Unbe-leaf-able: cycle lane used to collect fallen leaves; RideLondon debate; Geoghan Hart’s former teacher unsurprised by Giro success; Data shows 254% increase in new cycle use; Tim Wellens wins Vuelta Stage 14 + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Lime bike use on new cycle lanes increased by 254% between February and June
Interesting new data from @limebike showing massive increases in cycling in Paris, Berlin & London since February. 🥳 London came out on top 🥳 Look at last column showing the huge growth of people using the @MayorofLondon‘s new cycle lanes built as part of #StreetspaceLDN pic.twitter.com/c7eyz9byUO
— Will Norman (@willnorman) November 3, 2020
New data from dockless e-bike hire provider Lime has shown the increase in cycling in London during the lockdown this spring. The figures also show increases in Paris and Berlin. Between February and June 2020 Lime rides increased by 14% across London with distance travelled increasing by 129%. Lime have also tracked the increase in cycling across three cycling environments: no bike lane, existing bike lane and new bike lanes (built in spring 2020).
While cycling increased across all three by far the biggest increase was the 253% rise in use of new bike lanes. Pre-existing bike lanes experienced a 124% increase in Lime rides. In every category, except trips citywide, London saw a greater percentage rise than Paris and Berlin.
Tao's former teacher weighs in on Giro d'Italia success
It’s a fairytale story that has been told many times since Tao Geoghegan Hart won the Giro d’Italia in Milan last Sunday. The boy who skipped school to tag along with Team Sky rises to the top of the sport and wins the Maglia Rosa. Unsurprisingly Ian Burn, Head of Year 9 at Tao’s old school in Stoke Newington, holds no grudges that his pupil chose Sky over school.
Speaking to the Hackney Citizen, Burn said: “After this success, I think we can forgive him for taking the day off school to attend the Team Sky launch event in 2010.
“He is a true inspiration to the young people in Hackney – proof that if you work hard and are dedicated to whatever it is you are passionate about, you can and will succeed.
“Photography was a favourite subject of his and it’s great to see that he still takes photos whilst on a Grand Tour. As a student, he was always polite and caring, always with a smile on his face and a great attitude – and you can see from the way he conducts himself in interviews that he remains that way.”
Burn spoke of Geoghegan Hart having a great attitude which saw him achieve five A*s and six As in his GCSEs.
Biden vs Trump: 10-mile TT, who wins?
We’re asking the important questions this morning… and based on this footage it could be tough for Donald if the race for the White House was decided on the bike. After all in 2015 he did promise: “I swear to you I will never enter a bicycle race if I’m president.”
But Trump is the larger, much larger, man and if he could overcome some of his aerodynamic disadvantages maybe he could thrash out some decent watts.
So who will it be.. Donald or Speedy Joe Biden?
There are no postal votes here, have your say in our poll below…
Voi offer free rides to NHS and emergency service staff
Voi e-scooter hire have offered NHS and emergency service staff free rides throughout the upcoming lockdown period. The service, which operates in Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool, Cambridge, Bath and Bristol hopes to help key workers avoid public transport and travel to and from work more easily.
“We want to ensure that key workers can get around safely, without having to use public transport or be hit by cancelled services. This is why we’re offering free passes to NHS and Emergency Service Workers during this lockdown period,” Voi CEO Fredrik Hjelm explained.
Aero Christmas Tree
If you’ve got a rear rack strapping it trunk first works well, short ratchet straps are best. Christmas lights can be use to aid visibility of the end but best not putting your favourite star/angel on yet 🎅 pic.twitter.com/K0WIHS92x7
— Gavin Welch (@ArchiWelch) October 20, 2020
Personally I’d say the 4th of November is too early for talk of Christmas but I’ll break my own rule for this… Benefits include: not needing mudguards, the tree keeps drivers off your tail and as Gavin Welch suggests, you can even add Christmas lights to keep you visible.
La Vuelta Stage 14
50kph in first hour of Vuelta; big group of 20+ were up the road but now reeled in —> after 60km these are now clear: Soler (Movistar ), Wellens (Lotto Soudal), Van Baarle (Ineos Grenadiers), Arensman ( Sunweb), Woods (EF Pro Cycling), Perichon (Cofidis) Stybar (DQS)
— Andrew Hood (@EuroHoody) November 4, 2020
It’s been a fast opening hour for the peloton at La Vuelta but we have our breakaway. Seven riders with an increasing advantage of 3:47. Widely considered to be a day for the break, who do you fancy out of our front runners?
New breakaway union for pro peloton
The Riders Union is a new union for pro riders that hopes to better represent riders’ interests as well as protecting the financial, road safety, security and governance of the sport. The union hopes to have attracted 200 members by the start of next year. Previous efforts at offering riders a union, such as the CPA, have been criticised for not doing enough to protect the peloton. During the Giro d’Italia, riders refused to ride a 251km stage on the third last day of the race because of it’s excessive length and miserable conditions.
RideLondon debate
On Saturday we reported the news that Surrey County Council have withdrawn its support for RideLondon from 2022. The story attracted a lively debate from our readers with many expressing their disappointment at the decision especially considering the event was supposed to provide a legacy to inspire the next generation of cyclists. Others, however, pointed out that the positives of hosting such events may be compromised by limited benefit for local cycling clubs and young riders.
One reader suggested: “the main issue holding them [young cyclists wanting to get into the sport] back is a lack of safe places to practice and the aggressive nature of other road users. That’s not going be solved by this event- but safe cycle routes are a massive step in the right direction.
“The route is not very well designed to reduce the impact on local residents with many areas virtually cut off. Yes, it’s only a day but the impact was huge, cutting people off from most shops, local transport and major roads out of the county.
“Most of the people I heard moaning about this had valid points and were not all car nuts (although undoubtedly some were). Surely some compromises could have been made on both sides eg route amends, running it every other year etc so both locals, cyclists and residents could continue to benefit.”
Another added: “I am Chairman of a reasonably successful Surrey cycling club and one of our principles is to run rides without p*ssing off residents and car drivers. We run about 300 weekend and weekday rides a year and try not to shove cycling up the noses of people who don’t share our passion for the sport.
“There are hundreds of sportives all over the country which don’t annoy the locals (well, there were pre-covid). Many of these are brilliant and raise money for charities.”
Let us know your thoughts…Do mass participation closed road events simply ask to much of host towns/counties? Or are they necessary for inspiring the next generation of cyclists?
NYPD street safety chiefs rejects calls to require cyclists to have licences
Kim Royster, the newly appointed NYPD Chief of Transportation, pushed back against calls for cyclists in the city to require a licence. Royster told 1010 WINS: “I’m not sure putting a lot of restrictions would be the best way to address this. I think the best way now is to keep pushing to educate people and to do a lot of outreach.
“I’m a little passionate about it. My husband is a roadie, and I grew up riding a bicycle. This is the American way, to ride a bicycle.”
Tim Wellens wins Vuelta Stage 14
👊 Puncheurs throwing punches. You love to see it. @rusty_woods @tim_wellens #LaVuelta20
— FloBikes (@flobikes) November 4, 2020
Tim Wellens won Stage 14 of La Vuelta from the breakaway as six riders came to the line together a little under four minutes clear of the peloton. Wellens outsprinted EF Pro Cycling’s Michael Woods to claim his second stage of the race. The GC favourites cancelled eachother out on the uphill kick to the line and finished on the same time. Primoz Roglic retains the red jersey ahead of another stage that looks good for the breakaway on Thursday.
Clasificación de la etapa 14. #LaVuelta20 pic.twitter.com/opMyHTBXvD
— Ciclismo Colombiano (@ColCiclismo) November 4, 2020
Poll results
Some of you liked it, others hated it. Here are the results of our Trump vs Biden 10-mile TT poll…It was a landslide for speedy Joe in the presidential 10.
How not to encourage cyclists to use cycle lanes
Hooray for cycle segregation, eh, @traffordcouncil ? Somewhere to keep all your leaves, at any rate. This is ridiculous. (Stretford Road). pic.twitter.com/dFntDc3rpo
— Peter Scandrett (@proogs) November 4, 2020
This photo from Peter Scandrett really does defy be-leaf (here all week). The cycle lane on Stretford Road in Manchester seems to have become the council’s new favourite leaf collection point, unfortunately deeming it pretty much unrideable.
It’s not the first time we’ve reported on a council doing a job only to create another – back in January, a cyclist attempting to use a path in Wickford was greeted with thousands of thorns, after Essex County Council trimmed back a hedge and failed to clear the debris. The council apologised, and promised to get rid of the thorns the next day.
Here are some of the other worst cycle lane fails we’ve seen.
4 November 2020, 09:20
4 November 2020, 09:20
4 November 2020, 09:20
4 November 2020, 09:20
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@Rendel Harris you've painted a rather alluring picture of social harmony there, but unfortunately you've got my name wrong. I'm Jack, not Nigel. However, to return the compliment, I must think of a story for you. I imagine you sat outside a pub, real ale and pipe propped on the adjacent table, in a similar fashion to Nigel Farage at his populist best. You turn to your wife. "You know what dear? I think I've been a bit harsh in my time. I've shunned the politeness and wisdom of others for too long and want to change my ways.* "There there Rendel", says Mrs Harris. "You're not a bad old stick, it's just living in London that's emptied your soul of kindness and compassion. I've found a lovely new place where we can settle down in our later years. It's on a leafy cul de sac, surrounded by friendly neighbours and smiling faces. There's a guy a couple of doors down, a remarkable man. As well as his towering intellect and rapier wit, he's also a keen cyclist, holding severa local KOMs. Don't be perturbed dear - he'll ride with anyone provided they show other road users the kindness and courtesy they deserve." Rendel turned emotionally, voice shaking. "Oh my dear, thank you for this second chance", and with that the rest of the pub goers turned and applauded the couple, throwing garlands of petals in their wake. The end.
As a Councillor, Edward needs to be paying some attention to all that parking obstructing visibility and manoeuvres at the junction, and sorting out those radii.
Ed Hill was chucked out by Reform in 2025, though TBF to him it was about how to run it rather than ideology I think. He is now reportedly closer to Advance UK, which is distinctly more extreme than Reform. I'd call this Alan Amos style attention seeking.
Emily, thank you for such an insightful piece. I’m a man, but I enjoy watching the women’s races, possibly more than the men’s. The racing is so much closer, we rarely know who’s going to win. You painted a wonderful picture of how a true champion is able to ‘rise above’ setbacks and distractions, and focus their energy on the task in hand. ‘All’s fair in live and war -and sport, but always good to hear riders expressing their admiration for their competitors
@Nigel Garage ...and then everyone applauded my courtesy and I waved courteously to all the people who were courteously throwing flowers and cheering and courteously waving flags that said "Nigel is the best!"
The picture from street view clearly shows give way lines from the roads to the green painted cycle/pedestrian lane. The road user should give way (or must...) to the user of the green lane. This would of course apply to any cyclist on the roadway.
If I recall there is a cave or two along the route - perhaps they were sheltering from the heat in one of those having taken it for a Golf bunker?
“So if there’s a cyclist travelling down the cycle path at the moment, from this position I can’t see them because my blind spots are too big on the left hand side of the vehicle”, claims Hill. Well, there's your problem, right there...🙄
First impression from the headline that he's likely a twit. Then the detail he was expelled from Reform makes you suspect that failing even their low bar requirements he really is. Then he clearly explains his vehicle is unsafe for the highway because he can't see to give way when turning. Any collision he now has should have that video run out explaining he drove a vehicle he knew to be unsafe. Advice for motorists; instead of thinking that pedestrians and cyclists are low risk 100kg objects, imagine them as a 300 Tonne trains that will crush you and your vehicle if you cross into their paths. You'd give way to the train, so you equally can to the others.
I've had a brief look on Facebook, and Ed Hill (who now appears to be affiliated with Advance UK) seems to have taken some useful road safety improvements under his remit, including an initiative to help local pedestrians on unpaved roads, where the wider council won't help due to planning failures. Regarding the cycle path, I think this is linked to a wider misunderstanding about giving way at junctions and I'm afraid I cannot agree with Mr Hill's conclusion. Regardless of the suitability of the cycle path, vehicles should give way at the junction to both pedestrians crossing and cyclists. It seems to be a poorly understood rule among motorists where some believe they have priority at junctions like this, where they certainly do not. I once had a similar issue myself, while leisurely walking to Waitrose to buy some lunchtime fripperies. A driver beeped their horn as I crossed the junction, despite me having priority, and was shocked and apologetic when I explained I had priority. A polite conversation later, the driver departed, educated and updated on the rules of the road.
16 thoughts on “Unbe-leaf-able: cycle lane used to collect fallen leaves; RideLondon debate; Geoghan Hart’s former teacher unsurprised by Giro success; Data shows 254% increase in new cycle use; Tim Wellens wins Vuelta Stage 14 + more on the live blog”
So Joe Biden might ride a
So Joe Biden might ride a bike, but don’t forget Trump had a whole bike tour race, it was bigly impressive, the most impressive race ever in fact, it was so good they couldn’t cope with it any more and had to go to California where the Democrats made a nice easy race BOOOO, etc.
No one’s a better bike rider
No one’s a better bike rider than him, and covfefe
i heard a rumour that Covfefe
i heard a rumour that Covfefe had signed for Ineos next year.
It’s easy to forget that
It’s easy to forget that America is not Great Britain. We don’t get so very vexed when some other foreign country may or may not have elected, depending on who has the better lawyers and influence over the judicial system, a President who we would generally consider to be a nut job with voter priorities that are radically different to our own on a balloting system that seems obtuse to us, so why should the USA be any different?
Maybe a bicycle race would be a better way of choosing officials of state?
Au contraire! I’ve heaved
Au contraire! I’ve heaved many a hearty sigh of despair over Putin’s apparent electoral invincibility, Erdogan’s naked power grab by creating a presidency and appointing himself to it, Al-Sisi’s brutal repression, Netanyahu’s increasingly rightward shift over the past decade.
But the US has a much greater influence over UK politics and – perhaps more fool me – primarily English language news.
Mungecrundle wrote:
Jonathan Swift got there ahead of you. Lilliputian goverment ministers were chosen for their skill at rope dancing.
FrankH wrote:
Jonathan Swift got there ahead of you. Lilliputian goverment ministers were chosen for their skill at rope dancing.
— MungecrundleSo more skilled than our current ministers.
Are you asking for the return
Are you asking for the return of the Tour du Trump?
Believe me, plenty of people case about the undermining of democracy. What goes on elsewhere washes up on these shores. It is inevitable.
One from the Grauniad:
One from the Grauniad:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/from-the-archive-blog/2020/nov/04/netherlands-introduces-car-free-sundays-archive-1973
RideLondon has got
RideLondon has got progressively more busy and less fun for participants over the last 3 events.
Last years event where they turned a load of inexperienced cyclists and children doing the 19 mile route onto the last bit of the 100 mile route when it was full of knackered 100 milers was just stupid. The traffic jams up the climbs and at pinch points were also getting stupid. That coupled with the slowest riders leaving last and the tight cut-off to avoid the race afterwards make it a generally unpleasant experience for a lot of participants.
Its also a logistical pain in the arse, even for someone like me who is a londoner.
Even as a 3 time participant, I shan’t miss it myself. There are much nicer events to do, or I guess you could just ride your bike somewhere else nicer.
I have to agree with the 19
I have to agree with the 19 miler comment. Wasn’t much fun for each group at some of the narrower points. I saw someone take a spill playing dodge the novice.
The Manchester to Blackpool
The Manchester to Blackpool ride suffered the same fate. Over the years there were more and more entrants, but also there were more and more inexperienced cyclists. The last time I crossed a road which is on the route, iIwas amazed at the amount of people who really shouldn’t be on a bike. Fair play and all that, especially if they were doing it for charity, but there were so many dangerous riders, weaving all over the road, slewing out to overtake others without looking behind them, and many ride for or five abreast on busy roads.
I won’t miss it. It also had
It had a negative impact on other far less disruptive cycling events in the area in the following and preceding weeks, including juniors races that were cancelled or severely curtailed. So much for encouraging cycling.
Local cycling clubs were effectively handed a few dozen guaranteed places each. At a higher price of course. These fomented the opinion that the event was an opportunity to go full gas on car free streets.
The final nail in the coffin was introducing rider safety captains to ride the event at a sensible pace and keep an eye on less experienced participants and asking local clubs to nominate experienced members. Reasonable and sensible you might say. Not when one of the first riders to cross the finish line was sporting a bright orange safety captain jersey.
For years, I said they should move the route between adjacent counties. It would have added variety and limited the impact on more rural areas.
I rode it once officially and part of it once, unofficially. Will I miss it? Nope.
Ride London-Surrey got me
Ride London-Surrey got me into cycling. Just saying.
It didn’t get me into cycling
It didn’t get me into cycling but it did inspire me to be fit enough to ride a century for the first time.
Are there not 5-6 counties
..