Jeremy Vine on 5’s ‘dobbing in drivers’ debate attracts worrying comments; Police release image of cyclist after pedestrian dies in collision; British Cycling redundancies; Cop knocks cyclist off at Portland demo; Welsh 20mph limit + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
The ultimate Strava Local Legend scalp
Strava’s new feature awards those who have completed a segment the most over a 90 day period – and what could be better than claiming the crown for Shagger’s Alley? A big chapeau to you, Mr Crook…
'Virtual' RideLondon announced for 15-16 August, encouraging participants to ride event distances on their local roads
To salvage some of the huge fundraising cash that would have gone towards charities over the RideLondon weekend, organisers are encouraging those who would have done the event to cycle one of the distances “from wherever they are in the world”. Participants simply sign up for the free event, select the length of their challenge (100 miles, 46 miles, 19 miles or ‘FreeCycle’) and then take part in the ride at any time over the weekend of 15-16 August. An app will be provided that includes a GPS tracker so participants’ friends and family can follow them, plus a direct donation button for the participant’s chosen charity.
RideLondon say the event was created to generate some much-needed funds for charities, as the charity sector has been decimated by COVID-19. They say there is a £10 billion funding gap in the sector as a whole, thousands of staff are on furlough and one in 10 charities are facing bankruptcy.
Event Director Hugh Brasher commented: “After the disappointment of the cancellation of Prudential RideLondon, we were determined to create something special for our riders, partners and the hundreds of charities that rely on the event for vital income.
“My Prudential RideLondon is building on the success of The 2.6 Challenge – created following the postponement of the London Marathon – which became the biggest collective fundraising effort in the world involving nearly 4,000 charities.
“Charities desperately need help to continue to provide vital services to every sector of society and fund critical research. In this socially-distanced world, it’s also vitally important to encourage people to get on two wheels rather than use public transport. The My Prudential RideLondon campaign has been created to achieve both these aims.
“My Prudential RideLondon is completely free and offers a fundraising challenge for everyone, whether that’s an amateur rider doing 100 miles or a family enjoying a 1km bike ride together. It can be done wherever you are and at any time on 15 or 16 August. Whatever you do, we urge you to raise funds for a charity of your choice – and have fun!”
You can sign up to the Virtual RideLondon here.
Wales moves closer to introducing 20mph speed limit on residential roads
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Wales could become the first country in the world to reduce speed limits from 30mph to 20mph as a default on local streets, and the plan has already received an initial backing in the Senedd. A Task Force Group report cites “overwhelming evidence lower speeds result in fewer collisions and a reduced severity of injuries”. The report also mentions that increased walking and cycling is an important policy goal of the Welsh Government, saying: “Slower traffic speeds are an important way of reducing people’s perception of road danger thus encouraging more people to walk and cycle.”
if the plans go ahead then the Welsh Government will make the changes by 2023. It’s proved divisive on social media, with some comments making for rather depressing reading…
I do 30-35 in a 30, if they put it to 20, I’m going to do 40. Will get to the point where cyclists will be beating me to my location. No point in paying all these costs to drive in the first place for fucks sake. 20mph slower than a 50cc moped 👍🏻
— lee chapman (@bluebird4life88) July 16, 2020
Well hopefully then you’ll be caught and loose your licence 👍🏻
— Gareth Jones (@GJ_9) July 17, 2020
US: Cop knocks cyclist off his bike amid huge Portland protests
WATCH – Portland Police officers knock a protester off of his bicycle and arrest him outside of Lownsdale Square Park near the Federal Courthouse downtown #LiveOnK2 pic.twitter.com/tow0GzeyzW
— Dan McCarthy (@DanMcKATU) July 16, 2020
The latest example of alleged police brutality from the states comes amid huge demonstrations in Portland, Oregon, as the footage shows a cyclist being knocked to the ground before another five officers rush over to assist.
Longer clip. This was part of a Facebook Live I was shooting.
Prior to the tackle, the bicyclist was riding up SW 4th in downtown Portland, when an officer made a move towards him.
When he turned back down the street- they took him down.
We’ve reached out to PPB for more info pic.twitter.com/a9NXixKMhF— Dan McCarthy (@DanMcKATU) July 16, 2020
Some on social media are questioning why the officers used heavy force; however in the longer clip above, Dan McCarthy of KATU News says the cyclist was riding back down a street the other way because an officer previously “made a move towards him”. The cyclist has now been identified as Brandon Thomas, according to KATU News, and Portland Police Bureau said he was arrested for interfering with a police officer and disorderly conduct. The incident was also referred to PPB’s Professional Standards Division.
Britain's worst bike rack?
So much crapness. pic.twitter.com/sVtVtXpcG0
— RossiBike (@RossiTheBossi) July 16, 2020
Where to start?
Jeremy Vine On 5's 'dobbing in drivers' Twitter post makes for worrying reading
I have bought a dash cam after nearly being killed by a bike. Swerving to avoid a hole in the road I had to swerve to miss him and nearly had a head on collision, as he drove off into the sunset totally unaware.
— Mark from Stockport (@marktay13350168) July 17, 2020
How was the man on his fone doing anything wrong?. He was in a traffic jam at a stand still. He wasn’t driving. I’ve done the same..
— tracy (@tracy19114619) July 17, 2020
Perhaps they should receive the kind support of the “fist of friendship”… They’re breaching GDPR rules and deserve a good kicking!!! 💩💩💩
— Patrick McCarthy (@McCarthaigh1953) July 17, 2020
Dob? If I see one cyclist
Not wearing a safety helmet. Or high viz. Run a red light. Not have lights on bikes. Then I will seek pleasure in annoying them and grassing them in— Andrew Meldrum (@AndrewMeldrum16) July 17, 2020
The Channel 5 show, hosted by cycle-friendly broadcaster Jeremy Vine, was this morning discussing camera cyclists “dobbing in drivers”, after well-known YouTuber CycleGaz recently announced he had amassed £20,000 in fines through his reporting to the police. Viewers were also shown a clip from another well-known camera cyclists CyclingMikey, where a driver is caught using their phone at the wheel. It’s fair to say not everyone who replied to the thread above agrees with their actions, and come up with increasingly nonsensical reasons for this. Perhaps Patrick McCarthy needs a light refresher on what GDPR is, and we’re thinking that Andrew Meldrum might be disappointed if he reports a cyclist for not wearing a helmet or high-vis…
What do you think, are CycleGaz and Cycling Mikey doing us a useful public service, or are they infringing upon the rights of people who should be free to use their phones while driving without fear of being snitched on? (Yes, that is a leading question).
Peter Sagan gets ready for the Giro with a spot of opera singing
It’s going to be his first Giro d’Italia, and the organisers seem keen to promote the Slovakian as the star of the show judging by the number of cheesy ads he’s starring in. The latest sees Sagan “demonstrating the expert he has become in Italy” by taking to the stage for a spot of opera singing, after already showing us his expertise in Italian cooking and fashion.
Bahrain McClaren switch to tan wall Continental Grand Prix 5000's for training rides
Are you using clinchers in training? Or did @BahrainMcLaren get both clincher and tubular versions from @ContiTyres?
— MeridaProRoadRacing (@MeridaProRoad) July 17, 2020
The team have equipped their Meridas with the handsome new special edition tan wall rubber from Continental, made in tribute to the Tour de France. As noted by the Merida Pro Road Racing Twitter account, these were launched as clinchers only… so does that mean the team are training on clinchers, or have Continental made some tubular versions for pros as well? That would make them special edition versions of special edition tyres, as if they weren’t already special enough… in any case, we’ll make some enquiries to see if we can find out.
Jersey passes amendment to give cyclists and walkers legal priority on island's Green Lanes network
The move will see a full relaunch of Jersey’s Green Lane network, with Deputy Rob Ward saying that the Assembly had been presented “with a great opportunity to keep the momentum on sustainable transport going”, reports the Jersey Evening Post.
It will mean that non-essential car travel will be banned on some roads, although some Members expressed concerns that the changes would restrict access to some visitors and islanders whose only mode of transport was a car. Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis called the move ‘draconian’, saying it would be difficult to police; however Deputy Ward said it will have “a positive impact with the sustainable transport policy without the costs.”
The Green Lane network already has a 15mph speed limit for motor vehicles and drivers are actively discouraged from using the lanes; but this amendment will see it become a prosecutable offence with stricter enforcement.
Pointless but impressive lockdown project number 456,678: a bike on F1 wheels
Have a couple of spare Pirelli F1 tyres lying around? You could always use them to make a very impressive and very inefficient bicycle like this guy. At least you won’t be needing a kickstand…
British Cycling have their say on Jeremy Vine on 5's camera cyclist question
The fact that people wear helmet cameras is a sad indictment of how safe they feel when riding on the road.
We’d like to see far greater resources given to road policing, so that people wouldn’t need to take matters into their own hands.#ShareTheRoad https://t.co/AzA6DlraX5
— British Cycling (@BritishCycling) July 17, 2020
More policing = less dangerous driving = less need for cyclists wearing helmet cameras to act as a deterrent for bad drivers, according to British Cycling.
British Cycling announce up to 31 redundancies in latest COVID-19 impact update
A ‘collective consultation process’ has began at British Cycling to make 38 roles redundant, which will affect 31 staff as seven of those roles are already vacant.
CEO Julie Harrington, commented: “This is a decision we would rather not have to make but one we are taking in a measured way and with due care for the well-being of our employees.
“Since March we have furloughed over two-thirds of the workforce under the government’s job retention scheme – a huge team effort which means that many jobs which would have been lost, have been saved.
“Had we not taken those steps then, our situation now would be more severe. However, with income still limited and the likelihood that our sport will continue to be affected into the winter months, we have no other option than to cut costs.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, all revenues we make are invested in cycling and these steps are necessary so that we can continue to deliver on our three strategic priorities – a healthy domestic sport, growing participation, and supporting our most talented riders to achieve their best.”
The announcement also says that British Cycling has submitted their action plan to the government, which lays out a ‘phased return’ process for racing to restart. This would mean that all events other than road racing would start to pick up from 1st August as part of Stage Four of its six-stage plan to resume all cycling activities. There is no set date for progression to Stage Five yet, which would permit a return of all competitive and non-competitive event formats and wider indoor facility access.
British Cycling announcement: all 2020 events will now be 'non-ranking'
If you have a British Cycling race licence, then any races you do manage to take part in will not be point-scoring. British Cycling say: “Following internal and external consultation, British Cycling can also confirm today that events across all disciplines will be designated as non-ranking for the remainder of 2020, or until further notice.
“Given that riders will not be able to claim ranking points, no rider will be moved down a licence category at the end of the year, while those who collected sufficient points to move up a category prior to the suspension of racing in March will be able to retain that higher category. It is hoped that the opportunity to race new formats across a variety of disciplines will encourage many new riders to come and get involved.”
Met Police release CCTV image of cyclist after pedestrian died following collision
Detective Inspector Julie Trodden has appealed to anyone who recognises the man or saw him leaving the scene to call the police, and has also appealed directly to the cyclist involved. The collision occurred on Friday 3 July, and 72-year-old Peter McCombie died in hospital on Saturday 11 July from head injuries sustained in the crash.
The cyclist didn’t stop at the scene and no arrests have been made. Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage have been asked to call police on 0208 597 4874 or 101 quoting CAD 5779/03JUL.
17 July 2020, 08:49
17 July 2020, 08:49
17 July 2020, 08:49
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@Paul J yeah the comment in X summed it up nicely "a frustrated bully". Vanthourenhout should be assured a warm welcome at the Glasgow CX World Cup round at least 😆
@jasperdog Thanks. It's probably still a Secan for me, although there's Cotic, which uses UK built frames. Fairlight uses, of course, Reynolds tubing (made from German steel, I think) welded in Taiwan.
It's only a broken leg sir, not really that "exceptional" is it now? Tell you what, wait and see if it gets gangrene and needs to be amputated then we might be able to take some action.
My guess is that many police forces have used this as a get out of jail free card to ignore subjective evidence when in the past they would have actioned the report. I also believe that police forces are becoming overwhelmed with reports due to the proliferation of cameras, both by cyclists and now on new cars so they are only actioning the most serious cases. This is just one example of mine that no such forensic specialist was required for the driver to be issued an NIP. He felt his driving was ok, so the police took it to court. He was shown the video evidence and still stated he did not see it as dangerous/too close. Result: 5 points and £944 fines. When it could have been just 3 points and £100, I assume. https://youtu.be/tDRgrK-didE
@jaymack you could see that as an extended form of "resource management" - I could keep doing what I said I'd do when I stood for election ... but that is effortful and *everyone* keeps kicking me. Or ... I could just relax, and do what everyone else does! I could go to these nice dinners with smart people who explain why (traffic in towns / choosing road freight over rail / one more lane / SUVs / Ubers / Teslas ...) are good for the economy and ultimately everybody. Plus it'll be popular with the party higher-ups. And there may be future "partnerships" available after I leave politics. And they even offer to do the legwork for me!
@wtjs although similar in ethos my 2 are slightly different being the Definition (aluminium) and Strael 3 (steel), and they serve as summer and winter bikes. I'm on my 2nd Definition after the first came off worst in an interaction with an Audi and this slightly updated model is *such* a great bike. Fast (enough) and comfortable, lively but not twitchy. I couldn't think of a better do it almost all bike. The Strael probably suffers a bit in my comparison as it has mudguards fitted + lower end groupset + more robust wheels however it is also a great bike for long distance rides. I think specced the same as the Mason there'd not be a lot in it for me.
In the longer clip of the incident - shown at end of that instagram - you can see Van Thourenhout is the one that moves in on Cam. You can see the Corendon rider ahead was on Van Thourenhout's original line and he had no problem making the corner. A problem completely of Michael's own making.
The problem is neither traffic nor one's perception of danger, it's people. People are lazy, we're hard wired to save energy because our bodies expect to live in a world in which calories are scarce and/or the product of physical labour. That's why people will drive half a mile to do shopping but it's not the world in which most of us now live. Politicians need to sell the benefits of health while making private car use the more difficult, costly or time consuming travel option. But of course there's presently more money in promotion of the infernal combustion engine.
Politicians wont go on national media to complain about the scourge of cars and vans parked all over pavements though.
@Rendel Harris There are several issues converging in cycle infra "debates" in the UK, the fundamental one being we don't recognise cycling as a transport mode. So even where space is found cycle lanes are ignored by drivers (and are built in a way that makes this inevitable). Cycle paths - the better solution in many places - are currently ignored by pedestrians in the UK. Partly out of unfamiliarity, partly due to demand (fighting over scraps), mostly due to low numbers of cyclists. The difficult "truth" is that - like walking in the road is made undesirable by the implicit threat (and actual complaints from) drivers - something similar is likely required for cycle paths to work. The flip side is the "carrot" of more space for pedestrians and not having to share (because it becomes easier - so "natural" - to use your "own" space). A virtuous circle can develop of many current pedestrians and some drivers choosing to cycle, making more space for those on foot. Lots of this elsewhere has ultimately been fixed at the level of "network" rather than "per street" eg. looking at wider areas (maybe a whole town). And doing "wild" things like taking entire lanes from motor traffic, perhaps making some routes one-way only etc. But which some posters here have pointed out may well come with things unpopular with all like *more* road building to create a ring to divert through traffic around a place. Which may precipitate further development around that, necessitating an outer outer ring...
40 thoughts on “Jeremy Vine on 5’s ‘dobbing in drivers’ debate attracts worrying comments; Police release image of cyclist after pedestrian dies in collision; British Cycling redundancies; Cop knocks cyclist off at Portland demo; Welsh 20mph limit + more on the live blog”
lol, motorists ego is too
lol, motorists ego is too bruised to admit cyclists already beat him to his location, so instead he announces to twitter that he actively and regularly breaks the law in regards to speeding and declares his intent to willfully do so once more, should the limit be lowered. classic douche.
In other news, I am pleasantly surprised to find myself LL on not 1 but 6 segments along my weekly commute 😀
Unfortunately,and as
Unfortunately,and as yesterdays Daily Mail speeding article highlighted people complain even if they are caught speeding,Mr Douche the motorist stands little chance of being caught speeding like that even if he admits, the Welsh police wont have the resources to enforce it,and there is some legal exception around 20mph anyway I think.
The result is it’s a nice idea,but reality is those that choose to still drive 30-40mph in 20mph zones,have little comeback on them for doing so.
It just needs one person
It just needs one person doing 20 to slow everyone else up. Once they see that the effect on their journey times is minimal then behaviour may start to change. Whatever, having 20 areas can’t do any harm.
Just sums up the
Just sums up the simplemindedness of a large number of drivers, they see speed limits as a guideline (his open admission to doing 30-35 which I’m sure is likely higher as well) none of them seem to realise that the faster they go the more quickly they go, the sooner they get to the next bit of traffic/road furniture etc that will slow them down, will also mean everyone brakes harder, causing more congestion than everyone rolling through at a more moderate pace.
Annoyingly, the virtual
Annoyingly, the virtual RideLondon thing doesn’t appear to have any option for genuinely virtual rides. My plan was to ride the actual route virtually, on the trainer, but they don’t seem to have thought of that as an option.
From their ‘factpack’:
From their ‘factpack’:
Not quite sure how they intend to enforce that in a virtual, self-led event…
Those American cops are
Those American cops are lawless thugs. Not sure what the cyclist did to provoke such a brutal response but looked like he was inches away from getting his head smashed into the lamp stanchion.
I am still amazed given the easy access to military spec weapons in the USA that there have not been more killings at these events on both sides.
Mungecrundle wrote:
Brutal and almost certainly illegal. I hope this results in prosecution for excessive force and illegal arrest.
I’m wondering how being knocked off your bike, which you appear to be riding perfectly legally, can end up with a charge of “interfering with a police officer and disorderly conduct.”
A bit like being arrested for assaulting a policeman’s fist with your face.
Ted Wheeler, the mayor of
Ted Wheeler, the mayor of Portland Oregon, is certainly from the left wing of American politics. Sort of the Corporate Lefty type. You know them; the folks with the old school ties who work for big banks and were solid “Remainers” and want a massive welfare state for those poor souls who didn’t go to Stanford and Columbia and Harvard.
The man in question was arrested because he was refusing to leave the park which Wheeler had ordered closed. So let me quote HizOnnerT’Mayor Ted Wheeler as to why he issued the order to clear out those parks:
“Portland’s parks belong to everyone. As their stewards, we have a responsibility to ensure they are healthy, open and accessible to our community, and that they are safe,” Wheeler said. “Portland Parks and Recreation employees must be able to access amenities and facilities for repair and maintenance to ensure that we can continue to enjoy nature and gather peacefully. But instead, some are using our parks as a staging ground to damage public infrastructure, art, and park assets. We do not condone or tolerate this behavior.”
I am all for allowing peaceful protest. I think the law enforcement in the US needs to change. But roasting a statue of a Wapati (American Elk) just because, what ever, is not peaceful protest.
Looting the “Apple Store” is not peaceful protest. Spray painting “Fuck the Police” everywhere you can reach is not peaceful protest. And attacking the courthouse and jail is not peaceful protest.
I’m not clear what any of
I’m not clear what any of those examples have to do with riding a bike up and down the street though? As forms of protest go, that seems exceptionally peaceful, and certainly not deserving of being lumped into a lamppost.
Dangerous Dan wrote:
Thanks for your opinion Dan. Maybe next time you could make it vaguely relevant?
OK Burt. Here it is…
OK Burt. Here it is… translated into language you can understand.
If you are involved in a riot, and there is a lawfully given order to disperse, the fact that you are riding a bicycle doesn’t mean that you are not subject to arrest. And if you don’t stop when directed to do so, you are probably going to get hurt.
The person on the bike was not just riding by. He was involved in the riot. By a lawful declaration of the mayor, just being there meant that he was subject to arrest.
Funny definition of “involved
Funny definition of “involved in a riot” you and the Septics have. Bit like their definition of grounds for shooting include people asleep in beds and in cars.
Perhaps he was ‘dispersing’
Perhaps he was ‘dispersing’ trying to get away as ordered but in fact couldn’t because he had to swerve to avoid assault by an officer – until five of them took him down.
Dangerous Dan wrote:
That’s confused me.
So he was given an order to disperse and directed to stop? Which was he supposed to obey to avoid getting hurt?
Even if Brandon Thomas was
Even if Brandon Thomas was engaging in an, as far as the video shows, passive act of defiance against a lawful order to disperse. How can you justify the extreme brutality and reckless disregard for potential serious injury during the arrest?
At what point does lawful enforcement become Police brutality in your world view?
I don’t think that an order
I don’t think that an order to disperse means what you think it does.
First of all, it only applies to groups – specifically for 4 or more people. If you are not in a group of 4 or more people you cannot be lawfully ordered to disperse.
If you are one person by themselves, you cannot legally be ordered to disperse – nor would it have any meaning if you could, because it means to separate and go in different ways.
One guy riding a bike up and down a street cannot legally or logically be ordered to disperse.
It’s ‘fuck da police’
It’s ‘fuck da police’
get relevant f flips sake.
As ever, unfortunately it’s
As ever, unfortunately it’s not the putting up 20mph speed limit signs that will magically slow drivers down to at or below the new speed limit. (86% of cars exceeded the 20mph speed limit (DoT stats GB 2017)).
The hard bit is making drivers feel that they shouldn’t be going faster than 20mph.
It would be interesting to
It would be interesting to know what would be the most cost-effective in reducing motor vehicle speeds – spending on enforcing the 30mph limit or spending on 20mph signs.
At least every one of those
At least every one of those tweets has a string of replies uniformly telling them what idiots they are.
Certainly the ones
Certainly the ones screenshotted above all seem to be demonstrating either a lack of knowledge of road traffic law and/or that the tweeter is a rubbish driver…
Given Zwift has the digital
Given Zwift has the digital London plus Leith Hill and Box Hill for their RideLondon hookup, you’d think they’d be putting on some sort of virtual event. Perhaps they’ll start publicising it after they’re done with the Tour de France ‘Virtuel’.
Mind you the ‘PRL Full’ route is far harder than the actual RL100 – something like eleven laps of Box Hill (and doesn’t go up Leith Hill at all). It would make more sense to do four laps of the ‘Richmond Park’ section, then Leith, back around to Box, and another lap or two of the park to complete the distance.
“You know who made up that
“You know who made up that ‘never snitch’ bullshit?
People who probably deserved to be snitched on.”
Quite fancy an F1 bike. What
Quite fancy an F1 bike. What PSI would you run those at.
Also, what on earth was he doing to that seatpost?
Not as much as youd think
Not as much as youd think roughly around 21psi,but they use nitrogen as it’s more stable with temp changes and doesnt leak through the tyre. But does anyone think it’s not a fat bike, but a Chris Nolan style Bat bike ?
I keep finding myself humming
I keep finding myself humming the theme from The Flintstones…
Hang on – so Mr McCombie was
Not a great picture if you are actually trying to identify someone…
brooksby wrote:
I wouldn’t even hazard a guess at the gender.
I’m pretty sure its a human
I’m pretty sure its a human on a bicycle, but beyond that…?
(Actually looks most like that Spanish fresco of Christ that got restored by a little old lady who had enthusiasm but no skill)
Derailleur equipped bike with
Derailleur equipped bike with water bottle and stripes around down tube, max seat post extension (maybe a tall person), cyclist in dark clothes (no hi-viz!) and white trainers, white left arm cuff, possibly a dark face mask or beard, cyclist came home flustered. I reckon if you knew the person you’d recognise them in the image, even if the other way around is unlikely. Looks male to me.
Alternatively, just “enhance”
Sriracha wrote:
Haven’t looked at the YouTube clip, but you know CSI wasn’t real, right? 😉
20mph limits are supposed to
20mph limits are supposed to be self enforcing i.e. 90th percenticle of vehicles do not exceed the limit without enforcement.
Still getting that ajax error in chrome when trying to reply to or quote previous posts.
For the ‘land of the free’,
For the ‘land of the free’, the US doesn’t half have some scary looking law enforcement.
Article apperaing in what
Article apperaing in what must be today’s Observer about Sustrans reducing the National Cycle Network. (by someone called Laura Laker)
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/jul/19/national-cycle-network-sustrans-cuts-quarter-uk-routes-safety-grounds
The link’s got some trailing
The link’s got some trailing characters – should be: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/jul/19/national-cycle-network-sustrans-cuts-quarter-uk-routes-safety-grounds
It’s about time they stop pretending that a bit of paint on a road is a National Cycle Network but I fear that they’ve already damaged their image with so many substandard paths.
Cheers HP, should have
Cheers HP, should have checked, bit early in the morning.
I’m guessing that it is ultimately a good thing, though short term shortening might be slightly problematic and maybe some sections not joining up. Hopefully better quality bits will be added.
I can see the argument that
I can see the argument that they don’t want to unexpectedly lead users out onto sections that might be busier than they’re comfortable with, but can’t help thinking that there must be a more creative way to address the issue than just chopping them out and breaking up the network. Surely it should be possible to update signage and mapping to indicate where those sections are and which destinations can be accessed without them, so that people can make their own mind up about whether to use them or not?
The problem is that leaving
The problem is that leaving the sub-standard sections as they stand means that there’s much less incentive to improve them. If politicians can boast about the miles of national cycle network linking up towns, then people will think that we’re further along with alternative travel than we actually are. Also, people will follow a NCN route because they think it will be suitable for e.g. family use and then they just get dumped onto a standard road.
If you’re happy to use roads (as I am), then you’re less likely to be using the cycle routes. Personally I try to avoid shared paths when it’s nice weather as they quickly get filled up with peds and cyclists – I’d rather use the roads and go a bit quicker without having to slow down every few metres.
I’m not saying that they
I’m not saying that they should be left as they stand, though. I think it should be possible to devise signage that puts a big health warning on them – maybe signing them as an ‘unadopted link’ or something – that makes it clear that they’re not recommended for less confident users, while still offering an option for the more confident to access the next bit of reasonable quality route.
I think Sustrans have always had a bit of a confusion of mission as to whether they’re building a network for transport or leisure use. In one way this decision could be good in that it effectively focuses them on the latter, but they need to then be honest with themselves and admit that they’re not building a network to enable commuting and other functional journeys.