“This could be a cycleway”: Cyclist leaves homemade sign on abandoned car; 5-year-old vs rush hour traffic; Amazon driver delivers textbook safe pass; New KOM jersey; Humanised hi-vis; Runaway Ostrich causes crash; Spring sunshine + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Amazon driver delivers textbook safe pass
Nice job by Amazon here. pic.twitter.com/DVnxU3SWib
— Jim’s Wheels (@JimsWheels) March 23, 2022
See, it’s not all Near Miss of the Day and close passes out there…there is some positivity to be found. Including this Amazon driver delivering (get it?) a textbook safe pass: moving as far over into the other lane as possible, with nothing coming up the road.
One reply pointed out we probably shouldn’t have to congratulate drivers for “something as simple as overtaking”, but perhaps it says a lot that we are.
At risk of prompting a deluge of replies submitting evidence to the contrary, a couple of people added to Amazon’s positive driving portfolio…
IMO drivers of the Amazon labelled vans seem to have had some training in reading the road. Noticed them holding back on overtakes many times.
— Cybergibbons (@cybergibbons) March 23, 2022
And by the driver of this van by keeping the footpath clear. pic.twitter.com/HKUECg7PJM
— Stephen J (@steve_a_j) March 24, 2022
Coming to a climber near you...the YPLAC KOM jersey
Genuinely don’t know what this means, but seriously* thinking of sponsoring next year’s mountain stages of the Tour De France. A friendly dig after yesterday’s pavement-cycling discussion. @roadcc #polkajersey #kingofthemountains https://t.co/ozafdgL4dk
*not seriously pic.twitter.com/bpEfK4ibva— You Park Like a C*nt (@YPLAC) March 24, 2022
"Cycling to school a 5-year-old can beat rush hour traffic"
Cycling into the city to school in #Leicester. A 5 year old can beat the traffic in rush hour. Such a beautiful day to ride in. It would be lovely to have a proper segregated lane then maybe more people would choose to cycle than drive @OweniteAdam @RideLeicester @SustransEMids pic.twitter.com/oBIW04irXF
— Paul Player (@paulmplayer) March 23, 2022
Plenty to unpack here…
Is that the world’s narrowest ‘segregated’ cycle lane was probably not the point the video, but definitely my first impression. And with a proper lane, Paul says: “Cycling into the city to school in Leicester. A 5-year-old can beat the traffic in rush hour. Such a beautiful day to ride in. It would be lovely to have a proper segregated lane then maybe more people would choose to cycle than drive.”
No wonder he sent his son on the pavement once the wands end. A cycle lane barely wider than the double yellow lines + an HGV + other congestion = a dangerous place to ride.
Paul did add that there is: “Hugely impressive work going on in Leicester regarding sustainable transport and cycling infrastructure just needs it linking all together. After this road my son can safely cycle into the city the whole way on dedicated cycle paths.”
Leicester’s Deputy Mayor even got involved, responding to one critical comment about the safety of this cycle lane…
We have plans to give it similar or even better treatment to the stretch of the same road just north of here – we just need the funding…
— Cllr Adam Clarke 🇺🇦💉💉 💉 (@OweniteAdam) March 23, 2022
And the Leicestershire Loves Cycling agreed the city is moving in the right direction…
We have to be patient. I look at what’s going on around the country and outside London Leicester is probably making more inroads into cycle infrastructure than most. Above all there are politicians behind this despite all the flack they get.
— Leicestershire Loves Cycling (@LeicsCountyBike) March 24, 2022
Runaway Ostrich causes crash
How’s your day going?
Probably better than this unfortunate cyclist taken out by a runaway ostrich…
The incident happened in Buenos Aires, on Monday and left the woman with a broken wrist and a large cut to her head which needed treated in hospital in the Argentine capital.
The Daily Mirror has the video, if you want to watch that, and local media reports the bird was a pet that had escaped from a nearby property.
Spring sunshine: Send us your pictures of where you're enjoying the toasty temperatures....
Glorious day for some gravel adventures! This bike has given me renewed excitement for riding and a hunger for exploring new trails and seeking our adventures. We have plenty of fun in the pipeline 😀#gravelbike #gravelride #gravelcycling #explore #adventure #getoutside pic.twitter.com/UPCrvWBBJe
— Love SwimRun (@Loveswimrun) March 23, 2022
Amazing what a bit of sunshine can do for your mood…
Let us know your riding plans: a lunchtime loop, post-work pootle, or perhaps you’re making the most of it with a big day out?
Talking of lunchtime loops, it’s about time for mine…
Can’t beat a bit of downcountry in Dyfi…#mtb #mtblife #Wales #orangebikes #Mountainbike #cycling 🏴 pic.twitter.com/Lbnn8VIn52
— mtbwales (@mtbcymru) March 23, 2022
Morning 😎😜 #commuting #cycling #lovecycling pic.twitter.com/BTWiEO4ejD
— Sarah Andrews (@sarahandrews71) March 24, 2022
How do 100 Dutch professors travel to a school visit?
You know you have a mainstream cycling culture, when 100 professors (of @UniUtrecht) go and visit elementary schools like this! Annual event of @meettheprof_uu! pic.twitter.com/hAjI3DIyjt
— Cycling Professor 🚲 (@fietsprofessor) March 23, 2022
I mean, there was only going to be one answer, wasn’t there?
National Highways completes £2.89 million project upgrading Plymouth footbridge to join up with local cycle route
National Highways has completed a project upgrading the Mowhay footbridge over the A38 near Plymouth. The previous bridge was considerably narrower than it is now, meaning it is now suitable for wheelchair users, pushchairs and cargo bikes or trikes to cross. The old set-up was not wide enough to accomodate cyclists and walkers, and work started in June last year to modify both ramps, as well as the body of the bridge.
As well as the wider deck, the upgrade includes a more manageable gradient, new ramps, steps, fencing and guard rails, new lighting and a new surface water drainage system.
Ostrich or rhea?
Coming in at number six on the list of things I didn’t expect to be writing today…ostrich or rhea?
Some of you think the Daily Mail may have got their facts wrong…
Well I guess that’s my fault for not double checking the distribution of the respective flightless birds. I said ostrich, but some of you reckon it’s a rhea…
The rhea, or South American ostrich (well that makes things even more confusing), looks like its African counterpart but is smaller (seemingly like the bird in the pictures). Then again, the escapee was a pet, so perhaps doesn’t necessarily have to be native to Argentina.
Anyone an expert in Argentinian exotic pets law? I’m more confused than when I started…
Get in the comments if your surname’s Attenborough…
“How was your day?”
“Yeah, not bad, made a poll to let our readers decide if a runaway pet was an ostrich or a rhea…”
“I thought you worked for a cycling website?”
“So did I…”
The struggle...
Team presentation and 📸 ✅ pic.twitter.com/HO3lqo5tfD
— Alpecin-Fenix Cycling Team (@AlpecinFenix) March 24, 2022
As someone who ungracefully negotiates the slippery concrete (someone’s going to tell me they’re not concrete) stairwell every time I go for a spin, I feel your pain, Mathieu. Those boots may well have been made for walking, but cleats were not…
"This could be a cycleway": Cyclist leaves homemade sign on abandoned car
It could, and yet….
There since 18/03
No registration plates
Advertising
No permit on display
Reported to @GalwayCityCo on 22/03
Still there on 24/03.
As for safe cycling? Too much to ask.
PLEASE CONTACT your councillors. This is what they are defending. pic.twitter.com/jg2ZEHfd1G— Gráinne Faller (@FHmediastuff) March 24, 2022
The Salthill Cycleway story has been rumbling on for a while. Plans for a major segregated cycleway in Salthill, Galway, were initially backed by councillors, but last month after four hours of debate, the same local politicians voted 13 to four against the €1m project.
Councillors have complained of toxic debate, while some local business owners opposed the plans vociferously.
There’s some context to the site of this snap: a cyclist leaving a homemade sign making a simple point about how road space is used. Abandoned cars for advertising purposes? Fine (apparently). The cycleway plan? Not…
But at least you can get 2.9% APR, 7 years warranty and award-winning car of the…(thankfully the sign blocks the end of that ad)…
Feel free to share pics. pic.twitter.com/JnCwX1Tfak
— Gráinne Faller (@FHmediastuff) March 24, 2022
It reminds us of another live blog favourite…the time a public-spirited cyclist made homemade parking tickets for cars parked in the bike lane…but got told to f*** off. Comes with the territory, I guess…
Rainbow stripes and another UAE Team Emirates stage win: Racing round-up
#ExteriooClassic
What can we say? @Elisa_balsamo is on fire!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3zeKI5KXn2— Trek-Segafredo (@TrekSegafredo) March 24, 2022
Elisa Balsamo earned a second win of the week, adding the WorldTour version of the women’s Brugge-De Panne to Sunday’s Trofeo Alfredo Binda. No better way to represent the world champ’s rainbow bands than from the top step of the podium. Talking of the podium, Lorena Wiebes and Marta Bastianelli rounded that out.
Over in Catalunya on the men’s side of things it was another win for UAE Team Emirates in 2022, this time a first of the season for new signing João Almeida who outkicked Nairo Quintana and Sergio Higuita at the end of a punishing summit finish at 2000m elevation.
Quintana takes the race lead from Ben O’Connor who could only manage 12th on the stage, but remains in contention with three stages left…
In Italy, Ben Tulett followed up his third on stage two with a maiden Ineos Grenadiers win. Teammate Eddie Dunbar retains the race lead, and finished second on the stage.
24 March 2022, 09:19
24 March 2022, 09:19
24 March 2022, 09:19
24 March 2022, 09:19
24 March 2022, 09:19
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Latest Comments
Follow the road rules. Why is this even a discussion? Because the road rules are not adequately policed. …Solution: how about £100 fines for everyone flouting the road rules / risking cyclists lives on social media and in council chambers, as well as on the roads? That should stop this ongoing waste of time.
@Rendel Harris you've painted a rather alluring picture of social harmony there, but unfortunately you've got my name wrong. I'm Jack, not Nigel. However, to return the compliment, I must think of a story for you. I imagine you sat outside a pub, real ale and pipe propped on the adjacent table, in a similar fashion to Nigel Farage at his populist best. You turn to your wife. "You know what dear? I think I've been a bit harsh in my time. I've shunned the politeness and wisdom of others for too long and want to change my ways.* "There there Rendel", says Mrs Harris. "You're not a bad old stick, it's just living in London that's emptied your soul of kindness and compassion. I've found a lovely new place where we can settle down in our later years. It's on a leafy cul de sac, surrounded by friendly neighbours and smiling faces. There's a guy a couple of doors down, a remarkable man. As well as his towering intellect and rapier wit, he's also a keen cyclist, holding severa local KOMs. Don't be perturbed dear - he'll ride with anyone provided they show other road users the kindness and courtesy they deserve." Rendel turned emotionally, voice shaking. "Oh my dear, thank you for this second chance", and with that the rest of the pub goers turned and applauded the couple, throwing garlands of petals in their wake. The end.
As a Councillor, Edward needs to be paying some attention to all that parking obstructing visibility and manoeuvres at the junction, and sorting out those radii.
Ed Hill was chucked out by Reform in 2025, though TBF to him it was about how to run it rather than ideology I think. He is now reportedly closer to Advance UK, which is distinctly more extreme than Reform. I'd call this Alan Amos style attention seeking.
Emily, thank you for such an insightful piece. I’m a man, but I enjoy watching the women’s races, possibly more than the men’s. The racing is so much closer, we rarely know who’s going to win. You painted a wonderful picture of how a true champion is able to ‘rise above’ setbacks and distractions, and focus their energy on the task in hand. ‘All’s fair in live and war -and sport, but always good to hear riders expressing their admiration for their competitors
@Nigel Garage ...and then everyone applauded my courtesy and I waved courteously to all the people who were courteously throwing flowers and cheering and courteously waving flags that said "Nigel is the best!"
The picture from street view clearly shows give way lines from the roads to the green painted cycle/pedestrian lane. The road user should give way (or must...) to the user of the green lane. This would of course apply to any cyclist on the roadway.
If I recall there is a cave or two along the route - perhaps they were sheltering from the heat in one of those having taken it for a Golf bunker?
“So if there’s a cyclist travelling down the cycle path at the moment, from this position I can’t see them because my blind spots are too big on the left hand side of the vehicle”, claims Hill. Well, there's your problem, right there...🙄
First impression from the headline that he's likely a twit. Then the detail he was expelled from Reform makes you suspect that failing even their low bar requirements he really is. Then he clearly explains his vehicle is unsafe for the highway because he can't see to give way when turning. Any collision he now has should have that video run out explaining he drove a vehicle he knew to be unsafe. Advice for motorists; instead of thinking that pedestrians and cyclists are low risk 100kg objects, imagine them as a 300 Tonne trains that will crush you and your vehicle if you cross into their paths. You'd give way to the train, so you equally can to the others.
24 thoughts on ““This could be a cycleway”: Cyclist leaves homemade sign on abandoned car; 5-year-old vs rush hour traffic; Amazon driver delivers textbook safe pass; New KOM jersey; Humanised hi-vis; Runaway Ostrich causes crash; Spring sunshine + more on the live blog”
There are not many things
There are not many things that Amazon deserve praise for, but the comments above suggest that this might just be one!
MattieKempy wrote:
Depends on whether Amazon do actually provide the training or whether that just happens to be a good driver. Hope it’s both.
MattieKempy wrote:
But parking on a bend at the exit / entry to a built-up area in the “keeping the footpath clear” one though (or was that tongue in cheek?)
The best way to encourage
The best way to encourage good behaviour is to compliment it when it occurs. If we cyclists have the courage to call out poor driving we shouldn’t shy away from applauding that which is good, even if ‘good’ should be the norm.
In schools we call this
In schools we call this ‘narrating the positive’ and it works SO much better (for the vast majority of students) than just sanctions. Treat everyone like a school-going child, I say – most of us have at least the same want for appreciation and attention 🙂
jaymack wrote:
In some respects, it’s sad that it feels necessary to praise what should just be the bare minimum we should expect from drivers. But that’s where we are, so I agree with you.
Fair enough calling out good
Fair enough calling out good behaviour, but this video really must be the lowest of the low hanging fruit for good overtaking – a wide, clear, straight road.
If I am aware of a motorist
If I am aware of a motorist who has patiently waited, I will always give a cheery thank you, had several in return today. Gotta be a good thing.
100% agree. I always try to
100% agree. I always try to thank courtesy on the road when on my bike or driving. It stops the spiral to the lowest common denominator.
I’ve never understood why
I’ve never understood why they don’t make the suggestion to overtake on the other side of the road when there are road markings. Easier to offering than 1.5 metres and keys everyone safe. It’s what people do of they overtake another car.
I find it so frustrating when drivers seem reluctant to cross the line rather and close pass a cyclist.
It solves the problem of
It solves the problem of where cyclists are riding two abreast with oncoming traffic, so they are clearly happy with the space, and then as long as the speed of the passing car is appropriate, the group, by staying two abreast on suitable roads, are expecting to be passed, even if there is not a full 1.5 metres. It is a nuance that the guidance doesn’t really cover, though it can’t be a rule as there will be times when the white line does not deliver a safe passing distance.
I find it so frustrating when
I find it so frustrating when drivers seem reluctant to cross the line and close pass a cyclist instead
I find it routine, and the cause is negligible enforcement by police officers without a clue about cycles or cycling
Looks more a Rhea than an
Looks more a Rhea than an ostrich. Rheas are native to Argentina, Ostriches aren’t.
the little onion wrote:
Isn’t an alternative name for a Rhea “South American ostrich”?
The alternative name for an
The alternative name for an ostrich is an African Rhea (there’s also 3 species of rhea)
How about we focus on what we
How about we focus on what we can agree on: given that the reporting came from the Daily Mirror, the chances of any factual accuracies are slim to none.
(I would say it looks more like a rhea but wouldn’t like to put a finger on exactly which species from that video, and given it is (supposedly) an escaped pet it wouldn’t necessarily be a species native to the region).
Personally, I wouldn’t much
Personally, I wouldn’t much fancy putting a finger on any species of rhea, ostrich, or other ratite – too much chance of a nasty bite.
I think it’s name is Chris.
I think it’s name is Chris.
Was it running home for
Was it running home for christmas?
I prefer emo music.
I prefer emo music.
A2B Taxis in Solihull have
A2B Taxis in Solihull have worked out that bike lanes are nice places to have a nap while waiting for their next fair – or they would be if they didn’t have a bolshy cyclist shouting at them for blocking it.
“Dai” the Rhea.
“Dai” the Rhea.
I do hope that one of the
I do hope that one of the Utrecht professors was Dr Strabismus (whom God protect).
Kapelmuur wrote:
All I know is in the UK many of those responsible for our transport infra seem more of the Narkover school. And many a Captain Foulenough on the road.