone that allows it to record from the safety in your pocket while a smaller and robust camera sits on your handlebars, but a new design from Optrix HD allows you to mount the phone directly to your helmet.

The Optrix HD features a rugged weather-proof case, which mounts securely to just about any surface including bicycle helmets. A silicon membrane allows full control of the phone’s screen.

Going to the police with helmet cam footage

Anyone who has been through the rigmarole of trying to claim damages following a collision without the benefit of witness statements will know that it can become an impossible task.

The law in mainland Europe quite sensibly places the legal responsibility in personal injury cases involving car drivers and cyclists on the motorist (unless negligence can be proved), but until British law catches up we may have to rely on handlebar-mounted cameras.

However, incriminating footage is no guarantee that action will be taken against errant road users; a cyclist who this time last year captured footage of a motorist threatening to kill him was told by Hounslow Crown Prosecution Service that they planned to take no action.

Cycle insurance with built-in legal protection

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old replacement and accidental damage, £1m third party insurance, personal accident cover, worldwide cover and if you should be knocked off your bike our specialist legal team fight your corner. From 34p per week.

• Next generation bicycle helmet cam delivers 360-degree aerial footage
• A miniature camera for your car or bicycle
• iPhone black box for bicycles

• Rear-view bike cam keeps beady eye on drivers

Mini bicycle helmet cams

If you do not own an iPhone, or want to risk it by attaching it to your helmet,the Chilli Technology Action Cam Max costs around £40 to buy on Amazon and records up to one hour’s footage on the memory card included in the price and options include windscreen, handlebar or helmet mountings.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “These cameras are aimed at people wanting to record themselves doing sports, but they are just as useful for collecting potential video evidence when driving or cycling.”