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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

It's Friday! Jack Sexty is here to provide your lead live blog coverage today with other members of the team chipping in intermittently.....
17 July 2020, 15:06
Met Police release CCTV image of cyclist after pedestrian died following collision
met police appeal CCTV image - 17 july 2020.PNG

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, 14:32
British Cycling announcement: all 2020 events will now be 'non-ranking'
Odd Down Masters round 1 - 8 (© Gemma Stephenson)

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."

17 July 2020, 14:13
British Cycling announce up to 31 redundancies in latest COVID-19 impact update
British Cycling Logo

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.

17 July 2020, 13:03
British Cycling have their say on Jeremy Vine on 5's camera cyclist question

More policing = less dangerous driving = less need for cyclists wearing helmet cameras to act as a deterrent for bad drivers, according to British Cycling. 

17 July 2020, 13:10
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...

17 July 2020, 12:47
Jersey passes amendment to give cyclists and walkers legal priority on island's Green Lanes network
jersey green lane sign - via wiki commons.Jpg

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. 

17 July 2020, 12:31
Bahrain McClaren switch to tan wall Continental Grand Prix 5000's for training rides

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. 

17 July 2020, 12:24
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

17 July 2020, 09:49
Jeremy Vine On 5's 'dobbing in drivers' Twitter post makes for worrying reading

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). 

17 July 2020, 10:44
Britain's worst bike rack?

Where to start? 

17 July 2020, 09:26
US: Cop knocks cyclist off his bike amid huge Portland protests

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. 

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.

17 July 2020, 08:59
Wales moves closer to introducing 20mph speed limit on residential roads
20mph sign (CC licensed by EdinburghGreens via Flickr)

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... 

17 July 2020, 08:29
'Virtual' RideLondon announced for 15-16 August, encouraging participants to ride event distances on their local roads
ridelondon

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

17 July 2020, 08:45
The ultimate Strava Local Legend scalp
shagger's alley - via strava.JPG

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...

Arriving at road.cc in 2017 via 220 Triathlon Magazine, Jack dipped his toe in most jobs on the site and over at eBikeTips before being named the new editor of road.cc in 2020, much to his surprise. His cycling life began during his students days, when he cobbled together a few hundred quid off the back of a hard winter selling hats (long story) and bought his first road bike - a Trek 1.1 that was quickly relegated to winter steed, before it was sadly pinched a few years later. Creatively replacing it with a Trek 1.2, Jack mostly rides this bike around local cycle paths nowadays, but when he wants to get the racer out and be competitive his preferred events are time trials, sportives, triathlons and pogo sticking - the latter being another long story.  

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40 comments

Avatar
ktache | 3 years ago
1 like

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-su...

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hawkinspeter replied to ktache | 3 years ago
2 likes

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.

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ktache replied to hawkinspeter | 3 years ago
1 like

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.

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mdavidford replied to ktache | 3 years ago
1 like

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?

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hawkinspeter replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

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.

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mdavidford replied to hawkinspeter | 3 years ago
0 likes

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.

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BIRMINGHAMisaDUMP | 3 years ago
6 likes

For the 'land of the free', the US doesn't half have some scary looking law enforcement. 

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bikeman01 | 3 years ago
0 likes

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.

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brooksby | 3 years ago
0 likes

Not a great picture if you are actually trying to identify someone...

 

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eburtthebike replied to brooksby | 3 years ago
0 likes

brooksby wrote:

Not a great picture if you are actually trying to identify someone...

I wouldn't even hazard a guess at the gender.

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brooksby replied to eburtthebike | 3 years ago
1 like

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)

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Sriracha replied to brooksby | 3 years ago
1 like

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"
https://youtu.be/Vxq9yj2pVWk

Avatar
brooksby replied to Sriracha | 3 years ago
2 likes

Sriracha wrote:

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" https://youtu.be/Vxq9yj2pVWk

Haven't looked at the YouTube clip, but you know CSI wasn't real, right?  3

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mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

Quite fancy an F1 bike. What PSI would you run those at.

Also, what on earth was he doing to that seatpost?

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Awavey replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

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 ?

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brooksby replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

I keep finding myself humming the theme from The Flintstones...

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Tom_77 | 3 years ago
6 likes

“You know who made up that ‘never snitch’ bullshit?

People who probably deserved to be snitched on.”

 

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jollygoodvelo | 3 years ago
1 like

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.

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mdavidford | 3 years ago
7 likes

At least every one of those tweets has a string of replies uniformly telling them what idiots they are.

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brooksby replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
1 like

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...

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I love my bike | 3 years ago
9 likes

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.

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Doctor Darabuka replied to I love my bike | 3 years ago
1 like

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.

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Mungecrundle | 3 years ago
4 likes

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.

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eburtthebike replied to Mungecrundle | 3 years ago
2 likes

Mungecrundle wrote:

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.

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.

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Dangerous Dan replied to eburtthebike | 3 years ago
0 likes

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.

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mdavidford replied to Dangerous Dan | 3 years ago
6 likes

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.

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eburtthebike replied to Dangerous Dan | 3 years ago
5 likes

Thanks for your opinion Dan.  Maybe next time you could make it vaguely relevant?

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Dangerous Dan replied to eburtthebike | 3 years ago
0 likes

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.

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Secret_squirrel replied to Dangerous Dan | 3 years ago
8 likes

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.

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BIRMINGHAMisaDUMP replied to Dangerous Dan | 3 years ago
2 likes

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. 

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