A hardline cycling campaigner has sparked a bitter row after publicly 'shaming' a disabled woman for the way she parked outside her own home. Adrian Chapmanlaw, described as a 'cycling vigilante' and likened to extremist 'Cycling Mikey', frequently films motorists he believes have driven too close or blocked his path.
Incident Details
His latest target, Chelsie Bale, was horrified to find pictures of her car and home posted on his Facebook page, accusing her of illegal parking. Bale suffers from fibromyalgia, a chronic hidden disability causing intense pain and fatigue, and holds a blue badge. Chapmanlaw, a local councillor in Dorset, encountered her Seat Arona while cycling along a new bike lane in Poole.
Sharing images of her home, he wrote: 'Cars belong on the road, not on the pavement/shared path/cycle lane. A blue badge does not excuse you from obstructing the highway.'
Disabled Woman's Explanation
Bale explained that on the day, she suffered a severe flare-up and parked as close to her home as possible to avoid collapsing. Her partner's van occupied the driveway, and parking on the narrowed road would have caused traffic chaos. She left her car on the 10ft wide pavement, ensuring enough space for pedestrians and mobility scooters.
She planned to rest for an hour before moving the car. Chapmanlaw, with his helmet camera recording, spotted the car and posted a photo on his Dorset Safer Roads Facebook page. After being alerted, Bale publicly explained her reasoning, but Chapmanlaw dismissed it, suggesting she park on her drive.
Public Backlash
Bale said Chapmanlaw 'shot her down' and allowed a 'nasty and unkind' pile-on from supporters, who called her ignorant and a scrounger. She criticized him for lacking compassion, stating: 'He could have knocked on my door and asked.'
Chapmanlaw responded that he had been respectful but maintained that parking on pavements is illegal. The new cycle lanes are part of a £120m project to encourage cycling, but critics claim it's a 'war on motorists'.
