Prosecutors have dropped a charge of ‘inconsiderate cycling’ against a diligent biker who used a camera affixed to his helmet to catch vehicles using their cell phones.
Tom Bosanquet, 43, of Bristol, was pursued by Avon and Somerset Police when he caused a brief wait in traffic by stopping at a set of traffic lights after reportedly witnessing a driver using his phone while operating a car.
His camera footage showed that the cyclist confronted the vehicle before a brief exchange between the two caused a momentary traffic jam at the intersection of Stokes Croft and City Road.
Mr. Bosanquet was subsequently prosecuted for careless cycling under Section 29 of the Road Traffic Act, with the case scheduled to go to trial yesterday at North Somerset Magistrates Court.
The Crown Prosecution Service has now dismissed the case after determining that it was not in the public’s best interest.
Mr. Bosanquet, who obtained financial assistance to cover his legal fees from the Cyclists’ Defence Fund of Cycling UK, described the attempted prosecution as ‘heavy-handed and inappropriate,’ disclosed that the ordeal had left him’shaken,’ and expressed relief to move on.
Tom Bosanquet was chased by Avon and Somerset Police for ‘inconsiderate riding’ when he created a brief delay to traffic by halting at a set of traffic lights after observing a driver who was reportedly using his phone while driving.
His camera footage showed that the cyclist confronted the motorist before a brief exchange between the two caused a momentary traffic jam.
He stated, “This case has been a long, arduous, and stressful process, and as my first encounter with the law, it has left me shaken.” The case has now been dismissed, proving that the attempted prosecution was excessive and unjustified.
“I am now relieved to move on from this incident, wiser but undaunted in my pursuit of the continued safety of all vulnerable road users.
“Throughout, I’ve been humbled by the support shown to me by both individuals and groups, such as the Bristol Cycling Campaign, and especially appreciative to Cycling UK’s Cyclists’ Defence Fund, which was there to support and defend me.”
Cycling UK stated in a statement applauding the legal victory that the traffic congestion allegedly created by Mr. Bosanquet lasted only a few seconds. Nevertheless, a van driver became stopped behind the bicycle and honked his horn before “accelerating through a red light and without providing the requisite 1.5-meter distance.”
The event occurred in Bristol, at the intersection of Stokes Croft and City Road.
Sarah Mitchell, the chief executive officer of Cycling UK, stated, ‘It is perhaps ironic that Mr. Bosanquet was punished in the event when he was using a helmet camera to record footage with the goal of assisting the police in gathering evidence of criminal behavior on our roads.
“This is something that police forces around the nation have stated they appreciate from the people, and any slight delay in traffic was partially caused by this.”
“Cycling UK feels that the police should have never referred the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service, so we’re glad that it has now been dismissed. Undoubtedly, going to court would have been a waste of resources.
A CPS representative stated, “After reviewing this case, we determined that the legal requirements for a prosecution were not reached.”
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police told The Telegraph, ‘We are thankful to all members of the public who submit video evidence of suspected road traffic violations and incidents via our website, as it greatly assists us in conducting effective investigations.
Before uploading footage, we make it clear that “if it is determined that the person submitting the footage has also committed an alleged offense, they may be prosecuted as well.”
“The CPS has decided not to pursue this case further in respect to an event that occurred on March 4, 2021.” We acknowledge and accept their decision.