Cyclist with a cause

Looking to contribute to the Cyclists’ Defence Fund’s Justice for Michael appeal, and keen to promote the recently launched documentary ‘Bikes vs Cars’, an enterprising CTC supporter is putting on a one-off screening of the film and donating the proceeds to the appeal.

Charlie Sinclair from Shrewsbury read about both the documentary and the tragic case of Michael Mason in CTC’s e-newsletter CycleClips.

The Justice for Michael appeal was launched by CDF to raise funds to privately prosecute the driver that hit and killed Michael as he cycled along Regent Street in London.

After the police decided not to charge the driver - despite her not being able to explain why she hadn't seen him when witnesses said he was clearly visible - CDF was approached by Michael’s family to help them address this imbalance of justice.

Individual donors have already given £23,053 to support the appeal, which needs to raise £30,000 so that the charity can carry out the prosecution. 

Determined to help CDF reach its fundraising target, Charlie came up with the idea of donating proceeds from a screening of the film to the appeal. Charlie hopes that his fundraising efforts will inspire others to do the same.  

About the film

Swedish documentary maker Fredrik Gertten directed ‘Bikes vs Cars’, which premiered in Europe on 3 May at the UK Green Film Festival. It went on to win the festival’s Audience Award. 

The film looks into and investigates the daily drama in traffic around the world by following the individuals who are trying to change the way we view cars and bikes. 

From bike activists in Sao Paulo and Los Angeles fighting for safe bike lanes, to the City of Copenhagen, where 40% commute by bike daily, Bikes vs Cars looks at both the struggle for cyclists in a society dominated by cars, and the revolutionary changes that could take place if more cities moved away from car-centric models.

The film will be screened at 8pm on Wednesday 10 June at The Hive, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury. Additional screenings of the film are also being planned. Information about hosting a screening where you live can be found here. 

About the Cyclists’ Defence Fund

The Cyclists’ Defence Fund was set up by CTC in 2001 to support legal cases involving cycling and cyclists and to raise awareness of the law as it relates to cycling. The charity provides information and advice to cyclists and welcomes requests for assistance with cases ranging from: police failure to investigate collisions; to contentious authority decisions to change transport infrastructure; to wrong charges for offences such as careless or dangerous cycling.  

For more information about the charity, please visit www.cyclistsdefencefund.org.uk