Tory councillor offers to paint over cycle lane + anti-cyclist bingo; Jeremy Clarkson watches Vuelta… to laugh at dodgy farming; Vuelta a Espaniela; Perfect pass; Fighting talk; Wout van Aert confirmed for Tour of Britain debut + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Red light jumping, tick. Pavement cycling, tick. Highway Code, tick. Listening to music, tick. Top-tier anti-cyclist bingo letter spotted in local paper
Is today the day anti-cyclist bingo is finally completed? A full house? Get ready to shout ‘anti-cyclist bingo’ at the top of your lungs and collect your prize…
If I’ve learnt one thing doing these live blogs it is that letters in local papers about cycling are normally to be avoided, except for bingoing purposes. This one seems to have been sent in to the Argus off the back of last week’s vote for the Old Shoreham Road cycle lane to be removed…you think joyful Jeff would be pleased.
Titled: “‘I never saw more than two cyclists on Old Shoreham Road.” Jeff’s letter begins with, “as someone who has on two occasions only narrowly avoided being struck by a cyclist riding right through a red light,” woah, that’s a belter, Jeff. A seriously strong start. No messing about, straight into the red light jumping. Tick it off.
After another not-so-subtle dig at those who ignore red lights, Jeff lands another big one…cyclists riding on the pavement…”again without any action by the police.” Straight into, “many cyclists have no knowledge of the Highway Code.” Slow down, Jeff, this will be over before we’ve started. I assume Jeff has read about the proposed Highway Code changes, possibly from his favourite cycling news website’s story…
Back to the bingo. Next up, “using mobile phones” to listen to music or chat to friends. And, to top it off, “I know many motorists consider cyclists as at best a nuisance or more likely a blot on the landscape.” Tell us how you really feel, Jeff.
A strong effort from the Hove resident. Almost a full house, but perhaps not enough attention to helmets, hi-vis and, of course, ‘road tax’ and insurance for that honour. He could have asked for number plates too, anyway a deserved 8/10. Give me a minute to recover and I’ll dive into the comments section…
Brace yourselves for the comments section
We couldn’t leave Jeff’s letter there. There are 35 comments under it almost certainly bursting at the seams with some more bingo points.
Hugh Mann wrote: “Any cyclists caught running a red light should be fined £10000 and have their bikes crushed in front of them by a council steam roller.” Interesting. My 2pence offered the perfect reply, “If only this applied to drivers speeding in 20mph zones then we wouldn’t be in this mess, we would have no cars left on the road.”
Hugh Mann went again…”Cyclists are an arrogant bunch of twits who believe themselves to be superior to others and that laws do not apply to them as they have a pushbike. I dread to think what some of them are like behind the wheel of a car.” Well, they know how to safely pass cyclists, so that’s a start.
How nose best commented: “When walking on a shared pavement why do cyclists feel it’s ok to ring their bell to get you to move? BUT you drive up behind them in a car a toot your horn they say they are being bullied by motorists.” I guess this commenter wasn’t one of the pedestrians Sussex Police spoke to at their day of action where they reminded walkers that bells are used as a warning, not a challenge.
And the aptly named agreetodisagree finished us off with this wisdom: “The one thing that frustrates me is cyclists who have use of a nice, wide, most of the time EMPTY cycle lane yet still use the pavement or the road.? I mean, have they got a death wish!?”
Wout van Aert confirmed for Tour of Britain debut
We knew the Tour of Britain was on Wout van Aert’s radar. Today his debut at the race has been confirmed. The triple Tour de France stage winner, and one of the biggest names in pro cycling, is coming to the UK to tune up ahead of his big end of season goal – a home World Championships in Leuven.
Van Aert’s glittering palmares includes six Tour stages, Milan – San Remo, Amstel Gold, Strade Bianche, Gent-Wevelgem and an Olympic silver. He’ll almost certainly start the week as a strong favourite to add the Tour of Britain’s leader’s jersey to that list, especially considering the lengthy TTT which suits Jumbo-Visma perfectly.
Yesterday, Mark Cavendish confirmed he will be on the startline in Penzance, Cornwall on Sunday September 5. Tell us what you make of the route and if you’ll be catching the action roadside?
Vuelta a España Stage 4: Uphill sprint in Molina de Aragón
Final 3km for today’s #LaVuelta21
Fast run into last 290m which averages just over 6% (around 7-8% max) reducing to around 5% for the final 100m to the line. pic.twitter.com/kZCvrwOeOJ— VeloViewer (@VeloViewer) August 17, 2021
It should be one for the sprinters on stage four this afternoon. A tricky final 300m may swing the balance towards a punchier rider such as Michael Matthews, but at such a short distance from the line you’d expect stage two winner Jasper Philipsen, Arnaud Démare and Fabio Jakobsen to all be in the mix.
Jeremy Vine scores perfect van driver 10/10
This, to me, is the perfect overtake.
Thank-you to the van driver.
We need to see more of this in London.
Points scored: 10. pic.twitter.com/FBV54weAWq— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) August 16, 2021
Let’s have some positivity after last week. Could ‘best pass of the day’ become Jeremy Vine’s new Twitter series?
30 per cent of drivers so worried about narrow country lanes they deliberately avoid them...27 per cent stressed out by the thought of hitting a pedestrian or cyclist
Research from the RAC and Ageas found that one-in-three motorists deliberately avoids narrow country lanes and are prepared to take a detour of 16 miles or 25 minutes to avoid them. The study found that more than half of drivers (58 per cent) said they find using narrow country lanes stressful. For drivers who usually drive in urban areas the figure rises to 76 per cent. 58 per cent of rural drivers said it doesn’t bother them, while only 21 per cent of urban drivers said the same.
Respondents to the survey said the two biggest causes of stress are squeezing past other vehicles (62 per cent) and colliding with another vehicle (61 per cent). The fear of hitting a pedestrian or cyclist was deemed stress-inducing by 27 per cent of respondents, while 22 per cent said the same for meeting a horse rider.
Perennial French Grand Tour hope Thibaut Pinot hits back at critics doubting his mental strength
Thibaut Pinot is back. Having been sidelined for much of 2021 with a back injury that forced him to abandon his Grand Tour ambitions; Pinot will once again pin a race number on his back this week, for the first time since April. The French Grand Tour hope, now 31 years old, is targeting a series of one-day races to wrap up his season, finishing with Il Lombardia in October – a race he won in 2018.
Hitting back at those who doubt his mentality, the FDJ climber told l’Equipe. “I want to show I’m still here,” Pinot said. “Because people have talked a lot since last year, saying I’m on holiday, enjoying life, having barbecues, that I don’t have the right mentality – loads of stupid things like that. I still have some pride, a bit of ego, and I want to show who I am.
“I’ve missed fighting for victory, and knowing why you train so hard. I’ve always said I do this sport to win races, so training for months for nothing was frustrating. The legs are pretty good, I think. Based on the quality of my training and the numbers I’m producing, I feel that things are going well.”
Councillor offers to paint over cycle lane lines to speed up Old Shoreham bike lane's removal
Believe it or not, Jeff’s furious letter in the Argus was in reaction to the decision that the Old Shoreham Road cycle lane is to be removed…imagine how angry he must have been before!
Anyway, another piece of local council gold on the topic has appeared, so it seems like a great time to share. Yesterday, Brighton councillor Dawn Barnett apologised that the lane isn’t being ripped out quicker and even offered to paint over the lines herself. The Conservative councillor said the council should get out there and rip out wands to “let people know it’s happening.”
“I’m sorry it’s not being removed quicker than that after it went in overnight. I’ve offered to go along there with a tin of black paint to cover up the white lines,” she told the Argus.
“I understand highways have got to remove the high signs and burn off the white lines but I don’t want it dragging on. The council could go along there and get the posts out. It shows willing and lets people know it is happening.”
The council is aiming to start works in early September after Labour and Conservative councillors voted for its removal at a meeting last Tuesday. Labour councillor Gary Wilkinson said the scheme, which was implemented last May, had been created during “challenging times” without public engagement. The Green Party’s Amy Heley said the decision was “shameful”.
Jeremy Clarkson watches La Vuelta...but only to laugh at some dodgy farming
That is very very funny
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) August 17, 2021
Jeremy Clarkson’s a farmer now, if he hadn’t already told you. His Amazon show Clarkson’s Farm is full of bumbling mishaps that conveniently just so happen to also make entertaining television. Graeme Trigg wondered if the former Top Gear host had perhaps branched out into the Spanish farming scene too, based on this unconventional field of harvest spotted roadside in the final kilometres of yesterday’s Vuelta stage. I’m no farmer, but I don’t think you need to be to work out that’s not how it should look…
Anyway, it got Clarkson’s attention, although it’s probably too soon to call him a cycling ‘fan’. Pro cyclist Charlie Quarterman made a brief cameo in season one of the new show…but only in a short clip filmed in lockdown where Clarkson berates the Trek-Segafredo pro for being away from home…
Perhaps the presenter’s daughter can win him round. Emily Clarkson is now partnered with Specialized and promotes their e-bikes via her social media accounts…
Works removing Southampton cycle lane begin
Will adequate lighting and security be installed as part of the Lovers Walk widening? When I reported on this news yesterday the single biggest issue reported was that Lovers Walk was too dangerous to use at night, with some recounting previous incidents.https://t.co/iKV5G9LSh9
— The Cycleways of Southampton (@SotonCycleways) August 12, 2021
A cycle lane described as “well-used” by local newspaper the Daily Echo has begun to be removed after the city council last week decided the temporary route would be ripped out following a 15-month trial. The lane on The Avenue, excluding the stretch from The Cowherds junction to subway underpass, is to be removed, with works starting last night. By Saturday it is expected to be fully removed.
The Cycleways of Southampton Twitter account has criticised plans to redirect cyclists down new ‘quietway’ routes along parallel roads. Part of the proposed new quietway includes the Lovers Walk shared-use path, a route which some have raised safety concerns about.
Danish team pursuit rider involved in Olympic semi-final confrontation steps up to WorldTour with Team DSM
Frederik Rodenberg Madsen was one of the Danish riders who won silver in Tokyo as part of the team pursuit squad. He was also the rider who crashed into Charlie Tanfield, before angrily confronting the Brit as he lay on the velodrome boards. The Dane’s power, not diplomacy, has earned him a WorldTour contract with Team DSM.
Madsen said: “From the first talks I had with Team DSM, it was clear that both of our ambitions were closely aligned and I immediately felt like this was a team I wanted to be a part of. I think this is the perfect environment for me to develop myself in and I am really looking forward to getting stuck into the sprint and lead out train. Team DSM has so much history and experience so it will be great to learn and continue to develop myself here with them. I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into that process with the best in the world.”
Vuelta a Espaniela...
WE ARE PROUD 😍❣️ #lavuelta21 #ReinTaaramäe #fanclub pic.twitter.com/7VQJ2xk8hN
— Hanna Taaramäe (@HannaTaaramae) August 17, 2021
If only it were a spaniel then editor Jack’s Vuelta a Espaniela would be challenging for a Pulitzer Prize.
At least it saves me spending the rest of my afternoon trying to butcher greyhound into Rein Taaramäe’s name…G-Rein-hound Taaramäe? Turns out it’s not even a greyhound…I’ll get back in my box and leave the ID-ing to others. Any other pro rider dog puns…Primoz Doglic? Do your worst…
17 August 2021, 08:09
17 August 2021, 08:09
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Another really weird review from road.cc. They take a product, use it for something it wasn't designed for and then mark it down. I've just upgraded my Boost to the Boost 3 and I can say it does the jobs it is designed for very well. I use it on rides in daylight for Saturday group rides and occasional all day epics. I feel that cars are more likely to see me and the significantly brighter day flash and doubling of battery life are significant upgrades, especially for longer rides. It's also so light that there's really no downside to using it so safety wins. I also use it for short 30-min commuting. The easy of detachment and robustness of the light here are key and it's perfect for this use case. For longer rides that involve significant unlit or off-road, such as along a canal path, at night I use the Exposure Strada RB. Again, road.cc, right tool: right job. It's also great that Exposure use common mounts for all their lights. I change the Boost and RB between multiple bikes using the mount with a red pin and it takes seconds to move from bike to bike or to detach for charging. The table for setting brightness is something I tend to set only once. Then the single button is a boon.
Yes, I can't wait: a duff BMC frame with a crap oval BB, and carbon rims set up tubeless and without a pressure -relief hole so you can pressurise the cavity and which would likely (to complete the disaster waiting to happen) be hookless/ mini-hook and explode with no notice
About time they got more of them out of cars and onto bikes. Do their fitness levels some good.
I cannot tell if they relate to my report or someone else’s Yes, that's the point - the aim of the pseudo - database is to shut the punters up and deceive them about how little the police have done. They know the deception scheme has been successful when people report on here that they have achieved successful outcomes from most of their reports. They haven't.
Mayor Adams perverted a lot of laws, hence the fact that he is no longer Mayor. New York cyclists have had an ongoing problem with members of the ultra-orthodox Satmar Jewish community in Williamsburg. They don't like people in cycle shorts and skimpy tops cycling through the neighbourhood. They used their political influence to get a cycle lane removed from a local highway. There was talk of a naked bike ride through the area but I think wiser counsels prevailed.
This is disgusting. Cycling is for everyone; no-one should feel intimidated out of the hobby. The kind of "men" who think it's ok to harass women would think twice about doing it to a man. If we are going to persuade large numbers of motorists to become cyclists then the issue of harassment has to be addressed.
I've a memory the poster may be Edinburgh-adjacent (is that right?) - in which case it *may* be possible as the shared use paths (former railways) (plus a bit of more recent infra) can allow you to do this. Highly dependent on your journey though. That's not the case most places in NL. There you may be using motor-traffic-reduced and slowed *streets* there but most roads have alternatives. But here in the north-west I can cycle for several miles in a couple of directions using them. Of course if I needed to eg. go east-west in the south of the city it's back to more usual UK conditions...
According to the website as seen on my mobile this is an outstanding deal - the price in the box at the top by the weight etc. is showing as £0.00 ! (sorry due to site redesign I can't post a screenshot - besides I'm ignoring the price points which *are* quoted later in the article and am off to claim my free machine...)
Thanks for bringing that to our attention. Then ... it will be easy to see that in the casualty numbers, no? And (albeit this is looking a decade back) indeed you can *see* the truth! https://robertweetman.wordpress.com/2017/09/29/a-year-of-death-and-injury-2016/ Do you mean is "we are used to *looking for the cars*" (or even "looking with our ears" - which is real) and thus cyclists are often surprising? Or is it "cyclists are in or space, we know that motorists are only on the roads"? * But ... it is true that cyclists are a bit less visible and quieter than motorists. And it is true that some cyclists don't make efforts to be visible. And indeed some are too relaxed about cycling in accordance with the law. The latter points are not good ... but then the damage caused by cyclists in a collision is on average much less than a with a motor vehicle. And while people often think that motorists are more likely to be motivated to obey the law because of legal consequences (because eg. "They've got number plates") that it's debatable. Unlike cyclists motorists aren't going to be motivated to proceed carefully because of worries about being injured or killed in a collision with a pedestrian... * Excluding all those motorists who reach year kill more people on the footways than cyclists do altogether...
The cross checking is limited but I do have the matching data fields on my own records which correspond with the police's data fields: 'Offence Date', Offending Vehicle Type', 'Reporter' ('Cyclist' for me), 'Location Town or City', 'Primary Offence'. If that isn't replicated in the database for an incident I have reported it tells me something is wrong with the database. If I have reported an incident and there are several matching possibilities then, yes, I cannot tell if they relate to my report or someone else's.
39 thoughts on “Tory councillor offers to paint over cycle lane + anti-cyclist bingo; Jeremy Clarkson watches Vuelta… to laugh at dodgy farming; Vuelta a Espaniela; Perfect pass; Fighting talk; Wout van Aert confirmed for Tour of Britain debut + more on the live blog”
It does make you wonder about
It does make you wonder about the mentality of some drivers. So what happens when the cycle lane is removed Jeff? A lot of those cyclists will now cycle on the road, giving you a completely new point to whinge about (getting stuck behind a cyclist). The remainder will ditch their bike and go back to a car (adding to congestion). It also seems that despite the climate crisis being well publicised recently in the MSM, Jeff really doesn’t care. Yet, Argus seem to think that Jeff’s views are worth promoting, on the sole basis that it is anti-cyclist bigotry.
sensei wrote:
People like Jeff think that the crisis will be solved by “new technologies’ – woooooo. Either that or it’s no use doing anything “cos China/US/India/climate villain of your choice”.
Yes it’s disappointing that
Yes it’s disappointing that there’s so much fight back against even making subtle lifestyle changes to help reduce individual carbon footprint. The same mentality can be applied to littering (well everyone else litters, so what’s the point?!).
It’s easy when you can blame
It’s easy when you can blame everyone else.
It’s quite noticeable that the MSM and government departments are already telling us all the things we can do to do our bit, but we are still planning to spend £27bn on new roads and a whopping £50bn on HS2 while also expanding airports and therefore flying.
So when the shit hits the fan it will be the hoi polloi’ fault rather than the politicians et al lining their own pockets.
sensei wrote:
People want everybody else to change their ways – just not themselves…..
sensei wrote:
Listening to Dr Hannah Fry on 6Music this morning, she actually put a name to this – The tragedy of the commons – essentially when everyone does something selfish (ie not being arsed to recycle plastic, taking the car for a short journey, putting the heating on in mild weather when an extra layer would be better), it might benefit the individual in the short term, but because everyone does it, then society suffers, and therefore the individual also suffers in the long term.
The solution to this usually needs to come from the authorities, either by incentives to do the right thing or legislation against doing the wrong thing.
Agreed the IPCC are quite
Agreed the IPCC are quite clear: “It’s then up to the people of the world, individually and collectively, to arrive at alternatives to X through governmental, civic, corporate, personal, and diplomatic means – including processes such as the COP26 climate conference this November in Glasgow.”
Whilst I welcome collective responsibility (hopefully to be decided at government level as well as through COP26) all we have at that moment individual responsibility. When people push back on this they are like Knut holding back the tide they need to move or they’ll drown (in some cases literally).
Considering ExxonMobil were
Considering ExxonMobil were leading research into Climate Change 50 years ago before deciding to brush their findings under the carpet 20 years later, it amazes me that we still don’t have any of these new technologies available yet.
Traffic emits roughly 36bn tons of CO2 yearly, yet even the best technologies only remove approx 1m tons a year.
Either we have to scale up dramatically, or massively reduce transport usage.
Either way its going to cost a bomb in such a short time.
It would have been a damn sight cheaper if we’d started 50 years ago.
I’m not sure why all the
I’m not sure why all the Gammons are not listening to their Gammon-in-chief….. “And if you are going to oppose these schemes, you must tell us what your alternative is, because trying to squeeze more cars and delivery vans on the same roads and hoping for the best is not going to work.”
I think when there was a
I think when there was a similar story before, a local commented that the argus has form with promoting this type of conflict with cyclists.
I think you’ll find every
I think you’ll find every local news outlet likes to stoke the fires with anti-cycling diatribes. It’s speaking to the majority about something that everyone has an opinion about, good and bad.
These days all that matter for local “journalism” is feeding the click-bait to appease advertisers.
News is the last thing on their minds.
Meanwhile just up the road
Meanwhile just up the road from Jeff.
BBC
Unsuprisingly, when involed
Unsuprisingly, when involed in a collision with squishy pedestrians- “The driver of the Tesla, a 47-year-old woman, was uninjured in the collision.”
For once, saying there were
For once, saying there were hit by a Tesla and not a driver might be a more accurate description of affairs.
Obviously it’s still the drivers responsibility to control their vehicle
Shake wrote:
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2021/08/us-investigates-autopilot-after-11-teslas-crashed-into-emergency-vehicles/
In each of the 11 crashes, Teslas have hit first responders’ vehicles that have been parked and marked with flashing lights, flares, illuminated arrow boards, or road cones.
Exactly this. So much hand
Exactly this. So much hand wringing in the press this week as to whether Jake Davison should have had a fire arms license. However, when this happens nobody is looking at whether the driver has previous and if they have the psychological temperament or mental acuity to be be responsible for 2t of metal travelling at speeds of up to 70mph (because of course all drivers are saints and always follow the highway code).
Cyclists ‘listening to music
Cyclists ‘listening to music and chatting to their friends rather than concentrating on the road’? Just wait until Jeff hears about car stereos and passengers!
Yep, same applies to almost
Yep, same applies to almost every one of Jeff’s complaints: Some cyclists ignore red lights. Some cyclists use pavements. Many cyclists have no knowledge of the Highway Code. I have lost count of the number of cyclists using mobile phones. Listening to music and chatting. Given excessive consideration at the expense of other citizens. Of course I guess I should really be commenting on the Argus rather than preaching to the road.cc choir.
Just received this report
Just received this report done for the Street of Brum from ROSPA and using See Sense data.
TBH it is alot of stats but might be interesting for some.
It is interesting, even just
It is interesting, even just giving it a quick scan.
Good data collection methodology.
Of course a lot of mine are so predictable that there is often no need to brake or swerve hard, I’ve come off the power and adjusted my line long before it becomes urgent.
Maybe rotational sensors in the helmet to capture the disappointed shake of the head…
Swearing meter?
Swearing meter?
Road.cc should do better than
Road.cc should do better than link to clickbait articles and letters posted in The Argus. It is just driving traffic (and money) to a publication which is notorious for continually stoking anti-cyclist sentiment in Brighton & Hove for clicks.
No doubt the nonsense ‘articles’ and letters posted in The Argus wound up local negative feelings towards cycling and contributed to the Labour concillors voting with the Conservatives to remove of the Old Shoreham Road cycle lane.
Sorry my fault I highlighted
Sorry my fault I highlighted it yesterday 🙂
I’m sure Jeff would just love
I’m sure Jeff would just love it if his views went viral to the point where many cyclists agreed to get together for a ride at the same time around his home town.
Anyone fancy it? Sure, there won’t be as many cycle lanes to enjoy soon, but we can use the roads. Perhaps Jeff might see the light and join us 😉
Respondents to the survey
Respondents to the survey said the two biggest causes of stress are squeezing past other vehicles (62 per cent) and colliding with another vehicle (61 per cent). The fear of hitting a pedestrian or cyclist was deemed stress-inducing by 27 per cent of respondents, while 22 per cent said the same for meeting a horse rider.
remember squeezing past another car which might result in a scratch is more stressful than hitting human beings with 2 tonne metal boxes
So put an urban cowboy on a
So put an urban cowboy on a narrow country lane and they will happily drive on a massive detour to avoid it which is clearly no inconvenience at all.
Put an LTN in and making a short detour is such an inconvenience!
So is the answer to make LTN’s narrow country lanes and then everyone is a winner?
Quote:
The fear of hitting a pedestrian or cyclist was deemed stress-inducing by 27 per cent of respondents, while 22 per cent said the same for meeting a horse rider.
TBH, I’m happy sharing the road with this 27%. The other 73% had probably never even considered they might meet a cyclist or horse.
TBH I’m happy that drivers
TBH I’m happy that drivers avoid country lanes as it makes cycling on them much more pleasant!
This is the whole reason for
This is the whole reason for that response to the survey. It’s about money. With so many cars leased rather than owned there a big financial penalties for even minor damage. Most cars where I live (New Forest) will have marks from hedges etc, plus there’s the added factor of tourists who don’t know the roads. It’s one of the reasons I drive an ancient Volvo and a 20yo Golf as I don’t mind hedging them. Normally most drivers wait and let me through…
I’m hoping that Brighton
I’m hoping that Brighton council’s lawyers are busy writing “that” letter to Dawn Barnett, warning her of the consequences of her desired actions…
Quote:
I guess it’s the difference between a quick toot when you are 100m back and about to overtake with the other side clear so the cylists isn’t startled and leaning on the horn for five seconds from 10m behind the cyclist.
A bike bell should be used like the former, once with plety of tme to react long before conflict. I don’t think many cyclists ride right behind pedestrians who are blocking the entire path, pinging their bell furiously for 5 seconds.
And of course if you lead with a cheery good morning/good evening you get a brusque “why didn’t you use a bell?”
Any cyclists caught running a
Any cyclists caught running a red light should be fined £10000 and have their bikes crushed in front of them by a council steam roller
No action whatsoever taken against F2 YNY by Lancashire Constabulary. How many people are in favour of crushing the large black Range Rover with blacked out windows, whose driver has friends in LC?
The Cycleways of Southampton
The Cycleways of Southampton Twitter account has criticised plans to redirect cyclists down new ‘quietway’ routes along parallel roads.
I don’t know this particular example, but in my experience “quietways” are rat-runs of residential roads, cut-throughs of industrial estates and dingy “shared path” alleyways. You have to have The Knowledge to find, let alone follow, one; they are invariably longer by distance; and they invariably increase journey times dramatically as one has to give way at numerous junctions, dodge parked cars, pedestrians, dogs, litter, broken glass etc. Meanwhile, the glorious masters in motor vehicles have complete dominion over the main road which goes straight from A to B and which has been carefully planned to make their journey as fast an convenient as possible.
I’ve used part of this
I’ve used part of this quietway and it’s not bad. A lot of students live in the area, my eldest being one, and it does get used a lot. I’m not convinced it needs to be taken out. My eldest uses this one regularly in fact.
My experience of using quietways in London is that they’re generally a lot less stressful to ride along and even though they may be a bit longer, you often get where you’re going just as quickly as you miss out the big junctions with a long wait times between the lights changing.
And this hits the nail on the
And this hits the nail on the head. Instead of the direct route down the main road into town, the council will expect cyclists to dodge in and out of back streets, and along ‘shared use’ paths past the Common that are unlit and potentially, dangerous after dark. The main road is extremely wide for a single lane and bike lane – but once the cycle lane is gone it’s just about wide enough for cars to travel two abreast so it will become an informal dual carriageway and will be dangerous for cyclists.
Over the past year the council has removed a number of cycle lanes, a bus lane, and some road closures. None of this has been done with any evidence of the efficacy or not of the schemes; and I’m amazed that Southampton Council wasn’t flagged by Chris Heaton-Harris the other day.
Supermarket trolleys are of
Supermarket trolleys are of course known for their predictable handling, and the way they easily take kerbs…
Though filming whilst driving is a bit iffy, seemed to be getting a bit close too…
Have we managed to update the laws on mobile phone use when driving yet?
Oh, and ignoring the safety and potential legality of it all, LANDSCAPE!
Am I missing an article you
Am I missing an article you are commenting on?
There was a bit where a bloke
There was a bit where a bloke who was driving was filming (in portrait for gods sake) a bloke on a bike who was dragging along a shopping trolley with stuff in it. Driver was getting a bit close, cyclist not looking good, went up a lowered kerb and the trolley didn’t.
Went up 4-5ish.
Now there is no sign of it.
ktache wrote:
Here ya go!
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cyclist-filmed-pushing-asda-shopping-24790589