Latest news with #VanErp
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Who was in the wrong? Vigilante's bike crash caught on video
A cycling vigilante potentially 'broke the law' when he pushed his bike into a car to try to prevent a crime, a lawyer has claimed. Michael van Erp, known as Cycling Mikey on social media, filmed himself pushing his e-bike into the path of a Fiat 500 as its driver ignored a road closure in west London. Neither the 53-year-old cyclist nor the motorist has been arrested, in part because no potential victim has lodged a formal complaint. In the clip, Van Erp can be seen targeting drivers who fail to obey no entry signs as they approach roadworks at a junction in Hammersmith. When a Fiat 500 driver ignores the signs, Van Erp challenges him and says: 'What is that sign back there? You have to go back now. Very naughty.' Shortly afterwards the same motorist decides to drive through the closed road as Van Erp pushes his 28-kilogram e-bike into the path of the vehicle. The bike collides with the car, sending his belongings flying across the road as the motorist drives off. Nick Freeman, a motoring lawyer known as Mr Loophole, has analysed the collision footage and claims that although the motorist had potentially broken three laws, the cyclist could also be considered by police for a charge of dangerous cycling. 'I think they are both culpable,' he said, explaining how he believes the motorist could be considered to have failed to stop following the collision and failed to report the accident.
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
Who was in the wrong? Vigilante's bike crash caught on video
A cycling vigilante potentially 'broke the law' when he pushed his bike into a car to try to prevent a crime, a lawyer has claimed. Michael van Erp, known as Cycling Mikey on social media, filmed himself pushing his e-bike into the path of a Fiat 500 as its driver ignored a road closure in west London. Neither the 53-year-old cyclist nor the motorist has been arrested, in part because no potential victim has lodged a formal complaint. In the clip, Van Erp can be seen targeting drivers who fail to obey no entry signs as they approach roadworks at a junction in Hammersmith. When a Fiat 500 driver ignores the signs, Van Erp challenges him and says: 'What is that sign back there? You have to go back now. Very naughty.' Shortly afterwards the same motorist decides to drive through the closed road as Van Erp pushes his 28-kilogram e-bike into the path of the vehicle. The bike collides with the car, sending his belongings flying across the road as the motorist drives off. Nick Freeman, a motoring lawyer known as Mr Loophole, has analysed the collision footage and claims that although the motorist had potentially broken three laws, the cyclist could also be considered by police for a charge of dangerous cycling. 'I think they are both culpable,' he said, explaining how he believes the motorist could be considered to have failed to stop following the collision and failed to report the accident.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Moment vigilante Cycling Mikey pushes his bicycle into a car after row over whether motorist could drive there
This is the moment vigilante cyclist, who reports drivers to the police, pushes his bike into a Fiat 500 amid a row over whether the motorist could drive on the stretch of road. Michael van Erp, also known as Cycling Mikey, uploaded the around 5-minute clip of him arguing with a driver who attempted to travel through a stretch of road. The black car was attempting to drive by some roadworks on Peddenswick Road, Hammersmith, however the cyclist argued there was a no entry sign. Standing directly in front of the vehicle, blocking its path, Mr Van Erp said: 'What is that sign back there? 'You have to go back now... very naughty,' he added, as the car reversed and other motors emerged from the other direction. However, the driver didn't seem to be deterred by the vigilante as he attempted to enter the road once again. In a bid to seemingly deter the driver, Cycling Mikey quickly pushes his bike into the road and the car. The bicycle was smashed into several pieces as the vehicle rushes off away from Cycling Mikey. But the vigilante continue to block the road with his body to prevent another driver passing by. 'No f*** off go back,' he yelled at another driver: 'What do you think you're doing? Go back.' Cycling Mike then picked up the damaged parts of his bike scattered along the road in west London. The cyclist vigilante regularly records and reports incidents, as well as keeping track of their eventual conclusion. Mr Van Erp routinely catches motorists committing road offences, including using their mobile phones behind the wheel - and even once caught a driver inhaling nitrous oxide. After recording, he sends his videos to the Metropolitan Police, and after they take action, he posts his videos on to his YouTube channel. According to his X account, he has reported 2,280 drivers since 2019, which has resulted in 2,649 penalty points, £165,000 in fines as well as 35 disqualifications from driving. Among those who have been reported by the cyclist, are Guy Ritchie as well as Chris Eubank. However, last year, Mr Van Erp also disobeyed the rules of the road, filming himself cycling through a red light in Belgravia. With almost 120,000 subscribers on YouTube, Cycling Mikey rakes in thousands of views showing his rows with drivers. His friend, Jeremy Vine, used to post similar footage before giving up in April due to the abuse.
