Cycling Councillor's Heated Confrontation with Delivery Driver Goes Viral
An obsessive cycling campaigner, who films his bike rides and pursues motorists he claims have driven too closely, has become embroiled in his most extraordinary roadside dispute yet. Adrian Chapmanlaw, a Liberal Democrat councillor in Bournemouth, Dorset, has been labelled 'the new Cycling Mikey' after a video surfaced showing a bizarre altercation with a supermarket delivery driver.
The Incident Unfolds
The clip, posted on YouTube, captures Mr Chapmanlaw riding on a road in Poole, Dorset, outside the markings of a designated cycle lane. An Iceland delivery van overtakes him at close quarters, prompting the councillor to sound his horn and wave his hand. The driver, named Sean, stops his van on double yellow lines and approaches Mr Chapmanlaw, leading to a comical three-minute debate.
Sean points out that Mr Chapmanlaw was not using the bike lane, to which the councillor responds that the lane is advisory, consisting only of painted white lines, and he is under no obligation to use it. Mr Chapmanlaw repeatedly cites section 163 of the Highway Code, which requires motorists to give at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30mph.
Escalating Tensions
The exchange turns heated as Sean jokingly insults Mr Chapmanlaw, suggesting he might not fit in the bike lane due to his weight. Mr Chapmanlaw retorts, telling the driver to 'shut up for a second' and asserting his right to take primary position in the lane. Sean dismisses the Highway Code, saying, 'I don't give a monkeys, I'm not a bikey,' and questions why Mr Chapmanlaw doesn't use purpose-built bike lanes installed by BCP Council.
Mr Chapmanlaw further criticises Sean for parking on double yellow lines and straddling the pavement. The undignified exchange ends with Mr Chapmanlaw cycling off, singing about the driver losing the argument and resorting to insults.
Background and Criticism
Adrian Chapmanlaw has gained notoriety for posting dozens of videos on YouTube, bragging about catching 80 motorists for driving offences as part of his one-man crusade to improve road safety in Bournemouth. Described by local car drivers as 'snide, aggressive and vindictive,' he was first highlighted by the Daily Mail in January. Instead of scaling back his campaign, he has apparently intensified it.
His followers have supported him online, with comments praising his stance on road space. However, critics accuse him of deliberately escalating conflicts to boost YouTube views, comparing him to Mike Van Erp, known as CyclingMikey, who films drivers in London. Mr Chapmanlaw's critics say he is a more aggressive version, often seen launching into tirades and banging on car windows.
Public Reaction and Implications
On social media, supporters like Andrew Chappell argue that bike lanes are irrelevant if motorists don't give space, while Brett Chamberlain claims Mr Chapmanlaw rides far from the kerb to provoke complaints. The councillor sends his footage to Dorset Police's Operation Snap, which encourages submissions of traffic offence videos for prosecution.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between cyclists and motorists, raising questions about road safety policies and the role of vigilante campaigns. Mr Chapmanlaw's actions continue to spark debate, with some viewing him as a dedicated advocate and others as a confrontational figure seeking attention.
