Copenhagen’s gorgeous new cycling bridge; New bike insurance comparison service launches; Borat does a triathlon (sort of); Paris-Brest-Patisserie; NYC man who used bike as weapon jailed; Herne Hill stalwart dies + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Pidcock out of l'Avenir after nasty crash
The crash comes at a bad time for the British rider with the World Championships in his native Yorkshire just a month away.
Here’s hoping for a speedy recovery.
Trolling level - 100%
If you don’t get the joke, but you want to: https://t.co/ySGItx0zgI
— Ellen Noble (@ellenlikesbikes) August 21, 2019
Oh, the joys of social media and its ‘influencers’…
A few weeks ago an Instagram influencer had a ‘motorbike crash’ and if that doesn’t scream ‘photoshoot opportunity’ then we don’t know what does.
American pro cyclocross rider, Ellen Noble, has done some truly excellent trolling here.
I'd like to try that one, and that one, and errr...that one....
#ParisBrestParis2019 has its own cake! Like a wheel from a Bike
Go go go all participants in #pbp2019 #cycling pic.twitter.com/YkZqlyxt9f— Sigr (@SigrNordic) August 21, 2019
We’re not entirely sure if this is actually the official cake of the Paris-Brest-Paris, but damn that cake looks tasty!
***
An update from our French patisserie correspondent. The name of the pastry is indeed a Paris-Brest, and it was created by the patissier Louis Durand in 1910 at the request of the event’s founder, Pierre Giffard – so that’s as official as you can get.
Now sold at patisseries throughout France, the shape is inspired by that of a bicycle wheel, and the energy boost it gives meant it quickly became popular with participants in Paris-Brest-Paris.
Gravel riding, it's been around since the 70's, you know...
Gravel Riding has been around since the 70’s
Great pic @mission753 https://t.co/4ZcBEhpYFq— Dean Downing (@dean0downing) August 20, 2019
Turns out that gravel riding isn’t such a new thing. Here’s a typical Welsh club run from back in the day! No such thing as 650b back then…
Lapierre to launch disc version of Aircode aero road bike
It looks like French brand Lapierre will add a disc version of the Aircode aero road bike to its range in 2020. The latest update to the UCI’s List of Approved Models of Frames and Forks contains the Aircode Disque.
The Aircode has been in Lapierre’s range for several years, the second generation having been approved by the UCI in 2017. A new rim brake model has not been added to the list so it could be that Lapierre is simply bringing its range up to date with the addition of disc brakes to the current rim brake design (pictured below) rather than making wholesale changes.
Read our review of the existing rim brake Lapierre Aircode SL 900 Ultimate
Dave takes a look at the new Cervelo Aspero Gravel Bike
The Beyonce Bianchi (that's actually a Merckx)
Well played fellow commuter, well played. pic.twitter.com/hKxwNAKKzd
— Gem Atkinson (@gematkinson) August 20, 2019
There’s so much going on here.
All of your best puns in the comments below, please…
“If you like it then you shoulda put a big ring on it”
“I can see your Halo wheels”
NYC man jailed for using bike as weapon
A New York City has been jailed for up to five years for using his bicycle as a weapon after he hit another man in the face with it in June last year, with the victim suffering swelling and pain.
Henry DeGroat, aged 21 and from New Brighton on Staten Island, pleaded guilty in court to third-degree criminal weapon possession in relation to the incident in June last year, reports SI Live.
DeGroat, who has a previous conviction after an Italian tourist was shot after apparently getting caught in crossfire, was sentenced to 30 months to five years in prison following the latest case.
We’ve seen a number of cases from both the UK and the US over the years in which a cyclist has been the target of a motorist using their vehicle as a weapon – including this case in which a bus driver in Bristol was jailed for 17 months for deliberately knocking a cyclist from his bike.
Given the greater potential for causing harm when using a motor vehicle, rather than a bicycle, as a weapon, DeGroat’s punishment does seem disproportionate compared to the sentences we see motorists receive in such cases.
Worth riding all that way for.
Confectionery achievement unlocked #ACME #ParisBrestParis2019 #PBP19 #Audax #onmybiketoday #fromwhereiride #OutForALongTimeNotAGoodTime https://t.co/MTrzP8TCD9 pic.twitter.com/ekY1tA3P6M
— Jason Burns (@jiberjaber) August 21, 2019
Now that we’ve seen the official Paris-Brest-Paris patisserie, we really want one. Handily for the finishers, they get one once they’ve crossed the line.
Well earned!
Herne Hill Velodrome stalwart Jeff Avis has passed away
We send our condolences to his wife Barbara, sons Paul & Mark, daughter Sue and all his family and friends.
If you would like to make a donation there will be a collection at the sign-on desk.
— Herne Hill Velodrome (@HerneHillVel) August 21, 2019
Police Scotland have held another close pass operation - this time in Stirling
WARNINGS & PENALTIES GIVEN DURING TWO DAYS OF ACTIVITY
Sgt David Ross of @polscotrpu said: “I can’t emphasise enough the need to give cyclists appropriate space. Frustration or lateness are not excuses to risk someone’s safety.”
Read more – https://t.co/TdqAHNwgAJ#OpClosePass pic.twitter.com/lVxluMy7hu
— Stirling Police (@StirlingPol) August 21, 2019
Copehagen's new cycle and walking bridge is stunning
Copenhagen is a world-leader when it comes to cycling infrastructure, and the latest addition to its portfolio is stunning – the 160-metre Lille Langebro cycle and pedestrian bridge which spans the city’s Inner Harbour.
Designed by London-based architects WilkinsonEyre, its part of an ongoing regeneration of the Danish capital’s harbour and the central section swings through 90 degrees to let ships through.
The footway of the bridge is 3 metres in width, while the two-way cycle path is 4-metres across.
“We are delighted to have worked with Realdania to design a distinctive new bridge for the people of Copenhagen that will improve the urban spaces and promenades along the waterfront and strengthen the cycling culture in the city while also being safe and accessible to everyone,” commented Simon Roberts, associate director at WilkinsonEyre.
You can find more photos of it here.
Wedding Present and Milltag offer Bizarro cycling jersey
What’s that you say, you’re in the market for a cycling jersey celebrating the second studio album of a jingly-jangly Leeds-based indie outfit from the 1980s that’s still going strong (in a much-modified form) today?
You jammy devil, The Wedding Present have teamed up with Milltag to offer a jersey (in both men’s and women’s cuts) that suits your requirements. It’ll cost you 80 quid. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of Bizarro.
They first did a Bizarro jersey back in 2012 and it’s available to pre-order until 8th September. We might never have this chance again.
Milltag did a jersey with Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine back in 2014, by the way.
New bike insurance price comparison service launches
Insurance price comparison provider Quotezone.co.uk has launched a new price comparison service for bike insurance.
The company says that the service aggregates quotes from a range of bicycle insurance specialists and displays them online, enabling users to quickly compare not just prices but also policy features.
The companies founder, Greg Wilson, said: “At Quotezone.co.uk we understand that a cyclist’s bicycle is much more than a basic mode of transport… they are often very valuable vehicles in their own right, with many of them worth thousands of pounds and some even valued at £10,000 or more.
“In addition, cyclists do run the risk of suffering a third-party liability claim at some stage, which they would have to cover themselves if they were uninsured.
“Of course, just because insuring your bicycle is a wise decision doesn’t mean you should pay over the odds for that insurance policy. That’s why we’re launching this new price comparison service, to help cyclists find the right policy at the right price by comparing quotes from a range of providers.”
You can find the service here.
CANNOT UNSEE
Pass the mindbleach please.
⠀
Cycling… running… diving…
It's just summertime.
⠀ pic.twitter.com/wrUdslXOA4— ⓑιcιcletⓞ (@Bicicleto_ZGZ) August 21, 2019
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Latest Comments
@Boopop I think every cyclist has stories of being lit up like a Christmas tree, and all the works, yet still having a SMIDSY moment
@Rendel Harris I would’ve replied to the driver, “Who said that? Is there anybody there?” 🙂
So they're kind of bossy and won't let others get a word in?
@DrG82 I think it was well implemented overall, though that is because I agree with the basic point: the speed limit where vehicles interact with pedestrians etc should be 20mph* by default: 30mph can be considered as an exception (e.g a major road with significant mitigating infrastructure, controlled crossings and so on). Some Welsh local authorities have been keener to create exceptions than others for sure. Here in Bristol, we have had widespread 20mph limits for around 15 years. The only downside I saw is that I got used to driving at 20 and would find myself doing so where the limit was 30 in other locations, to the annoyance of drivers behind (though perhaps the relief of pedestrians in front) *There was once a substantial UK report that found the default speed limit should be around 10mph to ensure that pedestrians are not killed by drivers. That seems a long way off.
@slc I wouldn't say that the Welsh government got everything right. They applied the speed limit changes uniformly, without considering exceptions, and have since back tracked in many places. This has been a massive waste of money.
Yelled at by a driver just last month, "It's farkin' dark you farkin' twat why are you riding around wiv a black coat on? You're farkin' invisible!" To be fair, I was wearing a black jacket - a Proviz commuter jacket which is covered in their unparalleled reflective details which, as I know because Mrs H wears the same model, can be seen from hundreds of metres away. He also overlooked the fact that I was wearing a fluorescent yellow helmet, fluorescent yellow gloves, had a rear red light on the helmet, two rear red lights (one strobing one solid) and three white lights on the front (one strobing two solid). Apparently all he could see, or supposedly couldn't see, was the black jacket. They used to be an old joke about "invisible" stealth planes being rubbish because the Russians would be saying, "There aren't any planes about but there's a little guy in a sitting position at 50,000 feet..." - must have been confusing for my chap to see all those lights, reflectives and bright gear apparently going down the street of their own volition.
Another reason to avoid Terry's, which is a pretty crappy overpriced place anyway and dreadfully hipster (there's a sign on the wall that says something like "when you eat at Terry's you're not just a customer, you're a member of a very exclusive club" - thanks but I just wanted coffee and beans on toast). I'd advise anyone in that locale to try the splendidly named Giggling Sausage cafe directly opposite, better food and coffee, cheaper, better service and fewer hipsters, you can enjoy watching them queueing like sheep to get into Terry's as you dine.
I wondered if parking in a cycle hire bay was against the law, so I googled it: it isn't unless there are road markings prohibiting parking. But, this little gem came up 'Obstruction: Even where a specific bay type might lack a dedicated motor-traffic prohibition, parking a vehicle in a way that blocks access to cycle hire docks, footways, or causes an obstruction is an offense.' Report it to the authorities and demand action. Don't patronise the place, obviously. And leaving rubbish reviews is definitely out. Absolutely, definitely out. Very absolutely definitely. Out.
".....dark clothing “has been deemed a contributing factor in many fatal or serious injury collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists” No. The dark clothing is not a contributory factor, the only cause of the deaths and injuries is drivers failing to observe. The list of police organisations above shows that motornormativity in the police is institutionalised, and just as rife as it is in the rest of society. The question is, how do we get them to change? Make all police ride bikes? Show them films of collisions where perfectly visible cyclists are mown down by drivers who weren't looking? Show them pictures of cyclists literally dressed up like christmas trees by are still hit by dumb drivers? The clincher might be the picture of the police car, festooned with hi-viz, after it had been hit by a driver.
@mdavidford the standard practise is to ignore the consultation, start a petition, complain that the council doesn't listen to the public, and get your picture in the Bournemouth Echo with a headline 'Drivers fury at new cycle lane', or 'shopkeepers anger at lost parking space'.
10 thoughts on “Copenhagen’s gorgeous new cycling bridge; New bike insurance comparison service launches; Borat does a triathlon (sort of); Paris-Brest-Patisserie; NYC man who used bike as weapon jailed; Herne Hill stalwart dies + more on the live blog”
The Rough Stuff Fellowship
The Rough Stuff Fellowship have been around a bit longer than since the 1970s. Just love these archive pictures;
https://www.instagram.com/rsfarchive/
I’m pretty sure that’s what a
I’m pretty sure that’s what a paris brest cake looks like, originally designed to commemorate the race. More races should get on board with comemorative foodstuffs.
RobD wrote:
Didn’t they have to make a Paris-Brest on Bake Off? (the last series – not sure if it was slebs or civilians). I remember I had to google it, to find out what it was.
RobD wrote:
The RideLondon cake would be one that’s been sitting around for hours.
I couldn’t be bothered to try
I couldn’t be bothered to try to understand your Instagram story.
I think road.cc operatives probably spend too long on Soshal Meedja searching out non-stories.
HarrogateSpa wrote:
It’s actually quite amusing. Try harder.
The fantastic Copenhagen
The fantastic Copenhagen bridge opens as well.
ktache wrote:
Aye, thon bridge is fabulous. Hoping the planned crossing in Belfast can be as good when they eventually get the green light.
Some very bad driving around
Some very bad driving around cyclists in Stirling, shame they were undercover police officers.
OPERATION CLOSE PASS ACTIVITY IN STIRLINGSHIRE
Forth Valley’s Road Policing Unit (RPU) carried out Operation Close Pass in the Stirling Town Centre and Fallin areas yesterday and today.
Operation Close Pass aims to keep cyclists safe on the roads and focuses on both education and enforcement.
Three drivers were warned for not giving cyclists enough space and two drivers were either warned or given a fixed penalty notice for sounding horns at cyclists.
Two drivers were given formal warnings for offensive behaviour towards cyclists, including verbal abuse.
A further two drivers were given fixed penalties for failing to negotiate a roundabout and a bollard properly while passing cyclists.
A number of other road traffic offences were also detected with seven drivers either given a fixed penalty or warned for speeding, failing to wear a seatbelt and using a mobile phone.
Three drivers were found to have defects on their vehicles, and a cyclist was warned for careless cycling.
Sergeant David Ross of Stirling’s RPU said:
“Keeping vulnerable road users safe remains a priority in Forth Valley and Operation Close Pass is about prevention as well as enforcement.
“I can’t emphasise enough the need to give cyclists the appropriate space and respect all other road users. Frustration or lateness are not excuses to risk someone’s safety.”
Stirling comes across as
Stirling comes across as pretty much a Nirvana when compared to other regions in Scotland. The sooner Polis Scotland get their act together and get across to the West the better. They’ll have their work cut out. I’m telling you.