In the busy streets of west London, one cyclist has built a reputation for doing far more than just pedalling from A to B. Michael Van Erp — better known online as Cycling Mikey — has made it his personal mission to catch drivers breaking the law, and he’s become something of a vigilante in the process.
With a helmet camera and a YouTube channel boasting nearly 120,000 subscribers, he’s turned road policing into a public spectacle.
The Confrontation in Hammersmith
His latest viral moment came on Peddenswick Road, Hammersmith, where roadworks had created a tricky traffic situation.
When a black car tried to pass through a stretch marked with a “no entry” sign, Van Erp stepped directly in front of it, blocking the driver’s path.
“What is that sign back there?
You have to go back now… very naughty,” he told the motorist, who eventually reversed as other cars came from the opposite direction.
A Clash Turns Physical
But the driver wasn’t giving up. Attempting to push through a second time, they were met with Van Erp pushing his bicycle into the car’s path.
The bike was smashed into pieces as the vehicle sped off, but the cyclist stayed in the road to block yet another driver, shouting: “No, f*** off, go back. What do you think you’re doing? Go back.”
Picking Up the Pieces — Literally
After the tense exchange, Van Erp gathered the broken parts of his bicycle from the road. For him, this was just another day on duty.
He regularly films drivers he believes are breaking the law, from those using mobile phones behind the wheel to more extreme cases — including one motorist inhaling nitrous oxide while driving.
The Numbers Behind His Vigilante Work
Since 2019, Van Erp claims to have reported 2,280 drivers, resulting in 2,649 penalty points, £165,000 in fines, and 35 driving disqualifications.
Even celebrities haven’t escaped his lens — Guy Ritchie and Chris Eubank have both been caught in his videos.
Controversy Over His Own Conduct
However, Van Erp isn’t without fault. Last year, footage emerged of him cycling through a red light in Belgravia.
His outspoken style and frequent confrontations have divided opinion — while some praise his commitment to road safety, others see him as antagonistic.
Famous Friends and Public Backlash
Van Erp is friends with broadcaster Jeremy Vine, who once posted similar road safety videos before stopping due to abuse from critics.
And Van Erp himself has faced legal disputes over his confrontational methods.
The Court Case That Made Headlines
In 2021, celebrity talent agent Paul Lyon-Maris — whose clients have included Alan Rickman, Sir Ian McKellen, and Warwick Davis — found himself in a high-profile clash with the cyclist.
After taking an illegal right turn near Regent’s Park, Lyon-Maris was confronted by Van Erp, who ended up on the bonnet of his car while still filming.
The driver, who later said he felt “surprised and a little intimidated,” was taken to court for dangerous driving and common assault.
After a three-hour jury deliberation at Southwark Crown Court, he was cleared of all charges.
A Figure Who Divides London’s Roads
Love him or hate him, Cycling Mikey has become a recognisable presence on London’s streets — both as a road safety campaigner and as a lightning rod for controversy.
His videos keep rolling in, and so do the heated debates about where vigilantism ends and law enforcement begins.