UCI suspends racing until 1 June, Dauphiné postponed; Ruby Isaac recreates Giro TT … in garden; Cameron Jeffers aims to ‘Everest’ on Zwift; April Fool round-up; “Unauthorised cyclists” still riding in Richmond Park + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Richmond Park police report "dozens of unauthorised cyclists" as controversial ban begins
Dozens of unauthorised cyclists are still being stopped by police in Richmond Park. The signage is very clear. Some have travelled from the other side of London. This may be exercise, but this is not essential travel. Please exercise close to where you live. #cycle #royalparks pic.twitter.com/2HJtHZIsfh
— Royal Parks Police (@MPSRoyal_Parks) March 31, 2020
The Royal Parks decided to ban cycling outright after reports of cyclists not adhering to social distancing rules; and last night they reported that some “had travelled from the other side of London” to ride in the park, urging people to exercise close to where they live.
After the ban was announced on Friday numerous cyclists expressed their opposition, claiming that reports of cyclists flouting the ban was exaggerated. There is also confusion about the interpretation of the rules by police, with nothing specifically stating that exercise ‘has’ to be close to home, and that the policy from The Royal Parks could instead force people who live in the area to exercise in even more cramped spaces.
There’s still no good epidemiological evidence for stopping cycling in the park. And very good public health reasons for allowing it. Hope @theroyalparks, @matbono, and @MPSRoyal_Parks will actually sit down and make this work, rather than continuing with pointless ban.
— miroirdufou (@miroirdufou) March 31, 2020
You’re right that cycling has been suspended in the Park due to car-free exercise being too popular but Reg 6 does not require people to exercise close to home (or exercise only once, or only in one form, etc). Please could you correct this? Thank you.https://t.co/Hk1YxVjLIL
— The Dynaslow 🚴♂️🐈👨👩👧 (@TheDynaslow) April 1, 2020
Police have also come in for criticism for enforcing guidelines from the government rather than enforcing the law, with Lord Sumption calling the actions of Derbyshire Police “disgraceful after they used drones to ‘catch’ walkers using the Peak District. The body representing senior police officers in the UK has now clarified that enforcement of government rules regarding restrictions on movement during the coronavirus pandemic should only be undertaken as “a last resort.”
'Crowding at the gates' feared due to Richmond Park cycling ban
@theroyalparks
Hi, just wondering why cycling is not allowed in Richmond Park? Read on your site about congestion at the gates but if we enter when the gates aren’t busy surely we should be able to keep to the empty roads?— Larissa (@LariWestSide) April 1, 2020
Oh well, Richmond Park has banned cycling “to protect public safety” as I just discovered (totally missed the announcements last week). Pity. pic.twitter.com/q3hqYoVOvY
— Alex Terrell (@alxterrell) March 31, 2020
It's April 1st - here's your news round-up
Leading the way is the news that the Tour de France is to be held on Zwift – our reporter Liam Cahill got this scoop, with organisers saying that the event will be live streamed with daily weigh-ins and height measurements taken; meanwhile, mortals have instead took up virtual bikepacking.
Velo Kicks announced via their Instagram that they’ve teamed up with Crocs, inviting us to “slip on and clip on” with a BOA-dialled version of the flip flop everyone loves to hate.
Ribble have launched the Fam Dem, a tandem for all the family. They say of the new contraption: “Thanks to its aero credentials, its no slouch either! An aerodynamically-designed seating arrangement places the adults at the front and rear, whilst the mid-section is reserved for the kids. Inspired by the way that whales swim with their young, tucked into their slipstream, and the way kangaroos aerodynamically shield their babies in their pouches, you’ll get all the benefit of the extra pairs of legs, with none of the drag.”
Bikemonger have launched an innovative range of Bikepacking equipment, including these stunning lightweight waterproof panniers (£270), Co Op-inspired waterproof overshoes (£64) and a ‘gilet noir’ (£107), ideal for keeping you dry and then using for disposing of rubbish later in the day.
Parcours have launched indoor-specific wheels, built for the demands of the turbo and weighing 500 virtual grams. Founder Dov Tate says: “We have already seen various cycling brands launching their own indoor training-specific products, so we simply thought, why don’t we? For too long, the turbo has been where old wheels go to die, so it’s time we applied our aero know-how to really help virtual riders maximise their aerodynamics whilst still stationary.”
It's past midday now...
…so it’s now time to reveal that the April 1st news round-up below is, unfortunately, all a load of codswallop. Enjoy the rest of your day!
"When you know you should train but you don't want to"...
When you know you should train but you don’t want to pic.twitter.com/KI2isynEWv
— Hannah 😈 🚲 (@theeyecollector) March 31, 2020
Chris Boardman steps in to lend NHS nurse an e-bike
Hi David, since you’re on The Wirral, I’ve got one you can borrow. Send me a DM
— Chris Boardman (@Chris_Boardman) April 1, 2020
Facing a long trip to work and back and doing a 12 hour shift, David Agnew-White asked Twitter if anyone could lend him an e-bike to do his 26 mile round journey – and Manchester’s cycling and walking commissioner stepped in. Chapeau Mr Boardman.
Cameron Jeffers is attempting to 'Everest' on Zwift
The YouTube personality is currently live-streaming an attempt to virtually ascend Mount Everest. He’s been going for over 7 hours 30 minutes at the time of writing, and has climbed over 7,000m of Everest’s 8,848m official elevation.
Jeffers previously hit the headlines back in October when he was stripped of his British Cycling eRacing title, fined and banned because the bike he rode in the final had only been earned through simulated efforts. Jeffers accepted that using software to get access to the bike was “unethical and unsporting” but said his physical performance in the final was still superior to those he beat. He’s now un-banned and back competing on Zwift once more.
Mark Cavendish hosting first in Bahrain McLaren's Zwift series
Fancy a ride with the one and only @MarkCavendish?
Join the first series of the #RideAsOne group rides from @BahrainMcLaren on @GoZwift! 🙌 The champion will be leading the ride while talking with his fans and streaming it all live on Instagram!
Sign up, the ride is tomorrow! https://t.co/OOww6hiqdk— Elite Cycling (@Elite_cycling) April 1, 2020
Cav will also be answering fan’s questions and streaming it all live via Instagram, taking place tomorrow at 4pm. Usually you’d have to bunk off work early to make it but now it’s just a case of popping into the garage…
Chirs Boardman in bullet points
Chris Boardman – Most under-rated guy on Twitter.
Always clear.
Always fair.
Always evidence based.
Never emotive.
Never argumentative.
Impossible to disagree with his contributions.
Above all, he cares. Genuinely.— Matthew Hartley (@MJH525) April 1, 2020
In case you couldn’t tell, we’re big fans here at road.cc. Scroll down the page to read about his latest act of kindness.
Movistar Team are donating protective glasses to health workers in Spain
👓 Las gafas también son seguridad estos días. Todo @Movistar_Team y @ride100percent colaboramos con @vallhebron para donar a los sanitarios del centro gafas protectoras -incluidas ‘tipo máscara’-. Todo, para proteger a quienes nos protegen. #SeguimosConectados pic.twitter.com/NXhbnXpigi
— alejandro valverde (@alejanvalverde) April 1, 2020
Shown here on former world champ Alejandro Valverde, the glasses are being donated in partnership with Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus in Barcelona.
Coronavirus: UK government announcement taking place now
The latest briefing is now going ahead – will even greater restrictions be put in place that could even mean our once daily outdoor exercise is stopped for the time being?
Ruby 'Rollers' Isaac recreates a Giro d'italia Time Trial... in her back garden
Well I have finished …I have just completed the slowest @giroditalia time trial in cycling history…16.5km in 3 hours 6 minutes around my garden …thank you to everyone who watched and donated….you can still donate to @masksforNHS at https://t.co/hHvCTDEPu9. Ruby X pic.twitter.com/Q9ivWWh3Ej
— Ruby Isaac (@RubyWIsaac) April 1, 2020
Ruby – who is known for performing tricks and multitasking while riding the rollers including juggling, hair brushing and skipping – has ridden a whole 16.5km on a micro course in her back garden to raise vital funds to buy protective masks for the NHS. Taking three hours and averaging a speed of 5.3km/h, Ruby admitted this was without a doubt “the slowest Giro d’Italia time trial in history”.
If you want to donate to get vital Personal Protective Equipment to NHS staff, you can do so here.
UCI suspends racing until 1 June, Critérium du Dauphiné postponed
The UCI has extended its suspension of racing until 1 May due to the coronavirus pandemic, following consultation with representatives of teams, professional cyclists and race organisers.
The decision, announced today, will apply across all cycling disciplines and all categories of riders.
World cycling’s governing body said that the end of the road racing season could be pushed back until November, and that if it is possible to resume racing priority will be given to making space on the calendar for the three Grand Tours and five Monuments.
It has also been confirmed today that key Tour de France warm-up race, the Critérium du Dauphiné, due to have been held from 31 May to 7 June, has been postponed indefinitely.
1 April 2020, 08:30
This year marks the 10th anniversary of 30 Days of Biking, the global movement that aims to get people riding their bike at least once a day throughout the month of April
30 Days of Biking starts today – an extra motivation to take a daily ride
Global movement's 10th anniversary provides a prompt to keep mentally and physically healthy in these unprecedented times
1 April 2020, 08:30
Our April's Fool's article is now updated posing a genuinely serious question!
Could our Tour de France on Zwift April Fools joke become a reality?
Gotcha! But how would a Grand eTour work?
1 April 2020, 08:30
Yesterday on social media we asked you how your riding habits had changed in response to the new rules – here’s what you told us...
We asked you how coronavirus had changed your cycling habits and the response was overwhelming – here’s what you told us
Quieter roads, busier towpaths, cutting down the miles and staying safe - road.cc readers share their views
Help us to bring you the best cycling content
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Latest Comments
The problem with roadcc's coverage of Nick Freeman is that it's focusing too much on his controversial hot takes, rather than the well-known work he's done road safety campaigning. For balance, Nick has been very vocal recently on the dangers posed by electric cars for cyclists and pedestrians, writing (on X): "Pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users often rely on hearing an approaching vehicle. That’s why I believe EVs should emit synthesised warning sounds at all speeds, not just low speeds. Road safety must always come first." I think we can all unite around that sentiment rather than the more divisive number plates argument which I disagree with. Nick thinks that "accountability" comes with identifiability. I agree to some extent, but you have to balance the risks posed by a form of transport with the loss of freedom and increase in state power resulting in having mandatory identity numbers. Cycling doesn't even come close.
@HarrogateSpa : Exactly. Clickbait articles such as this to keep the advertisers happy.
@hawkinspeter Hmm... while there is sensible stuff in there it's even better where the design and human nature carries more of the weight than rules or guidance. Speed limits being one; if it was just on the rules that would be a lesser way of ensuring safety than the road / space design. (Of course just changing a number on a sign *does* work to some extent, presumably in part via the "anchoring" effect and "when in Rome"). I'm thinking more of what we have in eg. UK motorway-design-level thought and applying that *. One example would be the Dutch taking the observation that a certain fraction of people will make dangerous overtake no matter the rules, paint or even considerations of their own safety and a muffed overtake can have very severe consequences ... and then simply banning overtaking on some classes of roads (and even bringing in physical barriers some places). Hey presto - a whole class of problems they don't have! (It's not perfect of course, lots of legacy roads there). * Only some classes of vehicles allowed, everyone going the same direction with no crossing traffic or stopping / parking, rumble strips at edges, energy absorbing crash barriers, curved layout to stop people falling asleep...
I liked his graphs.
And yet not three weeks ago you were actively canvassing likes. Good liars need good memories, Nigel.
@chrisonabike - the Highway Code is a good example of fool-tolerant rules. The emphasis is on how to minimise causing danger to others, but also avoiding collisions even if the other road users are being arseholes (e.g. not running over cyclists even if they're blatantly cycling on the wrong side of the road)
Bless you, I didn't realise you place your self-worth on the number of likes you receive on an internet forum. I've never yearned for the approval of others, I'm just satisfied in the knowledge that I've constructed a coherent and noteworthy post. The best one I've done so far was the one I gave with your pipe, ale and suggestion to move to my leafy cul de sac. I have to admit I cheekily read it back to myself a few times and chuckled *every single time*!
Yeah, I think you're right, it did get a bit more "oh yeah? Well what about this?!" latterly. There's a lot more polarising going on. I blame myself. And the unicyclists.
"They want us all locked in our homes...!" "Not all, only some..."
@hawkinspeter fool-tolerant design? Fool-foiling designs sound better but they tend to have unfortunate side-effects - at least when combined with human nature *. "Sustainable Safety" - design expecting mistakes and some rule-breaking eg. corner-cutting - but be *forgiving*. That means while *feedback* is provided (see adverse camber, slightly uneven driving surface etc) favour "everyone gets to their destination safely" over "the rules must be respected even at risk of collateral damage!" The penalty for failure shouldn't be serious injury or death. * Few want to be thought a fool and some may prove it if they believe that assumption was made.
19 thoughts on “UCI suspends racing until 1 June, Dauphiné postponed; Ruby Isaac recreates Giro TT … in garden; Cameron Jeffers aims to ‘Everest’ on Zwift; April Fool round-up; “Unauthorised cyclists” still riding in Richmond Park + more on the live blog”
So this ban is due to
So this ban is due to “reports” rather than “actual facts”, did they actually go and look for themselves and see problems, or did they just take the word of entitled locals who dislike bikes ?
What facts are they basing the closure on ? Did they consider opening an extra gate usually used for cars, and allow cyclists through that ?
Now the Pedestrians Only
Now the Pedestrians Only signs are perfectly clear, but why is the Royal Park declaring No No Cycling?
You’d think they were a sort of professional outfit and not some bunch of amateurs who might know a few traffic signs, many of course having passed their driving test with requirements to have knowledge of the highway code, and as responsible motorists to keep themselves updated on it.
The No No Cycling sign has become a great deal more prevalent lately.
No no cycling is a double
No no cycling is a double negative. Does that mean cycling is allowed?
I actually think it means you
I actually think it means you MUST cycle.
Yeah, that’s what I thought.
Yeah, that’s what I thought. I think I’ll pass on trying to explain that to a cop though.
I haven’t cycled in Richmond Park for too long. But I guess it’ll be a while before I do again.
Oddly though the UK have a
Oddly though the UK have a mit of a mix on the “No (whatever) signs.
No vehicles, no motor vehicles, and no cycling are all simply a red circle, white background and logo (or nothing in case of no vehicles), however no left/right turn or no u-turns have a diagonal line, top left to bottom right, but on the park signs it’s top right to bottom left.
As the symbol part of the sign is the vital part, as it’s intended to be seen in passing, rather than stopping to read it, their signage does not comply with the road traffic act and would I hope be kicked out should a lawyer be stopped who decided to take it to court.
Norway had a case recently where 24 fines for driving the wrong way up a one way street had to be cancelled as the signs were 40cm diameter not 60cm, despite a 30km/h speed limit, and people having driven past several signs.
Surely someone with a bike
Surely someone with a bike can pass through the gate at least as quickly as (if walking it), if not faster than (if riding it), someone without? So why aren’t pedestrians ‘causing congestion’ and being banned too?
I’d buy those crocs.
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I’d buy those crocs.
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Richmond Park -closed by
Richmond Park -closed by order of the Secretary of State DCMS – the devil makes work for idle, hands – no sport, little culture, media mostly mono-culture, not much for the Department to do…..
I have just opened my newly
I have just opened my newly delivered copy of Cycle, (then washed my hands), the magazine of CycleUK.
Cover and main article-
BETTER TOGETHER – THE JOY OF GROUP RIDING
Ahhh, the simplicity of the Before Times…
Inside there is a Bike Hacks
Inside there is a Bike Hacks that may actually be useful.
Quicklink Removal.
Special Pliers aren’t required. Fit the chain on the chainring so that the quicklink points up in an inverted V. (It’s fiddlier with a barrow-wide chainring, pictured [perhaps not…]). Give the chain a sharp tap with a multitool, spanner or rock. To refit, loosly fasten the quicklink, loosly fasten the quicklink, then carefully rotate the cranks so it’s situated in the top run of chain. Apply the brakes and tread down firmly on the lead pedal.
Now I have a Park tool remover in my toolbox, so this could be a useful Top-Tips if I need to do it when out and about, and it is an early itteration so does not do the installation and I have done the fastening thing with some tight links, though running it around the big ring did mange to pop some into place.
I do still desire the Wolf Tooth Components Master Link Combo Pliers for my carry round tool kit, which does much more than both fitting and removing quicklinks and is just so nice, but I need a great deal more disposable.
Ooh, you can get them in nickel plated, sold out now of course.
You can get SPD sandals so
You can get SPD sandals so why not crocs
https://www.wigglestatic.com/product-media/6360120204/bsd500.jpg
do you ever the feeling that
do you ever the feeling that if someone put up signs on the edge of beachy head saying ” do not cycle over the edge ” someone on here would bang on about it being unfair or the wrong sign or something else and I am sure you could find someone to ride over the edge just to prove a point
I was trying to figure out
I was trying to figure out what such an appropriate sign might look like.
Is there a problem with cyclists riding off Beachy Head?
There does seem to be a sign that would suggest motorists might have a problem with edges and water.
nickW1 wrote:
There’s just a teensy difference: cycling over the edge of Beachy Head would be stupid and harmful. There’s no evidence that cycling in Richmond Park does any harm at all. I haven’t been there since the lockdown but (walking) friends report that joggers and dog walkers are toddling along in substantial groups, no social distancing at all, and not being bothered by the Parks Police at all. Royal Parks as an organization and particularly those responsible for Richmond Park have always hated cyclists and are using this crisis as an excuse to impose spiteful unnecessary restrictions instead of having a sensible dialogue (I make no excuse for the twats who were still riding round in chaingangs). When this crisis is over and we all come to review our actions, when the NHS heroes tell us how many lives they saved, when countless volunteers tell us how they helped their elderly neighbours, I hope the Parks Police will be proud to say their contribution to national wellbeing was stopping people riding bicycles. Well done lads!
No
No
That entire bikemonger page
That entire bikemonger page is a work of art. ?
Jeez this is lazy ‘journalism
Jeez this is lazy ‘journalism’. Write a segment about Cameron Jeffers and spend twice as many words on old news than the actual story.
beginning to look like you have some personal issue with him. We all know that whole ‘national champs’ was ridiculous, who comes up with a race where all don’t ride the same bike, it’s like having a real race with one team on a 10kg bike and another on 6.8kg. How many people who competed have had their realism previously set to the default 50%. I bet most people using it (& earning the from bike in the process) won’t have changed the default setting
do you mention Merckx missing post race testing every time he’s mentioned, or David Millar past every time Chpt3 launch a new t shirt? (Btw I think he’s brilliant so no finger pointing from me there)
Pantster wrote:
Something of an irony in posting this on a two week old ‘Live blog’.