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Leeds Cyclist Fined After Op Snap Video Leads to His Own Prosecution

The case shows material uploaded to Op Snap can be used by officers for enforcement and public messaging.

Overview

  • A cyclist in Menston recorded a car passing closely and submitted the helmet/bodycam footage to West Yorkshire Police's Op Snap portal.
  • Officers reviewing the submission saw the rider later cycle between a parked car and an oncoming vehicle and judged this to be riding without due care and attention.
  • West Yorkshire Police publicly released the footage and the cyclist was prosecuted at Bradford Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay about £1,200 in fines and court costs.
  • Reports do not indicate whether the motorist the cyclist originally complained about has been investigated or charged.
  • The incident illustrates that citizen-submitted evidence can trigger scrutiny of the submitter and comes as police increase enforcement of micromobility rules for e-bikes and e-scooters.