“People don’t want to leave a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike”: Businesses call for town centre cycle ban, despite “insufficient evidence” of dangerous cycling; YouTube coverage for Tour of Britain Women + more on the live blog

It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve discussed town centre cycling bans. They were all the rage for a spell in 2024 and 2025, but things have gone – mercifully – quiet on the PSPO front in recent months.

And that’s where the Spalding Business Improvement District comes in. Because this week, the Lincolnshire market town’s BID has called on residents and traders to provide evidence of “persistent” dangerous cycling in Spalding’s centre, in a bid to convince the local council to implement a bike ban.

The move comes as South Holland District Council prepares to renew its Public Space Protection Order later this year. As part of their response to the local authority’s consultation on the PSPO, Spalding BID requested that a restriction on cycling in the town centre be considered.

> “Cyclists are not the problem”: Plan to ban all bikes from city centre due to safety concerns about delivery riders on illegal e-motorbikes slammed – but locals say “anyone with common decency would get off and push!”

According to the BID, “careless” cycling is rampant in Spalding, with people on bikes allegedly speeding, cutting corners, almost hitting pedestrians, and negatively impacting trade at certain parts of the day.

However, the council told the group that there “is currently insufficient evidence to support” a cycling ban in Spalding. So, the BID is now on the hunt to dig out that evidence.

“If you have experienced problems with cyclists in the town centre, we want to hear from you,” the group said in a social media post.

“We’re particularly looking for evidence of: collisions, near misses, or injuries; vulnerable pedestrians being placed at risk; evidence that the issue is persistent and ongoing, rather than isolated incidents; and experiences and statements from businesses, residents, disability groups, and other stakeholders about the impact.”

Anyone with evidence of dangerous or careless cycling in Spalding has been asked to contact the BID by email or through social media, or attend a meeting in person at Hall Place next Tuesday.

“The more evidence we can gather, the stronger our case will be when we ask for action,” the group said.

“If you’ve experienced it, tell us. If you’ve witnessed it, tell us. If it’s affecting your business or making you feel unsafe in the town centre, we want to hear from you.”

> School to sanction ‘dangerous’ young cyclists jumping red lights and forcing drivers to “brake sharply” – as locals warn “disgruntled” motorists will “take matters into their own hands”

I’ve had a scroll through some of the comments under the BID’s social media posts and, to be honest, it seems Spalding’s residents are more concerned about street drinkers and drug users than they are cyclists.

Nevertheless, the BID’s manager Sam Fletcher told LincsOnline this week that many residents are “fearful” of coming into town, thanks to people on bikes riding through it.

“We don’t want to discourage cycling – I am a cyclist myself – and there are some extremely responsible cyclists out there,” she said.

> Controversial town centre bike ban overturned after thousands of cyclists “aggressively” fined – as new order aims to crack down on “dangerous” cycling, not responsible riders

“This is about appropriate cycling in the right places and respecting that there are people walking around our town centre who don’t want to come out of a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike.

“We want people to feel that they can come into town and feel safe and happy. We don’t want anyone to be seriously hurt.

“I’m not saying there is a simple solution, but if the town feels safer, people will be more willing to visit.”

Fletcher added that if the group’s evidence-finding mission discovers that residents and businesses do not want a bike ban in Spalding, the suggestion would not go any further.

> Cyclists should “take own responsibility” for safety says Reform councillor, as Halfords and police join forces for bike lights campaign to “make roads safer”

In case, you’re wondering why Spalding rings a bell, the Lincolnshire market town isn’t new to a safe cycling row.

In March, Spalding Academy said it will sanction students flouting road safety rules, after anonymous locals complained that young people on bikes are jumping red lights, “running into pedestrians”, and causing motorists to “brake sharply” in the town centre.

However, cycling campaigners in the town responded to the claims by urging parents to set a better example when driving to school, criticising the “angry, intolerant” nature of the UK’s roads.

And in January, a Reform UK councillor told cyclists to “take their own responsibility” for their safety on Spalding’s roads, as a campaign was launched in the town, featuring support from Halfords and the local police, urging people on bikes to wear hi-vis clothing and use front and rear lights.

The Tour of Britain Women gets underway tomorrow in Cockermouth (how is it starting already? My post-Tour de France hangover hasn’t worn off yet), kicking off a fun few weeks of late-summer racing on British roads.

This year’s edition looks set to be a cracker once again, as big names like Lorena Wiebes, Kim Le Court, and Lotte Kopecky swap the heat of France for the UK’s grey skies and (thankfully) milder temperatures, and an attack and ambush-friendly route.

And, to add to the excitement, the race will be available to watch for free! Well, on YouTube, anyway.

Yesterday evening, British Cycling announced that highlights of all five stages of the ToBW will be broadcast every day on ITV4 and ITVX, while a “dedicated live stream” will be available on TNT Sports (behind its hefty paywall) and for free on the Lloyds Tour of Britain YouTube channel.

The men’s race, however, which takes place between 2 and 6 September, will see live coverage of stages one to four broadcast on ITV4 (the fifth and final stage will be available through ITVX), along with the usual ITV4 highlights package and YouTube streaming.

“We are pleased to be bringing free-to-air coverage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain to audiences across the UK as we work with our broadcast partners ITV and TNT Sports,” Darren Henry, the managing director of British Cycling Ventures, said in a statement.

> “ASO, what are you doing?” TNT Sports host Orla Chennaoui “pissed off” at Tour de France Femmes organisers over TV coverage branded a “disservice to women’s racing”

“The expanded coverage increases visibility for riders, teams host locations and partners, and further strengthens the Lloyds Tour of Britain as one of the UK’s leading sporting properties.

“We want to bring the UK’s premier cycling races to as many people as possible, so we are thrilled to be giving fans more ways to experience the joy of cycling whether they are in their homes, on the move or on catch-up, whenever is convenient.

“By working with several broadcast partners globally to bring both Tours to a wider international audience, we are reaching more sport fans than ever before across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.

“It is a huge opportunity to showcase the brilliant racing from the riders and teams at the internationally renowned event, as well as showing the best that Britain has to offer with the incredible backdrops across all ten stages.”

Meanwhile, Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, said: “ITV Sport’s impressive year of free-to-air sport continues this autumn as we broadcast the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women and Men across ITV and ITVX.

“We are providing a full broadcast package to our audience with the live races as well as highlights of the competition, showcasing the very best international cyclists across the Tours for our audience to enjoy.”

While ITV are boasting about their “full broadcast package”, some fans aren’t happy that the women’s race will only be available to watch live, for free, on YouTube.

“Why can’t we have both events on ITV? I’m sick of women’s events being sidelined,” Jean said on Facebook.

> TNT Sports hails “record” Tour de France audience in the UK – but can first paywalled Tour be viewed a success?

However, it appears the majority of ToB watchers are just happy they can tune in at all without forking out £31 a month.

“Thanks for putting it on YouTube. At least I know I can watch it live somehow,” wrote Mandie.

Although I imagine some younger relatives may have to be roped in to set up this new-fangled YouTube business for those of an older disposition.

“I do not understand YouTube channels. Can I watch it on my TV or do I have to watch on a computer?” asked on viewer on the Tour of Britain’s post.

How’d you spend your summer holidays, kids?

Cue the Jam’s ‘Going Underground’…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tal(l)es from the Foreshore (@talesfromtheforeshore)

> “No place on our roads and pavements,” says government as number of illegal bikes seized by police soars by 83%