The boom in cycling content is hard to miss. From thrilling helmet-cam footage of mountain bikers to public service campaigns promoting helmet use, bikes are taking center stage in today’s media. And with that rise in visibility comes a new challenge: legal liability.
For video production agencies, especially those producing public safety campaigns or branded bike-related content, it’s not just about getting the perfect shot — it’s about making sure that no one gets hurt, no laws are broken, and no lawsuits follow.
In this article, we’ll unpack the key legal responsibilities producers face when creating bike safety content. From liability concerns and helmet laws to permitting and insurance, here’s everything you need to know before you hit record.
Biking isn't only about getting places anymore. For many, it's really become part of who they are. People pedal to stay fit, to get to work green, or just to discover their own streets in a fresh way.
As this catches on, we really need to teach people how to bike safely.
Governments, nonprofits, and health groups are putting big money into safety ads. Businesses are also hopping on the trend, using bikes to sell sports gear and green living ideas.
So, who creates these safety campaigns? Video production agencies. They shape the message and the visuals that try to change how people act.
But the irony? Making a safety video can open up a legal can of worms – especially if someone gets hurt during the shoot itself.
Let’s say your shoot involves a cyclist riding down a busy city street. What happens if they get injured? Or if a car swerves to avoid your camera crew and causes an accident?
These aren't just "what if" scenarios; video production companies deal with these worries for real.
When it comes to who's at fault if something goes wrong during filming, here's the straightforward answer:
If someone gets hurt during filming, the production company can get in trouble, especially if they didn't have clear safety rules.
Amateur vs. Professional: Someone posting a fun GoPro clip online doesn't have the same worries as a company. If you're making professional videos – like branded content, ads, or training stuff – people expect a lot more from you. You have a higher responsibility to keep everyone safe.
Don't skip the paperwork! Contracts and safety notices aren't just annoying forms. They're really important.
Your waiver forms, liability agreements, and talent releases need to clearly explain who's responsible for what, and what risks are involved.
Here's the thing: Even if you're just shooting something simple – like a public service video with cyclists in a park – you still need to do this right. Every scene, every stunt, and every person involved adds a new thing that could go wrong.
Imagine releasing a bike safety video without helmets. It’s more common than you’d think. It’s a big legal and ethical red flag. Bike law is created for a reason.
Helmet rules are different everywhere:
As a producer, you've got to double-check the helmet laws where you're filming. If the law says helmets are needed, everyone riding a bike in your video (actors, extras, real cyclists) must be wearing one.
You can't just plop a camera down on a city street and start filming. It's usually not that simple.
If you want to film in public spots like streets or parks, you'll probably need to:
Get permits from the city. (They're the ones in charge).
Work with traffic personnel, especially if you need to block off streets or change traffic flow.
Talk to the transportation department. This helps keep cyclists safe and makes sure you're following the rules.
Filming on private property? You still need the owner's okay – get them to sign a location release form.
Skipping the permits is risky. You could get fined, shut down on the spot, or worse – if someone gets hurt or something goes wrong during your shoot, you could be held responsible. Seriously, before you start, check with your local film office or city hall.
Planning a high-speed downhill chase? Featuring kids riding through a neighborhood? These scenarios add another layer of legal complexity.
Think of it like this: If you wouldn't let your own kid work on the shoot without this protection, why ask others to take that chance? This insurance is your essential safety net.
Here’s your cheat sheet for safer, smarter bike video production:
Use safety-compliant equipment: Helmets, knee pads, gloves — not just for actors, but for crew if they’re on bikes or scooters.
Get a lawyer to look over all your paperwork. Waivers, contracts, release forms. Not every free stuff you find online is reliable enough.
Protect everything with insurance. You need general liability, gear coverage, and insurance for anyone involved. If you're flying a drone, get insurance for that too.
Keep notes on how you're staying safe. Write down when you gave safety talks, what precautions you took on set, and who's in charge of what. It's not just paperwork – it protects everyone. It’s your legal paper trail.
And most importantly, don’t cut corners. Legal shortcuts might save time on set, but they can cost you big in the courtroom.
A fitness brand hired a video production team to film cyclists for an ad on a scenic path. One rider didn't have a helmet on. He crashed into a tree and got hurt pretty badly (broken collarbone).
People criticized the fitness brand for promoting unsafe riding. The video team got sued because they didn't properly manage safety on the shoot.
The Lesson: Always insist on helmets and have someone watching out for safety during filming.
A team shooting a bike commercial closed off part of a neighborhood street, but they didn't have the right permits. A motorist, confused by the detour, caused a collision. The city fined the production company, and multiple lawsuits followed.
Lesson: Permits and traffic control aren’t optional. They are essential.
These stories aren’t here to scare you but rather to prepare you.
Bike safety videos are a great way to teach people, spread awareness, and tell your brand's story. But if you skip the legal stuff, they can cause big headaches – messing up your shoot and hurting your reputation.
Key takeaways:
Promoting bike safety should never come at the cost of legal safety.
Need help producing legally sound cycling content? Contact our team of experienced video production professionals — we’ll help you ride the line between creativity and compliance.
Do you need a permit to film a bike video in a public park?
Most of the time, yes, you do. Even if it's a small shoot, most public parks require permits for commercial filming (like ads, branded content, or anything for profit).
Just to be safe, you need to check with your local parks department. They'll tell you exactly what you need.
Can I show someone riding without a helmet if it's for dramatic effect?
It’s risky. If helmet use is legally required in your location, showing someone without one can open you up to legal and ethical scrutiny — especially in a safety-themed video.
Do I need insurance for a low-budget PSA?
Absolutely. Even small productions should have basic liability and participant insurance to protect against unforeseen incidents.
Bonus: Bike Video Legal Compliance Checklist for Producers (Free PDF)
Download our printable checklist to ensure your next shoot is safe, legal, and worry-free.
