UCI Amends Rule on the Use of Onboard Cameras

Over at Lourdes this weekend, team managers were presented with a letter from the world governing body for cycling - the UCI - informing them of a new ruling dictating that onboard cameras can now only be fixed to bikes, and that the governing body wishes to start a debate with team managers in regard to potential new conditions for the use of onboard cameras.


The new ruling dictates that with immediate effect, and for all cycling disciplines governed by the UCI, the use of onboard cameras is to be “...solely authorised on bicycles”, i.e. the use of onboard cameras on a helmet or anywhere else on a rider’s body is forbidden.

In terms of the debate they wish to start, the first issue - the introduction of a liability exemption form - means that should a rider choose to ride with an onboard camera, they must sign a form which says that they do so at their own risk, i.e. should anything untoward happen out on track to the rider or anyone else affected, the UCI, the race organiser, team and sponsors are not liable should the incident be linked to the use of the camera. The second proposal concerns the liability of the camera manufacturer, in that they must provide the necessary insurance cover should anything arise as a result of the camera being used on a helmet. The final proposal centres around helmets themselves, and restates the current regulations on standards and unauthorised alterations.

What are the implications?

With the internet rife with speculation as to whether it is safe for cameras to be mounted on helmets in motorsport, cycling and other activities, it’s not surprising that the UCI have come to this decision. Given riders are competing under the governing body's care, this new ruling is a safety-net the UCI is obliged to apply to ensure riders’ safety until, we can only assume, research is commissioned or further evidence uncovered which would allow the UCI to take a fully informed decision.

This move by the UCI shouldn't been seen as a negative one, but a managed approach in light of the pace in which people are adopting technologies such as onboard cameras and non-standard/experimental mounts. The rule puts riders' safety first, similar to decisions by AMA Motocross and other governing bodies. It’s clear that the UCI recognises the potential onboard cameras have for cycling, as only last year, Brian Cookson, the UCI’s President, stated: "For me, embracing the future includes embracing innovation and selling our sport – in all its disciplines – better. Technology is key here, and you may have seen a number of innovations being tested in recent months – such as putting cameras into the heart of the [road racing] peloton – a move I fully support. Indeed here at the World Championships we are also investing in the testing of geolocation technology. All these developments have exciting implications across all disciplines – as the amazing helmet camera videos generated from Mountain Biking demonstrate so well".

Only time will tell if in the future, the UCI will designate which areas on a bike an onboard camera can be placed, as well as how helmet and camera manufacturers can work together to agree on what type of cameras and mounts are acceptable for the sport. In the meantime, the UCI should be commended for putting riders’ safety first, and this ruling does still allow fans to continue to enjoy watching the action, and for riders to use their footage as part of their preparations for race day.