Cycling NSW wrote to members this week advising they are now approving the use of on-board bike cameras in races. There are some conditions however, including the need to register in order to gain approval as explained below.
Dear members,
As technology has evolved we have seen a desire for riders to attach cameras (Go Pro’s) to bikes during racing. What we see is some amazing footage and ability to promote our sport through both telecast and at our club level through social media. Up until this point however our Regulations have not permitted the use of cameras on bikes, and this will now be changing.
Like many things there are always some hooks around what is seemingly a simple solution, in this case allowing a small camera on a bike. The issues Cycling Australia and the States have been considering relate around three areas:
- Safe attachment of the camera from a safety perspective. This is easily accommodated under our regulations and as with a “Garmin” or similar Commissaries will be ensuring the camera is adequately attached to the bike before you can go racing with it.
- Use of the footage. As part of the membership agreement, the intellectual property of any race rests with either the state body (CNSW) or Cycling Australia. Whilst we will ensure we retain these rights and through the policy have the rights to be provided with the footage, for the most part in club races, state Opens etc, we would be encouraging people to post exciting footage through social media.
- Inappropriate footage being circulated. There have been scenarios raised where the footage taken could actually be detrimental to others in the race, race organisers or the sport in general. Whilst unlikely in most instances this has been a consideration to ensure no person experiences a negative impact through in race/close quarters filming, or the sport being bought into disrepute. The new policy provides CA/CNSW can require any footage to be removed off any post, forum or the like
To manage this process, we will be requiring members to register for approval to use an on-bike camera. All members are required to register on-line at: https://eventdesq.sportstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=25129&OrgID=4912 Please print out the receipt form and keep it with you at races to ensure race organisers and officials are aware of you having approval
This technology is a great opportunity for our sport when used respectfully & within our rules and we are looking forward to seeing some great vision posts in the coming weeks and months.
Regards
Kind Regards
Phil Ayres
Chief Executive Officer
Cycling NSW