Rory Stewart’s Hammersmith Bridge gaffe; More people cycling to avoid coronavirus; Paris-Nice officially cut short (and technically banned); Local Bike Shop Day to double in 2020; Crazy Berlin Frankenbike; Man really wants to get son to school + more
SUMMARY
The gravel is getting to Ian Boswell's brain...
It’s Lyme…. oh my goodness, did I just correct the spelling of Mr. Dowsett? That’s a first!
— Ian Boswell (@theboz91) March 12, 2020
The former Katusha rider – who recently signed a contract with Wahoo to race gravel races exclusively, failed to realise that Mr Dowsett intentionally got his limes mixed up in this instance. Doh!
Some Tour de France Beefeaters to cheer us all up?
Will delve into the archives.
— Beefeater Bend🎶🍻 (@tdfbeefeaters) March 13, 2020
Luckily the best one of the lot from their archives is pinned to the top of their Twitter page… happy Friday, despite all the doom and gloom!
The only Links Rechts video you’ll ever need. Beefeaters, Bananaman, kids forced to where our hats whether they like it or not……oh and a T’Rex on his way to the shops 🤣. Peak Beefeater Bend! #TDF #TDF2019 pic.twitter.com/iTlvZUnVWH
— Beefeater Bend🎶🍻 (@tdfbeefeaters) July 25, 2019
Thomas de Gendt's Paris-Nice premonition
@ParisNice will be the last race you’ll see in a while. We are the last man standing. Enjoy it while you can.
— Thomas De Gendt (@DeGendtThomas) March 12, 2020
Whether the Belgian has more info or is simply predicting the state of things to come we don’t know, but it’s very likely true with pretty much all pro races including spring classics in Belgium and Italy called off until further notice.
Bahrain McLaren withdraw from Paris-Nice, with reports race will finish tomorrow instead of Sunday
🇫🇷 #ParisNice
Team Bahrain McLaren has with regret today withdrawn from @ParisNice.
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/BF3HVhrSOd pic.twitter.com/Bu5OSO38ge
— Team Bahrain McLaren (@BahrainMcLaren) March 13, 2020
In a statement, the team said: “Team Bahrain McLaren has with regret today withdrawn from the 2020 Paris-Nice road race.
“Following consultation with the team’s riders, medical staff and other stakeholders, and in light of the rapidly escalating public health risks associated with the Covid-19 virus, the decision has been taken to repatriate all team personnel to their homes as soon as possible. Rolling restrictions on movement across Europe and the health of the entire team mean this precautionary measure is an immediate priority.
“Team Bahrain McLaren wishes to thank the UCI, the ASO, the AIGCP and its competitor teams for their understanding and support at this time. The team extends its appreciation to its partners and the many thousands of passionate fans and communities that have supported all of the riders throughout this great race.”
Meanwhile, there are reports that Paris-Nice will end tomorrow instead of Sunday, although that’s still to be officially confirmed. More when we get it, and we expect more teams to withdraw from stage 6 throughout the morning.
Man really wants to get his boy to school
When you need to get your kid to school 😂 pic.twitter.com/x2BjUdi0TJ
— Awesome Cycling 🚵♀️🚵♂️ (@AwesomeCycling) March 12, 2020
In the current state of affairs he might have to keep him home for the coming weeks, but you can’t fault the determination…
Official: Paris-Nice cut short, with race finishing tomorrow on stage 7
Official Communication: After consultation with the relevant authorities, The Union Cycliste Internationale and the Ville de Nice, the organisers of Paris-Nice have decided that 7th stage, finishing at Valdebore la Colmiane, will be the last of the race.
— Paris-Nice (@ParisNice) March 13, 2020
The rumours were true, Paris-Nice will end tomorrow instead of Sunday as originally planned. The statement says: “After consultation with the relevant authorities, The Union Cycliste Internationale and the Ville de Nice, the organisers of Paris-Nice have decided that 7th stage, finishing at Valdebore la Colmiane, will be the last of the race.
“This decision, taken as part of the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus, means that the final stage in Nice is now cancelled.”
Will that be the last bit of (outdoor) cycling we see for a while? There’s always the Zwift e-racing…
The Berlin Frankenbike doesn't care what you think
This madness was spotted in the German capital by a Redditor yesterday, and appears to have its front suspension bolted onto two rusty poles. Things don’t get much better or safer at the back, with what look to be inner tubes tied all over the front triangle with another bike frame (we think?) acting as seatstays of sorts. We’ll have whatever it’s creator is smoking…
France now bans gatherings of 100 or more people, which poses a distinct problem for Paris-Nice...
France forbids all gatherings of over 100 people. From now.
The Paris-Nice peloton is 115 riders. https://t.co/kEVoieleMS
— José Been (@TourDeJose) March 13, 2020
…because there are over 100 riders in the peloton. Looks like there’s no choice but to form a large breakaway; although we have it on good authority that the pro peloton have some form of dispensation to continue racing despite today’s ban.
Breaking: Giro postponed
RCS Sport 2020 #Giro d’Italia date postponed >>> https://t.co/oh3EiLkE2t | @rcssport posticipa la data del #Giro d’Italia 2020 >>> https://t.co/5PXcHbpXWd pic.twitter.com/G0Q0hhdOGo
— Giro d’Italia (@giroditalia) March 13, 2020
Full story now here.
Six Day Manchester postponed
The event will not take place as scheduled between 13th-15th March, with organisers saying: “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic worsening globally, and after discussions with event stakeholders, we have today made the decision that Six Day Manchester will not take place as scheduled from today through Sunday (13-15 March 2020).
“At Madison Sports Group the safety and welfare of our athletes, event staff, partners and guests is of utmost importance and since our statement earlier this week, the World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and the UK Government has chosen to move to delay phase of its response plan.
“Whilst we do not believe that any of our athletes or staff have been infected with the virus, we have decided to take this action in everyone’s best interest. We appreciate the support of our athletes, the cycling community and our supporters through this complicated decision-making process.”
More people taking up cycling worldwide to avoid coronavirus
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It looks like the odd positive thing (apart from positive tests) might have come out of all this after all, with reports of cycling on the increase in cities around the globe as poeple try to avoid public transport/any sort of confined space.
The London Cycling Campaign has published tips for people getting back onto the bike after a long hiatus; checking bikes are roadworthy, booking a service if neccessary and investing in decent locks are some of the handy suggestions.
In Germany the health minister has appealed for more people to cycle and walk and avoid public transport, while in New York many are cycling to avoid the subways for the first time. Jen Ewald told the New York Post: “I feel better taking the bike.
“There are fewer hands touching these handlebars than the subway poles.”
21,300 people were reported to have rode over New Yorks’s four East River bridges on Monday, up 52% compared to an average day in March last year.
Will people change their travel habits for good when all this has blown over? We’ve got a few quid riding on it…
LBS Day set to double in size for 2020
It’s Local Bike Shop Day on 2nd May 2020, organised by Cyclescheme in a bid to champion independent bike dealers. Last year’s event saw over 150 local bike shops participating – growing by 72% from the previous year – and it’s predicted over 350 will take part in 2020.
Better Health Bikes in East London, who took part in Local Bike Shop Day 2019, said they had “the busiest day ever with the highest turnover and many new customers” on the day last year: “Local independent bike shops have little voice within national and local news outlets, so this is helping to give IBDs a voice and stay front of mind.”
Six local bike shops will be selected by Cyclescheme to get £150 vouchers to take their staff out, awarded to those who have been the most active on social media in the build up to Local Bike Shop Day and holding in-store events on the day – read more about it on the website here.
All Flanders Classics events up to 19th April postponed
The events affected are:
Omloop Van Vlaanderen
Danilith Nokere Koerse Cyclo
Dwars door Vlaanderen Cyclo
Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo
E3 Cyclo – Johan Museeuw Classic
Tour of Flanders Business Pelotons
We Ride Flanders – RVV Cyclo
Scheldeprijs Cyclo
Peter Van Petegem Classic
Brabantse Pijl Cyclo
Organisers Peloton said in a statement: “Peloton would like to take its responsibility by limiting the risks of a further spread of the coronavirus Covid-19.
“Even though Peloton had already taken plenty of extra health measures at previous events and was also all set to do so at the forthcoming Cyclo races, we cannot ignore the fact that a lot of people gather around the start and finish of such events. We, as organisers, therefore want to exclude any triggers that could lead to a rapid spread and are moving our events to a later date.
“As soon as a new date is known, we will communicate it immediately.”
Rory Stewart accused of pandering to the wrong crowd with campaign to reopen Hammersmith Bridge to motor traffic
It is essential that we break the Hammersmith Bridge deadlock. As Mayor, I would underwrite the full cost of repairing the bridge in my first week in City Hall. My plan in @CityAM 👇https://t.co/6dOg6PixeF
— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) March 12, 2020
Recently the ex-Tory MP – who is now running for London Mayor as an independent candidate – has been vocal in his support for the repairing of Hammersmith Bridge to open it up to motor traffic once more. This is at odds with what numerous Londoners who get about by bike or on foot are reporting, commenting on the temporary pleasantness in the area due to the lack of heavy traffic.
Stewart told City A.M that the “paralysis and uncertainty surrounding (the bridge’s) closure” is “causing misery for Londoners”, and pledged £95 million to repair it plus the building of a temporary bridge for emergency vehicles while repairs are taking place – TfL is reportedly in favour of a temporary bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, but not for motor traffic.
Needless to say, Stewart’s tweets haven’t gone down majorly well in the last couple of days…
So in a city with illegal levels of pollution, most residents without a car, excellent public transport and high level of obesity you want to invest in expensive motor vehicle infrastructure as mayor,despite the smartest cities in Europe going the opposite direction? Shortsighted
— Daniel Demmel (@daaain) March 12, 2020
This is at risk of becoming an example of smug insular complacency, refusing to pay any attention to what any other country is doing or the successful public health approach in 🇩🇰. We should show some humility, learn from others and act now.
Keep the bridge for 🚲🚶♂️🚒🚑 only.
— :q! (@SMarr311) March 12, 2020
I never used to use the bridge because it was clogged with motor vehicles. I’ve cycled across it several times since they prioritised walking and cycling on it, even though I live in Brixton, a fair distance away. Its current state is a big improvement.
— Robert Wright (@RKWinvisibleman) March 12, 2020
You’re on the wrong side of this. We need to stop driving around London and stop now. Now. Not soon, or in a bit, or when it’s easier, or when we can. Now.
— Elisabeth Anderson (@velobetty) March 13, 2020
Shame on you Rory. As you speak you can clearly see people walking and cycling on the bridge, so it isn’t closed, as you vehemently day it is. The bridge doesn’t need to have ICE vehicles in it to be open. I have to say, based on this, I hope you don’t win.
— Gabriel (@Ezy_Ryder) March 12, 2020
…although his comments on coronavirus have proved more popular, with Stewart criticising the government’s lack of urgency on the matter
Pedal Me see huge boost in work following social media callout
Don’t want to get the tube at the moment? Want to help a small business?
Give @pedalmeapp a go if you need to get around central London today https://t.co/ya4zAjJVVo
— James Sibley (@jamesDsibley) March 13, 2020
The e-cargo bike couriers and taxi service said jobs had been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, and put a callout for jobs earlier in the week. It’s been going pretty well, with plenty of jobs coming in…
85 jobs so far today! Any more for any more? https://t.co/Mcwh3ehPEB
— Pedal Me (@pedalmeapp) March 13, 2020
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@Rendel Harris By the time someone is looking at prison time its too late. As has been proven time and time again, the severity of punishment is a poor deterrent to bad behaviour if people don't think its going to happen to them or they don't think they will be caught. Now I do think that there should be far more severe and immediate punishments for bad driving when drivers are caught but this would need to be coupled with a massive push to actually act on information/proof of bad driving. As anyone that submits footage to the police knows, its a crapshoot and certain police forces are anti-cyclist. This would try to essentially put people off misbehaving whilst driving before they cause an accident rather than getting the tired old excuse of "it was a single dangerous incident, they definitely don't do this all the time and their luck finally ran out". Perhaps it should go even further and if you have a history of speeding and you hurt someone speeding, that is looked upon in a very dim light.
Can we talk about “Washing up liquid contains a lot of salt – not a great idea to use a corrosive substance on a bicycle”? This is an urban myth. I have washed all of our many bikes using Fairy liquid or Ecover for decades. I’ve never found any evidence of corrosion, paint, laquer or decal wear, or any sign of anything. I regularly service forks and bearings, swapping a lot of gear, and everything has always been fine. Here’s far too much info below - long story short, Fairy liquid in 5L of hot water has a borderline-homeopathic amount of salt, it’s fine to use on a bike. ============ The honest answer is that neither Fairy nor Ecover publicly disclose the actual sodium chloride concentration in the consumer products I could find. The safety data sheets list hazardous ingredients above reporting thresholds, but sodium chloride is not reported for either product. However, we can put some realistic bounds on it. Fairy Original The SDS lists: Sodium laureth sulfate: 20-30% Lauramine oxide: 5-10% Alcohol: 1-5% No sodium chloride is declared. 15 In detergent formulations, sodium chloride is commonly used as a viscosity modifier (thickener) and is typically present at around 0.5-3%, sometimes lower. The absence of declaration suggests it is either not present or present at a low concentration that does not require reporting. This range is an informed formulation estimate, not a value stated by Fairy. Ecover The Ecover ingredient information lists: Sodium lauryl sulfate Lauryl glucoside Cocamidopropyl betaine Alcohol Lactic acid Sodium octyl sulphate Again, no sodium chloride is listed. Ecover's formulations tend to rely more heavily on plant-derived surfactants and may use little or no salt for thickening, but I could not find a published concentration. 63 What does this mean for bike washing? Let's assume a worst-case 3% salt content in Fairy. If you add: 10 mL Fairy to a 5-litre bucket Then salt introduced would be approximately: 10 mL × 3% ≈ 0.3 g salt Distributed through 5 L water ≈ 60 mg/L salt For comparison: Typical seawater: ~35,000 mg/L Lightly salted winter road spray: often hundreds to thousands of mg/L The wash bucket above: ~60 mg/L So even under a pessimistic assumption, the salt concentration is hundreds to thousands of times lower than the salt exposure your bike gets from winter roads. From a corrosion perspective, the quantity of salt introduced by washing-up liquid is essentially negligible compared with: Riding on salted roads Coastal spray Leaving winter grime on the bike Therefore my practical conclusion remains: ✅ Fairy or Ecover in a wash bucket is extremely unlikely to contribute any measurable corrosion risk. ✅ The important thing is rinsing and drying afterwards. ✅ Winter road salt is the real enemy, not washing-up liquid.
Another example of a driver's actions that would have been a straight fail in a driving test but is barely likely to lead to a disqualification... I'm wondering if having a driving licence is like a "Get out of jail free" card...
Yes indeed. I have a version of the R8100 and you definitively need ceramic for the socket.
@perce I'm not sure I agree with that. I think thats just confirming that he is take fully responsibility and recognises that the cyclist could have done nothing to mitigate it.
If we don't fight it now, we'll all end up forced to wear baggy shorts!
@Rendel Harris Agree, I am baffled that the 84 year old who is now banned from driving for year can then start driving again without a retest. We should be re-tested regularly.
@mitsky Just checking the figures and apparently the 2026 average cost is £58,000 per year per prisoner; worth noting that is only the direct cost, you then have to factor in ten years of lost tax income from the prisoner, ten years that the prisoner is making no contribution to society as a worker or as a consumer, plus the fact that if they were the primary breadwinner very likely the costs will include benefits for their family as well. None of which should be a reason for keeping violent recidivists out of prison of course, nor drug/drink drivers who kill, but it is a factor worth considering for lower-level offences.
@Surreyrider I ride in Surrey a fair bit and absolutely many do look like that but the point is they all *think* they're driving perfectly reasonably (as one discovers when remonstrating with someone who's skimmed one by 30cm, "I gave you masses of room") so deterrent penalties have little effect. That's why we need to strike at the root cause and actually train drivers properly and test them stringently (and more than once over the course of a potential 70+ years of driving, it's absolutely absurd that competence and knowledge in what for most people is the activity in their life that will run the biggest risk of killing people you never have to have your qualifications renewed).
@mitsky Imprisonment currently costs over £50k p.a. per prisoner and obviously that will rise over the course of a ten-year stretch with inflation. Regarding culpability and mitigating sentences etc, of course I'm not against condign punishment for drivers who kill (and cyclists on the tiny, tiny handful of occasions when this happens), including prison as appropriate; I was objecting to the ridiculous and oft-repeated demand of MM that drivers who kill cyclists must get ten years, "no excuses, no exceptions".
5 thoughts on “Rory Stewart’s Hammersmith Bridge gaffe; More people cycling to avoid coronavirus; Paris-Nice officially cut short (and technically banned); Local Bike Shop Day to double in 2020; Crazy Berlin Frankenbike; Man really wants to get son to school + more”
The frankenbike also has a
The frankenbike also has a front hub dydnamo connected to it’s appropriate light, placed next to the superfluous shock boots.
It doesn’t have any freakin
It doesn’t have any freakin brakes either!
So if Rory Stewart becomes
So if Rory Stewart becomes London Mayor he’ll find £95 million in his first week to reopen a bridge to motor traffic? And the Chancellor’s going to spend £27bn on new roads? What will it take for these Tories to wake up and realise we are in the middle of a climate emergency? They just don’t seem to get it.
Well he needs to because
Well he needs to because shock horror, some kids are being “FORCED” to walk to school. And of course being a good (ex) Tory he has to pander to motorists and spout lies. (In his video linked on another tweet the bridge is apparently closed to cyclists).
Utrecht does it again.
Utrecht does it again.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/forward-thinking-utrecht-builds-car-free-district-for-12000-people
From it “The Dutch city built the Netherlands’ first bike lane in 1885”
Nice.