U.S. drivers are roughly three times more distracted than their U.K. counterparts — and London-based YouTuber CyclingMikey might deserve some of the credit. The sometimes-controversial social media star has racked up millions of views with his GoPro videos of drivers breaking common traffic laws like texting behind the wheel, and he's reported thousands of those crimes to the police. But is he a safety hero or just a narc — and how would his tactics go over in the United States, where both cops and cars hold a different place in an our culture?
Check out a recent ride the Global Cycling Network took with CyclingMikey himself. And if you're curious, read about our own criminal mischief-maker Gersh Kuntzman, as well Streetsblog USA's past discussion of the role of direct action and even vigilantism in the fight to make streets safer.
Friday Video: This British Cyclist Has Gotten Thousands of Motorists Fined For Dangerous Driving
But is his project doing more harm or good — and would it fly in the U.S.?

Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from Streetsblog USA
Don’t Believe the Hype: NJ Turnpike Widening Still Happening
Gov. Murphy's late revision will just move the problem around, advocates say.
Opinion: Can AI Help Stop Car Crashes Before They Happen?
Proactive safety planning can save more lives than waiting until after crashes kill. But what's the proper role of technology in identifying future hot spots?
Wednesday’s Headlines Have a Clean Background
Uber isn't doing everything it can to keep violent felons out of the driver's seat, according to the New York Times.
Scofflaw Manufacturers Could Be The Downfall of E-bikes
If illegal e-motorcycles are the downfall of legitimate e-bikes, manufacturers and retailers should look themselves in the eye, not blame it on their customers.
Failure of Electric Bus System Means Pollution Will Continue in NYC
The Adams administration gives a major bus company a reprieve from idling laws — because battery-powered systems apparently don't exist yet.
Tuesday’s Headlines Let the Kids Cross
Waymos have adopted a dangerous habit of human drivers: swerving to get around stopped school buses.





