Live streamer stops brutal bike theft attack; Traffic cops apologise for cyclists avoid busy areas tweet; Reza calls for tougher racism punishments; £18m training boost; Promising pro retires; Ben Foster visits Rapha + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Traffic cops apologise for asking cyclists to avoid busy areas during rush hour
Thank you. If there is concern that some drivers might be out of practice, could you promote a refresher driving lesson so the roads are safe? If your roads are too busy to be safe for cyclists pls contact the council for emergency traffic measures to be put in place.
— Jo Rigby (@Jo_Earlsfield) April 12, 2021
Northumbria Police admitted they got this one wrong and apologised for the tweet, which has also been deleted, asking cyclists to avoid busy areas during rush hour and be extra careful as drivers may be out of practice after lockdown…Here it is in all its glory…
It appears that the tweet has been deleted. I’m sure I’m not the only one with a screenshot to make sure they don’t forget they tweeted it pic.twitter.com/mCWOvNm1CX
— Richard S (@Stokesy1966) April 12, 2021
The post was deleted after heavy criticism from many on Twitter who said it was a ridiculous request and essentially told cyclists to get out of drivers’ way. In an apology, the force’s traffic cops said this wasn’t intended and they were trying to keep cyclists safe. Some have said the response doesn’t go far enough, with one reply calling it a “sorry if you were offended” apology…
“The roads are getting busier. Please don’t drive, especially during peak hours, unless it is essential. Please walk, cycle or use public transport instead.” Fixed it for you Northumbria Police. You’re welcome 🚴🚴♀️🚶♀️🚶♂️
— Matt Barker #VoteGreen2021 (@pigovian) April 12, 2021
‘We apologise for how this was received.’
So no apology for making the dangerous and stupid suggestion, just for the fact that you all got upset by it. https://t.co/hxoQpyy3Eo
— Jon 🇪🇺 🏴 (@jonnarbett) April 12, 2021
Northumbria Police superintendent responds to criticism
@NPRoadSafety. The commitment to road safety and those staff who are working in this area is unwavering. We want cyclist, pedestrians and drivers to be safe. We want to see a reduction in road deaths and serious injury. We are a department of
— Superintendent Sam Rennison (@sam_rennison) April 12, 2021
Superintendent Sam Rennison of Northumbria Police took to Twitter to address the criticism about the post from her force’s traffic unit which asked cyclists to avoid riding in busy areas during rush hour. Renniston is concerned the backlash will overshadow the positive work her department has done to protect cyclists…
She wrote: “The commitment to road safety and those staff who are working in this area is unwavering. We want cyclist, pedestrians and drivers to be safe. We want to see a reduction in road deaths and serious injury. We are a department of committed officers and staff who want their communities and their families to be safe.
“Our tweets are to keep you informed, we sometimes get a great response…we sometimes get it wrong. There are lots of great excuses on the post. My particular favourite was our phone was stolen by a drink driver… but at the end of the day, we didn’t get this tweet right, but it doesn’t take away from the great work being done. Roads should be safe for all, and our commitment to roads policing is to try to get there.”
Seven stages of LTN grief
The seven stages of LTN grief…🚗😡🗯️🤔💡🚲😃 https://t.co/B3sIhZkqsJ
— Jon Burke FRSA (@jonburkeUK) April 12, 2021
Promising pro rider retires at 21
Quite a tough read, maybe the dark side of this sport. Congrats on a great career @nonnez_t and respect for making such a big decision https://t.co/yzP4gPaTnO
— U23 Cycling Zone (@U23CyclingZone) April 12, 2021
Former French junior national champion Théo Nonnez has retired from pro cycling aged 21 in the hope of regaining his mental and physical health. Nonnez was fourth at U23 Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 2019 but says he has suffered from burnout in the pursuit of his goals.
In a statement on FDJ’s website Nonnez said: “I made this decision after a long period of reflection. I think we can call it a burnout. I am not sad to make this decision. On the opposite, it gives me hope again. I had entered a vicious cycle and I didn’t dare talking about how I felt.
“I was thinking about cycling when I was breathing, waking up, eating. My whole life was dedicated to it and I deprived myself of a lot of things. I moved away from close people, friends, because I no longer had the opportunity to see them, or even because I put barriers myself.
“My family has invested a lot, financially but also in terms of time. The team trusted me, many people have been there for me. I worked hard myself, struggled, and forbid myself many things to get there. Therefore, it was hard to admit to myself that all that did not excite me anymore. I lied to myself, but in the end, could not escape it.”
The 21-year-old went on to explain he knew something was wrong when he broke down in tears on a training ride in December and was looking forward to continuing his life away from the world of pro cycling.
Kévin Reza speaks out about being the only black rider at last year's Tour de France and what cycling can do to stamp out racism
Kévin Reza spoke to Sky Sports about the need for cycling to tackle racism. The French lead-out man was the only black rider at the Tour de France last year and in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, he rode at the head of the peloton next to race winner Tadej Pogačar on the final stage in Paris. Riders also wore masks with #NoToRacism written on the front before the stage too.
However, more can be done and Reza is keen for discussion about the subject of diversity and inclusion in the sport. “It’s just something that makes me want to be able to share and interact with people,” he said. “Those who may or may not be racist, but at least we can have a proper exchange and I can share my ideas and thoughts. It’s a subject that remains taboo and that we aren’t used to talking about openly.”
In 2017, Ineos Grenadiers rider Gianni Moscon was suspended for six weeks and sent on a diversity training course for racially abusing Reza at the Tour de Romandie. Moscon escaped punishment from the UCI, something which the victim of his slur thinks needs addressing.
“I have reflected and thought for a long, long time about this,” Reza continued. “This is the biggest and most important organisation in cycling. They manage to ban cheaters who take drugs. I think that racism and discrimination in general must be on a par with these kinds of acts.
“As a minimum, you would expect to see a racist get punished like a doper. I think this is one of the best solutions. It would show they’re taking a strong stance in terms of supporting action against the various forms of discrimination within sport.”
In a statement provided by the UCI, the governing body insisted they “firmly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination”.
ICYMI: £18 million announced for cycle training
The government will invest £18 million in cycle training schemes for children and families. Citing the need to ensure everyone has the confidence to choose active travel, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced at the end of last week that £18 million would be managed via the Bikeability Trust charity. The funding will go towards delivering practical on-road training, similar to the old ‘cycling proficiency’ scheme.
Bikeability offers five levels of training for kids, starting with developing early cycle handling awareness through to riding on busy streets with complex junctions and roundabouts and has trained over 3.5 million children since 2006.
“The commitment of government to fund Bikeability in this next year is hugely welcomed as we seek to ensure that every child can access cycling as a life skill by 2025,” Bikeability Trust’s executive director Emily Cherry explained.
“Personally, I know the value of cycle training for both children and their parents, having taken part in family training with my teacher husband and our children. Now, they cycle to school daily using the skills they learned from the training and, as a family, we continue to enjoy cycling together. Bikeability is the first step to ensure that adults and children alike have the confidence and competence to cycle.”
Your thoughts on Northumbria Police apology
Ben Foster takes a tour of refurbished Rapha Clubhouse
We weren’t the only ones to get a sneak peek at the expanded Rapha Clubhouse in London…Our inaugural Drink At Your Desk Live! guest Ben Foster went along for a video too. For all the details as the flagship Clubhouse reopens, completely refurbished and expanded, have a read of our story from yesterday…
New bike day
Happy to finally be able to announce the latest addition to the Sykes family.
Mon 12th of April
18:04pm.
Weight: 11kgs
Thanks to all involved for making the delivery quick and painless.
I couldn’t be more in love #blessed 🥰 pic.twitter.com/yonxrxo8Nq— Mel Sykes (@nuddypants) April 13, 2021
French MPs back cycling with help for e-bike buyers
French MPs voted unanimously for a series of measures to encourage people to buy bikes as part of the new Climate Bill. The Connexion reports amendments include incentives for people swapping vehicles for an electric bike, similar to the existing incentive for ditching an older car for an electric model.
During the first reading, Minister for the Ecological Transition Barbara Pompili said a “package of aid” for cycling was needed to further boost the “booming” interest and offered a “bicycle bonus” for people buying cargo bikes.
In March, MPs from all parties put their names to an open letter criticising the absence of cycling policies, leading to their inclusion now.
Suez Canal blockage delays arrival of middle-aisle cycling gold to Aldi
It’s a well-known fact of shopping at Aldi that the middle aisle is the Aladdin’s cave of retail. It’s the sort of place you pop down for a pint of milk only to arrive home ten minutes later the proud owner of an inflatable hot tub…
They do cycling kit too. Or at least they did until the Suez Canal blockage delayed all their gear arriving. All the Specialbuys scheduled to arrive in store on April 15 have been delayed until May. A bad sign for other cycling goods coming from Asia?
Phil Gaimon launches Preem TV
Former pro rider Phil Gaimon is building on his current YouTube audience by launching Preem TV, a new channel for cyclists. Gaimon will be joined by gravel racer Ali Tetrick, US national crit champion Rahsaan Bahati and former pro Lex Albrecht. Part of the cycling company, Preem, which was created by Zwift co-founder Scott Barger, Preem TV claims to be “all about feeding your passion for the ride”.
The channel officially launched last week and Gaimon says he’s keen to see it grow. “Preem TV is all about feeding your passion for the ride and giving that ride new life. That’s what we’re going to be doing here every week as we grow our roster of presenters and deliver never before seen content,” he explained.
Two from two for Cav
All the sprinters watching @MarkCavendish winning again😅
Congrats mate! pic.twitter.com/haVm63PLHO— Caleb Ewan (@CalebEwan) April 13, 2021
After three years without a win, Cav made it two in as many days at the Tour of Turkey today…A few sprinters could be looking nervously over their shoulder.
Since you asked so nicely...
You could have at least given your thoughts on the apology, Captain Badger…
Live streamer stops cyclist being attacked during attempted bike theft
A live streamer stepped in to stop a bike thief attacking a cyclist in central London. The streamer called Sherwin was live on his YouTube channel when he saw a man lying in the road being attacked. He ran over and got in the way of the attacker who tried a few more times to take the bike.
In the video, the victim is bleeding from the face and repeatedly says to call the police before saying “I almost got murdered man” and describing the attacker as “armed and dangerous”.
A group of passers-by also stopped and shouted at the suspect as he ran off. Sherwin has been praised on Reddit, where the video was widely shared, for stepping in.
rgtn0w commented: “Big props to the streamer though, realises what’s happening at a glance. Acts upon it immediately, and knows he has to be loud and attract attention as much as possible so people come. I don’t think there’s even something he could’ve done better to help that guy there.”
Z-Jax added: “Good on him for helping. Hopefully enough people saw his face so he can be identified.”
13 April 2021, 08:03
13 April 2021, 08:03
He's done it again...
Two wins in two days for Mark Cavendish (+ video)
Deceuninck-Quick Step rider doubles up at Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey after ending three-year winless streak yesterday
13 April 2021, 08:03
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Nah - it's entirely irky, not just some of it.
So, 'no explanation was given for the sacking'. It might be nothing to do with his clothing. Perhaps there was another reason, who knows. Just a load of conjecture.
I like the Tour de France- all those motorists at the roadside applauding cyclists.
@mitsky Nail on head time there. Police, time, resource, all wrapped up in one little sentence.
@mdavidford Could that lack of fluency in English possibly be described as irksome?
@mdavidford Could that lack of fluency in English possibly be described as irksome?
@Mr Blackbird motorists who drink alcohol should be required to pass the test twice, once sober and once after three drinks in two hours. Then they can get an endorsement on their licence for driving home from the pub after a few pints.
In France, the closer the cyclist gets to the Mediterranean Sea, the weirder car drivers behave. Some of them being repeat road deliquents. Encounters with 13, 31, 34 and 84 may prove hairy. Drivers with plates showing 84 (Vaucluse) think light signalling is no longer necessary before making a turn or exiting a roundabout. Pity UAE Team came to the decision not to press charges.
@MaxiMinimalist We can fear such a ban to varying degrees. But I'd be surprised if it happens. Even if it does the police don't have the resource and time to deal with dangerous drivers. So I guess they will ignore it anway.
Sooner or later, there will be public calls for cycling ban on specific roads and / or at specific times of the day. The great divide that separates cyclists from drivers of motorized vehicles with 4-plus wheels isn't going to narrow anytime soon. In spite of the net-zero madness, there is zip political ambition to allocate massive funds to cycling, build proper infrastructure, elaborate a nationwide integrated cycling network, educate all road users. Why? Because motorists of all kinds are voters and taxpayers.
47 thoughts on “Live streamer stops brutal bike theft attack; Traffic cops apologise for cyclists avoid busy areas tweet; Reza calls for tougher racism punishments; £18m training boost; Promising pro retires; Ben Foster visits Rapha + more on the live blog”
“We took on board the
“We took on board the suggestions to remove the post and apologise for how this was recieved.”
A variation of the Matthew Paris defence of “I’m sorry; that you don’t have a sense of humour.”
We keep pointing out that this kind of victim blaming is prevalent, but it doesn’t seem to make any difference; it’s still always the cyclists’ fault.
Nothumbria and here,
Nothumbria and here, Staffordshire “apologising” that someone found their comments offensive. How about a proper apology for writing something offensive? That is no apology at all. As for the advice to stay left on a roundabout… this coming from the police! Should have read: “Roundabouts can be hazardous for cyclists because drivers of other vehicles often don’t pay attention or treat them with the consideration they deserve as legitimate road users. If this applies to you please change your behaviour accordingly”.
That original tweet was a
That original tweet was a shocker – it was up for a few hours before being pulled down.
Whilst I’m sure there are plenty of good cops out there, it does demonstrate the typical institutionally anti-cyclist prejudice that many of us have encountered so often – a belief that cyclists don’t really belong on the roads, and that they are automatically at fault for any misfortune that comes their way.
Staffordshire Police pulleda
Staffordshire Police pulleda similar stunt on FB with a whole lot less outrage (and bugger all engagement with those of us who were):
“Roundabouts can be hazardous for cyclists and should be approached with care. Here are some useful tips to keep you and other roads users safe:”
Followed by “advice” to cyclists (some of which was downright foolish), and sod-all to the drivers who actually create the hazard.
https://www.facebook.com/staffordshirepolice/photos/a.10150149873998378/10160931829178378
My conclusion? Endemic problem, that will persist while so many Police officers drive, and so few of them ride bikes and actually appreciate the probem.
Having nearly been t-boned by
Having nearly been t-boned by a driver on a roundabout I was on, that he was joining at the weekend, and we only avoided colliding because I took action, damn right roundabouts are dangerous.
Though the tone of that police advice implies it would have been my fault for being there as a cyclist and not the incompetent buffoon behind the wheel of the car.
I had a near miss about 5-6
I had a near miss about 5-6 years ago – and decided there and then that I would cross roundabouts/ busy junctions as a pedestrian. Hoping they’ve seen me is no good, so I’ll not take that gamble.
I did get hit by a driver
I did get hit by a driver joining a roundabout when I was on it a few years back and she had no priority. Result was broken left leg after a trip up in the air from her bonnet. Got witnesses who heard her say it was her fault but later she told her insurance company I just fell off. Her insurers didn’t believe her.
Keep to the left hand lane?
Keep to the left hand lane? Are they trying to get cyclists killed?
Mark B wrote:
Downright dangerous advice in my view being in a lane which implies you are taking the next exit and then not taking the next exit is a recipe for being left hooked. It should not be encouraged, but we do see cycle lanes painted right round the outside of roundabouts.
Designers should be hedf liable for accidents caused by this.
wycombewheeler wrote:
The Highway Code expressly says cyclists can do this:
“Rule 187 – In all cases watch out for and give plenty of room to… cyclists and horse riders who may stay in the left-hand lane and signal right if they intend to continue round the roundabout. Allow them to do so”
It also advises drivers to be aware that other road users may not be signalling correctly, so either way they should not be making decisions based on implication.
That said, it’s little good being in the right and dead, so I do tend to use roundabouts as if I was driving a car. Certainly feels safer that way if you have the confidence to take the lane.
If I go right on a 2 lane
If I go right on a 2 lane roundabout, I will take L1 but be right by the lane divider. I prefer the risk of an undertake to that of what would be a left hook.
If I do have to be in L2, then I’ll be close to the divider again as it is easier to peel off to your exit.
Just wanted to share an
Just wanted to share an anecdote from last evening…
Left the office to go home, went into the protected cycle lane on Park Row, Bristol (see picture below). Halfway along, outside the Greek deli, is a HUGE SUV parked, with a woman sitting in it on her phone. Two wands had been removed where she was parked.
I had to go out into the main traffic lane to go around her, then went in front and took a photo (getting a thumbs up from a bus driver waiting in a traffic queue going the other way). The woman was studiously avoiding my gaze, so I picked up one of the discarded wands and screwed it back into a base, practically touching the front of her vehicle.
At this, she looked down at me and asked what I was doing. I explained I was putting the wand back, but couldn’t do the other one because the base was under her car. She asked why I was doing that (??) and I explained that this was a cycle lane and she was blocking it. Her reply? “Oh! – is it?”.
I laughed and asked her what she thought the long line of orange and reflective bollards was. She ummed, and I said did she honestly think that they’d would lay this long line of bollards and then leave a gap in the middle as a handy parking space? Her response was to explain that she hadn’t removed those bollards… I asked her if she thought that made it OK?
Being watched by a growing number of people (OK, well, three) she started her car’s engine and drove off…
(this morning the wand was still down so I put it back in; had a long chat with one of the blokes who’s job it is to go around replacing them, who’d driven past. He said that they spend ten hours a day just driving around the city centre replacing wands. He also said the ones in that location are almost certainly removed by the [nearby shops] for their customers to use but that they can’t prove it…).
https://goo.gl/maps/qni32XEuuXZAJ84U7
I had a similar experience a
I had a similar experience a few months ago with my local pop-up lanes. Three wands were being repeatedly removed (and repeatedly replaced, by me, twice a day), probably by the adjacent shop owners. I saw a white van pull up in the resulting gap. 2 got out to grab some food and drink from a cafe, the driver stayed in the van. I screwed the wands back in around the van, and aksed the driver to replace the wands when they left. On reflection it could have turned ugly, and probably wasn’t a smart move, but to be fair to them, they did put the wands back in after they moved!
Along that row of shops there
Along that row of shops there’s a Greek deli and two sandwich places, so I’d imagine that they quietly move them for deliveries or customers.
The lane on the other side – and the one on the same side but further along – are usually blocked at present by scaffolders’ vans.
There’s also a noodle place which has been doing delivery all through lockdown and it is usually their vehicles which park where the Ka is on the streetview (I’ve seen their drivers going in and out). That spot is a grey area because its marked as a cycle lane (as you can see) but it’s not been protected so people think it’s fair game…
Doesn’t help that there is a
Don’t know the area, but it probably doesn’t help that there is a (I’d guess pre-wand?) painted cycle lane which goes around the bus stop / wands, and it looks like there are still parking bays marked inside the wands (albeit they have also painted cycle markings in them), so the messaging is a bit mixed. But I doubt any of that genuinely confuses drivers, they just decide their need to park is greater.
That Northumbria Police tweet
That Northumbria Police tweet is deeply offensive.
‘Try to’, not ‘try and’!
mdavidford wrote:
Merriam Webster: When try is used to mean “to make an attempt at” it’s often followed by an infinitive phrase, as in “try to explain.” A lot of people don’t like it when and appears in place of the to: “try and explain.” There is, however, nothing wrong with try and, and you should feel free to use it. It’s most at home in informal settings, but is not grammatically problematic and is in fact about the same age as (and is very possibly older than) try to.
Fowler’s English Usage states that there is no particular preferred form and advises the “and” form can be used where it sounds natural. Dickens, Austen and Twain all used “try and” so if it’s good enough for them…
Who is this Mirriam Webster
Who is this Mirriam Webster character, and why should we care what they say?
mdavidford wrote:
Apparently they are “America’s most trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation.”
So Rendel’s example is based on ‘Merican English… 😉
brooksby]
…and Fowler’s English Usage, which is the gold standard guide to English usage.
Really Mirriam! Switch “try”
Really Mirriam! Switch “try” with “attempt”, and then tell me that “attempt and explain….” is a valid use of the English language !
It is grammatically
It is grammatically problematic, though – if you “try and win” you’ve won, so the first two words are redundant. 😉
belugabob wrote:
Some of us are so good, we win without even trying, so it’s best to clarify. For instance, I got “dad of the year” several years in a row according to mementos I received on Father’s Day. I didn’t even know I was in the running! 2015 was disappointing, though.
Rendel Harris wrote:
— Rendel HarrisI don’t care how old it is, I don’t like it and would not use it in written form. I find it fine in verbal use though still prefer “try to”.
In a case like “try and try” which of course carries a different meaning. But if you substiutute try with another word with the same meaning you’ll see how it doesn’t work: you don’t “make an attempt and” something, you “make an attempt at” it.
You “try to cook a meal”, you don’t “try and cook a meal” because, as above, you either “try to cook it” or you cook it. It can’t be both, which is what the “and” signifies in English.
Also, you may be carrying some beers back from the bar and “try not to spill any”, you don’t “try not and spill any”.
Oh dear, all predictable
Oh dear, all predictable really. A PR gaff/own goal. They are merely reflecting what the majority of people in the UK think about road use; they are primarily for motor vehicles, especially cars, and that’s it.
It’s going to be a long hard battle to change this view; car is king, and driving is a right ( when it’s actually a privilege).
It doesn’t matter if public transport, walking, cycling, motor cycling, etc is probably better for getting around – the car is still the No 1 choice. Depressing I know….
Cops??!! Are we in America
Cops??!! Are we in America now? They’re Police.
Would you prefer the filth?
Would you prefer the filth? There was a pseudo documentary series on the BBC called The Cops some 30 years ago (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cops_(TV_series)) . Cops is short for coppers which has been in use since around the 1840s
hirsute wrote:
— hirsuteI remember it well.
eburtthebike wrote:
The show or the 1840s? 😉
brooksby wrote:
1840s.
eburtthebike wrote:
😀
See also:
See also:
Bobbies: after Robert Peel
Old Bill: London?
Copper: Constable on Patrol, possibly early police pay
The Filth: London / SE
the Rozzers: Midlands : Report On Summons
the Bizzies : Liverpool- too busy to help
the Dibble: Manchester , Top Cat
the Fuzz: ?
Plod: police constable in Noddy
Seems the Scousers have it right
I don’t think the headline is
I don’t think the headline is correct as they have not apologised for their crass mistake or appalling mindset.
If there is a 2 wheeled campaign, I hope it reaches Essex as the cops here don’t consider close passes worth any action since the start of this year.
Apparently the National
Apparently the National police chiefs council (NPCC) along with national roads policing operations intelligence & investigation (NRPOII) started a national two week long “2 wheel campaign” for safety last week,so this is week 2 and might explain yesterday’s blog post about the recumbent,as it focuses on officers engaging with vulnerable road users & motorists to offer advice & education on skills, ppe,behaviour to improve road safety and I expect most forces are joining in with something be that posting random advice on social media or stopping people on the roads for a chat.
So usual ignore the elephant in the room and stop cyclists who arent wearing helmets kind of campaign.
That’s not an apology. That’s
That’s not an apology. That’s an apology for us feeling that we need an apology.
I’m dreading something like this coming from Wigan council/Police. Poolstock lane is being reduced in width and speed (down to 20 from 30) with what looks like it could be a cycle lane installed. All sounds good news until you take in to account the ‘tards in cars that will then be harassing cyclists for not using the cycle lane even though I’ll be travelling at the speed limit on my bike.
All done to force drivers in to using the ‘road to nowhere’.
Like yesterday’s velomobile
Like yesterday’s velomobile story, it seems the police are very keen to pull over cyclists “just to offer some advice” or “just have a friendly word” for things which aren’t actually illegal.
They seem a lot less keen to pull over motorists to do the same, or pull up alongside cars parked in cycle lanes or in ASLs to advise them to move along “for the safety of other road users”.
Double standards? Surely not…
as I highlighted earlier its
as I highlighted earlier its a special two wheeled safety campaign by the police at the moment, and Northumbria’s police and the copper from yesterdays velomobile story are almost word for word just using the same phrases as contained in the press release about it, they are informing and educating two wheeled road users for their safety…we might & should debate the effectiveness of such a campaign, but thats certainly the source of it.
literally google “two wheel campaign” and all kinds of stuff from around the countrys police forces pops up, and some are proudly informing the public how theyve stopped some riders (mopeds/motorcyclists too) on two wheels to educate them about their safety for their own good of course, meanwhile the road carnage as the 4 wheeled lot ignore all that carries on behind them
As a motorcyclist it is quite
As a motorcyclist it is quite usual for the Police to engage in a number of ways, especially at the start of the season when silly old sods like me climb back on in an attempt to be young again. From friendly roadside chats by passing motorcyle Officers to increased visibility at popular routes and even small scale events, safety films and display booths at gathering spots, sometimes with a free mug of tea involved which goes a long way to improving the way that the underlying message about being vulnerable road users comes across.
Really nice to see someone
Really nice to see someone dipping their toe into cycling and having a good time courtesy of the LTN system. I was lucky enough to grow up in a succession of quiet cul-de-sacs and if this means kids can play in the street like I did that’s enough of a win, regardless of any other factors 🙂
Agreed, still feels an
Agreed, still feels an exception not the norm though when the reaction they can provoke in local newspapers is like this, the original articles posting on Facebook had 300+ comments from angry motorists https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/traffic/new-barriers-for-jovian-way-in-ipswich-7889788
Re your thoughts on
Re your thoughts on Northumbria…..
I want to get my comment screenshotted and pinned up as “Your thoughts on Your Thoughts on Northumbria Police Apology”
Go on Dan, waddya say?
Re Since you asked so nicely.
Re Since you asked so nicely…
Now you know me Dan, I rarely have strong opinions on anything
Thanks Dude, made my morning
Once people are seen to be
Once people are seen to be doing something “against Police advice” they are on a sticky wicket. Drivers will decide that the cyclists, in going against official police advice, are contributing to their own endangerment, and so absolve themselves of their own responsibility for creating the danger.
So the well-meaning advice to avoid “dangerous roads” is not just irksome for cyclists, it actually makes the situation worse.
Of course the police want to act for the safety of all. But they must do that by curbing those who create the hazard, not by restricting the liberties of others. “Don’t get out of bed” is not valid safety advice.
This Northumbria Police
This Northumbria Police debacle results from what is essentially victim blaming, which they want to place before any incident even occurs- the cyclist was at fault for being on the road when he should have stayed at home and been ‘safe’. The statistic we need to know, and won’t get, is ‘how many people have received a significant penalty after action by Northumbria Police for close passing’. That number would show how sincere they are. I know from Lancashire that they never even respond to very well proven incidents of very close passing, and have never yet prosecuted anyone for the offence, for the simple reason that they don’t accept the existence of this offence.
That’s why I moved onto well-proven cases of serious red light crashing by motorists (up to 1.9 seconds after they turned red)- no-one has yet appeared in court and many cases have simply been ignored. I have assured them that I will cease reporting these cases to Lancashire Police if they simply declare that passing traffic lights at red is NaOiL- Not an Offence in Lancashire. There hasn’t been any response to that either.
I’m intrigued by ‘Cycling
I’m intrigued by ‘Cycling shorts with seat’. Is this an integrated fold-out thing for picnic stops, like a shooting stick?
This could be really useful.
This could be really useful. One of the few problems on long rides has been that you couldn’t sit down at coffee stops – solved with this innovation.
Two things
Two things
1 Cav, absolutely awesome!
2 We need to get this message across to vehicle drivers.
If we take the national average, 4% of journeys are undertaken on a bike. Maybe the mileage average is less as most cycle journeys are relatively short, unless you did over 100 miles like I did today, hence the post!
So, 4% of road users (people) on cycles will encounter the other 96% (of people) in vehicles that could kill/main/injure them.
96% of road users in vehicles will encounter a very small number of other road users on cycles that pose absolutely no threat of physical harm to them whatsoever.
Who should be taking the most care?