Painfully bad cycle lane makes us laugh (you’ll cry if you don’t); Jackass does cycling; Santander Cycles seen in Jamaica and Australia; Bike shop celebrates 100th birthday; Irn Bru gels; Bike rack fail; Helicopter bunny-hopping + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
Painfully bad cycle lane makes us laugh (you'll cry if you don't)
Pedestrians on the left…. clown bicycles on right…? Or perhaps it’s an ancient fertility symbol? Spotted on Wootton Way Maidenhead earlier. #cycling #activetravel 🚴 pic.twitter.com/QS2kmPmreN
— Paul Baker (@maidbloke) January 25, 2022
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a painted bicycle…apparently.
Maybe we’ve got it wrong and it’s actually a lane for spectacle wearers or weightlifters? Paul Baker’s replies are now full of people telling him their interpretation of the marking…
mmm looks like the work of one of the students of @Auntiekay28 …https://t.co/xVqeeOEQf7
— Wandsworth Cycling (@wandscycling) January 25, 2022
Pedestrians on left. Pumping iron on the right pic.twitter.com/B11jZUKjqY
— Tim the Planner (@TimThePlanner) January 25, 2022
Is this not a push me pull you bike? pic.twitter.com/3wwSrSZUR9
— Matthew Thompson (@M_at) January 25, 2022
Others wondered if it was an ancient code that needed breaking? You wonder why Dan Brown never wrote ‘The De Rosa Code’, a thriller about an infrastructure bodge job holding the key to the discovery of an invaluable Italian bicycle? I’ll sell the rights to that if you’re reading, Mr Spielberg.
To be honest the state of the ‘cycle lane’ (or maybe designated paint strip would be more accurate) is probably more concerning than one person’s ability to paint a bicycle…I reckon I’d do much, much worse…
Anyway, if you’re already looking to run the clock down at work…here’s how it’s done properly…
Jackass does cycling
The boys are 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊! ☠️#JackassForever hits theaters everywhere February 4th 🗓
[ Head to https://t.co/CZDATkk8bL to get your tickets today! 🔗🎟 ] pic.twitter.com/KnUPzMLUB4
— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2022
“The faster you pedal your bike, the faster the other guys hand goes back,” is one way to motivate your monotonous turbo sessions…
Painful. But has Steve-O ever commuted into a headwind before sunrise in the depths of winter? Fair enough, that would make pretty terrible TV…
Ipswich bike shop Elmy Cycles celebrates 100th birthday
A bike shop in Ipswich turns 100 this week and is inviting customers to celebrate the milestone. Elmy Cycles was opened on 30 January 1922 and will turn 100 this Friday.
The shop has been owned by Steve Grimwood for the past 30 years, who said it is “fantastic” to still be serving the community all these years later.
“It’s a dedication to all the staff who have worked for me over the years, our customers – we often see the third generation of a family coming in to buy their bicycles – and being part of the heart of the community,” he told the BBC.
“Being part of Ipswich really means a lot to me, we could’ve moved out of town many years ago when the trend was to move to out of town stores and centres but we stuck to our guns and the support we’ve had from the local community has really paid dividends.”
Irn Bru gels
Happy Burns Night for yesterday to any readers north of the border.
Wiggle clearly got the message…
Who would try our Irn Bru energy gel if we started making it? pic.twitter.com/7JZh7FQwvx
— Wiggle (@Wiggle_Sport) January 25, 2022
Where’s the Buckfast though?
Santander Cycles spotted as far away as Jamaica and Australia
Jamaica, Australia, Romania, Gambia and Turkey are some of the locations London’s Santander hire cycles have ended up, according to Transport for London. Responding to a Freedom of Information request from MyLondon, TFL revealed 4,259 bikes have been lost since 2013, and on “very rare occasions” have been reported outside the UK.
Of the 71,747 bikes which went missing for more than 24 hours since 2013, 67,498 were recovered. In 2020, 12,448 bikes went missing, of which 950 were not found.
Vandalism and theft sometimes seems an unfortunate inevitability of city centre schemes…
Nextbike recently resumed its Cardiff cycle hire scheme following a two-month suspension due to a “staggering” level of vandalism, thefts and threats against employees.
Meanwhile in Manchester, ahead of the latest fleet of hire bikes being made available, Andy Burnham urged people to not chuck them in the city’s canals…
He didn’t say if sneaking them out to Jamaica was allowed…although I reckon we can guess the answer…
Bike rack fail
@EalingCyclists @EalingCouncil just posting this picture to warn people that the new bike stands by west Ealing Station appear able to be dismantled with an Allen key. pic.twitter.com/JJUS9xGScT
— Frank Proud (@frank9755) January 26, 2022
Brompton-only lane? We all have a laugh at bring your kid to work day...
Is it two e-scooters depicted passing in opposite directions simultaneously…? 🧐 https://t.co/g6LqLtrq9G
— Ian Alexander (@Ian___Alexander) January 26, 2022
You lot have been on form this morning…is it a Dalek? Or the fifth member of Led Zeppelin perhaps? Whole lotta love for the suggestions coming in on Twitter…
Some have been saying it must be a Brompton-only lane, while Steve Douglas imagined the conversation back at base…
Jon Tyler commented: “I get it now.. crop circles are just cosmic cycle lanes!”
Foreperson: Oi, Phil, I need you to go out and paint a few bikes on that strip of road the bosses have decided to call a bike lane.
Phil: What’s a bike?— Steve Douglas 🏊🚴🏃🍰🍻 (@stevedouglas76) January 26, 2022
The 5th member of Led Zep comes in from the cold https://t.co/oGNcyeGuoz
— Mike Stead (@tweetymike) January 26, 2022
NewsThump's on fire...Audi drivers are next on the satire hit list
NewsThump got a shoutout on yesterday’s live blog for its take on the Highway Code changes…‘New Highway Code rules ‘could see cyclists lording it over drivers in further brazen attempts not to be run over’
Well, they’re getting another shoutout today…this time for: ‘Audi driver repeatedly fails Captcha test after failing to identify images with cyclists’ including such gems as: “Every single square is a road that you could just drive down or a junction where you can pull out whenever you feel like it. Is it some sort of trick question? Am I taking part in a Turing test?”
And…”We have been trialling a new Audi-driver-friendly version of our Captcha solution, using images of tiny tiny gaps in traffic, barely big enough a car, as they seem to have no trouble whatsoever spotting those.”
Bravo, NewsThump…Bravo.
Kenny Belaey opens CX Worlds by...*checks notes* riding out a helicopter
Call me harsh but when I heard he had bunny hopped out a chopper I was expecting something a bit… higher?…But hey, still pretty cool.
It’s ‘cross world champs this weekend so we’ll be keeping you up-to-date with all the pre-race build up on the live blog, before keeping a close eye on Mr Pidcock’s progress come Sunday.
Even more colourways from Brooks
Brooks England is launching three new limited Cambium C17 colourways that take inspiration from the hues of landscape explored in last year’s Whatever the Road project.
“From the seaside towns along England’s western coast come the cool colours of the C17 Yorkshire; the rolling hills and wide skies of Dartmoor National Park inspire the dark, earthen tones of the C17 Devon; lastly, the C17 Arizona can trace its inspiration to the sandy, cactus-lined tracks of the American Southwest,” Brooks says.
The new special-edition Brooks Cambium saddles which can be bought on the Brooks England website are:
C17 Devon: Sand top, Octane rivets
C17 Yorkshire: Navy top, Electric-blue rivets
C17 Arizona: Mud-green top, Bronze-orange rivets
Which is your favourite?
How deep is your wallet? Pas Normal Studios releases first gravel collection
Danish cycling apparel brand Pas Normal Studios has launched its first line of gravel gear with the new 15-piece Escapism Collection. The cycling-specific pieces are offered in men’s and women’s fit, while the off-bike styles have been designed with a more relaxed unisex cut.
“This hybrid collection is dedicated to gravel rides and multi-day bike touring adventures while remaining highly suitable to everyday off-the-bike applications,” Pas Normal Studios (PNS) says.
“Each piece is designed to be versatile and easily packable to keep the wearer well-equipped in the face of uncertain conditions over multi-day adventures,” says PNS.
The jackets, vests, and all other outer layers are finished with a C0-rated DWR treatment, which the brand claims is the most environmentally-friendly water-repellent coating available on the market.
The collection includes a Down Jacket (£340), Down Vest (£225), Performance Fleece Zip (£200) and Vest (£160) , Stow Away Jacket (£170), Fleece Gilet (£150), Bibs (£225) as well as Knit Arm Warmers (£50) and Leg Warmers (£70).
The Bibs, for example, feature four pockets which have been integrated into the design on the thighs and back straps, providing easy-access storage solutions for your on-the-go essentials.
The high wool content used throughout the Performance Fleece Zip is said to give this piece remarkable thermal properties. “Defined by the open-grit structure of the wool blockings on the fabric lining, this garment is highly breathable while delivering warmth at the same time,” says PNS.
Smaller accessories such as bandanas have also been included in the collection to “accent your cycling kit by adding a touch of individuality”.
If you need a laugh to get you through Wednesday?
Bristol GPs to prescribe cycling to obese and lonely patients
A new programme backed by metro mayor Dan Norris could soon see doctors in Bristol prescribing walking and cycling to treat patients. The GP Prescribing Programme will link NHS patients to cycle loan schemes, and walking groups, to tackle health issues such as obesity, inactivity and loneliness.
£170,000 of funding for a trial project has been secured for Bristol and Bath and North East Somerset.
> Government set to enable GPs to prescribe cycling to tackle obesity and coronavirus (+ video)
West of England Mayor Dan Norris told the Bristol Post: “Going for a walk or getting on your bike are good for both your physical and mental health, so this could be just what the doctor ordered.
“This is an innovative plan to help make local people healthier and happier.”
But cyclists...
#Pyrford common road, a single vehicle collision where the driver has collided with a bus shelter. The road is currently closed for recovery and clear up. pic.twitter.com/kriVEvWFqH
— Roads Policing Unit (RPU) – Surrey Police – UK (@SurreyRoadCops) January 26, 2022
Twelve Bath residents without "ingrained opinions" on transport will help shape city's walking and cycling plans
Hardly the 12 disciples, but Bath’s active travel future will be informed by the 12 without “ingrained opinions”…
That’s according to the Bath Echo who say the council and University of Bath have stumped up £30,000 to establish an independent citizens’ panel for members tasked with deciding the most appropriate and safe strategic cycle routes into the city centre, university and Claverton Down.
Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The panel will have nothing to do with people with ingrained opinions. Britain Thinks will do a thorough selection process.
“It’s not abdicating responsibility – it’s about instilling confidence that decisions are made fairly. There’s a feeling that decisions are made behind closed doors by a small clique of people. You can’t get any fairer or more transparent than a citizens’ panel.
“Allowing residents to help make decisions is democracy in action.”
26 January 2022, 09:08
26 January 2022, 09:08
26 January 2022, 09:08
26 January 2022, 09:08
26 January 2022, 09:08
26 January 2022, 09:08
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Latest Comments
@mdavidford Very good; to better keep with the original, may I suggest, "Young men nicked them, every one"?
Not that inexplicable, Visma had to try something as Pogacar was clearly getting ready to tee off and Vinegaard didn't look as if he had the legs to go with him if he did, so they tried setting a high pace on the climb to see if that would deter him and keep him in the group. Optimistic, definitely, but not inexplicable. On another issue, booing someone for winning is about as low as sports "fans" can go. It would be nicest not to boo anyone, given that, especially in cycle racing, they are shattering themselves for our entertainment, but it can be understandable if you think your chosen team/person aren't doing their best, but getting pissed off with someone for winning? What's he supposed to do, throw the race to let your favourites have a chance?
They are urinating in the wind. So long as the BBC, The Telegraph, and even the Police continue deliberately to muddy the waters by calling motorbikes ebikes, the public will forever associate ebikes and their riders with stories of idiots on Sur-Rons and tar all with the same brush.
Why could VW not simply have rescued Fazua from the slippery clutches of their subsidiary Porsche?
@jh2727 if only there were a way of separating where high volumes of (increasingly heavy) vehicles operate (which as you say aren't so affected by said potholes, but are vastly more effective at causing them) and where cyclists ride... One practical issue (even if we "went Dutch" in separating modes) is around damage from buses. It's easy to spot the bus stops * due to the waves they produce in the roads at these points. I don't know if that's inevitable, or due to particularly shoddy road construction or drivers stopping too rapidly... Of course if the buses are in bus *lanes* that shouldn't be an issue - because no professional transport planners would try to mix buses and cyclists as they're quite incompatible modes! 🤔 * At least around my area in Edinburgh even without shelters, signs or painted markings.
Maybe with a few more ideas like this I might stop thinking "diesel emissions" every time I hear their name.
@Pub bike Thoroughly agree with that, until the scrotes know that the police have the capacity to keep up with them they will just keep on taking the piss with impunity.
@jh2727 It was closed for repairs as it regularly is because it's falling apart, but no works were actually taking place at the time of the CM ride.
Lancashire Constabulary must find it difficult to recruit enough bad apples to support their present modi operandi.
62 thoughts on “Painfully bad cycle lane makes us laugh (you’ll cry if you don’t); Jackass does cycling; Santander Cycles seen in Jamaica and Australia; Bike shop celebrates 100th birthday; Irn Bru gels; Bike rack fail; Helicopter bunny-hopping + more on the live blog”
That’s how my 7 year old
That’s how my 7 year old draws bikes
In my experience it will take
In my experience it will take another 5 years of coaching to get one that looks right!
That’s not a bicycle, it’s an
That’s not a bicycle, it’s an anorexic Dalek on a space hopper.
I was looking around the
I was looking around the Parliament website to find when they’re voting on the HC changes.
The only reference to it I could find this week was “Revision of the Highway Code – motion to regret” in the House of Lords on Friday, by Baroness Jones of Moulescombe (Jenny Jones, Green).
Googling a ‘motion to regret’ says
“When the Lords considers a statutory instrument (SI), any member can introduce a motion to regret it. The motion usually gives specific reasons for the regret.
Even if agreed, the motion cannot stop or amend the SI, but gives members an opportunity to put on record their dissent.”
I thought that the Commons had to actually vote on the changes to put them through. Have I got it wrong, and they’ll just go through regardless? And I wonder why does Jenny Jones ‘regrets’ it?
brooksby wrote:
No doubt she is dubious about the bit that says that cyclists should single out or stop for cars wanting to overtake…….
brooksby wrote:
“Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb to move that this House regrets the draft Revision of the Highway Code because, despite making important changes to protect road users from harm, Her Majesty’s Government has failed sufficiently to educate the public on the changes.”
mdavidford wrote:
Thanks! Clearly I was looking in the wrong place 🙂
mdavidford wrote:
That makes more sense, than objecting to the substance of the changes as she is a member of the green party.
I believe it will come under
I believe it will come under ‘business without debate’, so a standing order is presented to approve the amendments in the chamber & it’s just nodded thru in the debating chamber by people shouting aye, theres no division vote on it, & I was expecting it to happen today actually based on their 56day sequence since the changes were laid down that other amendments to regulations had been hitting lately. But they did a 40day one yesterday, albeit a change of people on a committee so maybe slightly different process for that.
But could be today or tomorrow I think.
The Highway Code changes have
The Highway Code changes have been introduced as a Statuatory Instrument.
In general SIs are not debated or voted on in parliament. The transport select committee is essentially responsible for approving the changes which will occur on 29th January.
So unless Grant Shapps and his committee pull the plug at the last minute the SI should pass on the 29th Jan.
I haven’t heard any demands in and around Parliament for the changes to be stopped. Thankfully there is plenty of other stuff occupying MPs minds at the moment.
Parliament process here
https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/laws/secondary-legislation/statutory-instruments-commons/
sean1 wrote:
Oh, right. I’d forgotten how much our current Govt (I’m presuming we’ll have a different one at some point?) loves SIs.
brooksby wrote:
To be fair, it’s not this government that made the Highway Code approval work in that way – it’s the 1988 Road Traffic Act (and I think that probably just replicated the previous legislation in that regard). Relevant bit:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/section/38
sean1 wrote:
Broadly right, though the Select Committee don’t have anything to do with it. (And the Select Committee is most certainly not Shapps’s committe – they are a cross party committee and it is their job to scrutinise what he and his Department do and hold them to account.)
Yes that is more accurate.
Yes that is more accurate. Shapps is just Minister for Transport and not on the select committee itself.
I am not sure how they Highway Code changes could be stopped now in Parliament unless many MPs created such as fuss that Shapp’s et all would back track and withdraw the changes.
Fingers crossed that at the moment there doesn’t seem to much controversy around the changes amongst MPs so the SI should go through.
sean1 wrote:
There’s not time for it to be stopped now. One or other of the House of Commons or Lords would have to schedule a debate and then vote down the changes. That pretty much never happens with SIs laid under the negative resolution such as this. (Some SIs have to be laid under the affirmative resolution procedure, which means there has to be a debate/vote in both Houses – but most are negative; and which it is defined by the relevant Act)
sean1 wrote:
I don’t think the changes have been introduced as a Statutory Instrument. The Code itself is not a statutory instrument (see para 3.1), so it does not require secondary legislation to make changes to it. It is required to be laid before Parliament for 40 days, the process for laying papers is explained here. Unless anybody can point me in an authoritative direction.
That sounds right. The
That sounds right. The equivalent explanatory memorandum for these changes is here (opens PDF) and describes the same process
GMBasix wrote:
Yes, I think you’re right that it’s statutory guidance rather than a statutory instrument, but the Parliamentary approval process is broadly the same.
She probably read Littlemind
She probably read Littlemind’s column from yesterday and believed it!
On a more positive front, I see the not as laddish as it used to be Top Gear website has a reasoned view on the HC changes, with most of the comments so far supporting this approach.
Edit – I see the motion is actually supportive of better accurate info about the changes.
Poor cycle lanes – what’s all
Poor cycle lanes – what’s all the fuss about?
If the last couple of days have taught us anything (and I’m sure the “media” can be wholly relied upon for the integrity and accuracy of its reporting) it’s pretty clear that in future we’re all required to simply pedal down the middle of the carriageway as slowly as possible anyway.
Unless there is some paint by
Unless there is some paint by the edge of the road, in which case we should be cycling in the gutter instead.
Irn Bru energy gels? I’m
Irn Bru energy gels? I’m surprised they even have to ask.
Although it’s so long since I’ve had any I’ve no idea what it tastes like.
captain_slog wrote:
Girders
captain_slog wrote:
In line with modern materials is the also an Alu Bru, Crbn Bru and perhaps even a Ttnm Bru?
Captain Badger wrote:
Crbn Bru claims it makes you faster but your eyes rattle. You can’t improve on Irn Bru – much less shaking. Although I’m slower uphill after it and I’ve developed some discolouration this winter.
Vile though… maybe I’m the
Vile thought… maybe I’m the only Scotsman that doesn’t like Irn Bru
Slappers66 wrote:
No Scotsman tru would eschew the Bru….
Is it just me that thinks
Is it just me that thinks that Irn Bru actually tastes better once north of Gretna?
essexian wrote:
Irn Bru refreshes all Scots tru, from Timbuctu to Etna,
But without adu, they’ll form a qu to drink it north o’ Gretna
Captain Badger wrote:
Hmm….
Slappers66 wrote:
I’m here all week, Laideez and Gennlemen!
Captain Badger wrote:
Is this some dig that folks north of the border are dole moles (etymology here)?
chrisonatrike wrote:
Love a bit of etymology, me.
I don’t think I’ve ever
I don’t think I’ve ever tasted Irn Bru…
brooksby wrote:
You haven’t lived.
Steve K wrote:
Or died…
chrisonatrike wrote:
20-odd years ago I spent a long night at Hogmanay drinking vast quantities of Irn Bru and whisky – haven’t really been able to face the stuff since.
[Oddly, it didn’t take me long to be fine with the whisky again, though…]
mdavidford wrote:
Are you sure it wasn’t the kebab?
chrisonatrike wrote:
I don’t actually remember eating anything. That may not have helped.
I’ve drunk In Bru as a
I’ve drunk In Bru as a hangover cure in the past.
It made a great hangover cure
It made a great hangover cure, needed the fully sugared version though.
WKD did an alcopop version back when alcopops were a thing.
That Allen-key cycle rack is
That Allen-key cycle rack is nothing special.
I regularly see racks (particularly the wheel bender / toast rack style) bolted to the pavement with ‘normal’ bolts (you’d need a 15mm spanner, I suspect).
It’s still a useful deterrent
It’s still a useful deterrent if it takes the scroats longer to twiddle a spanner/alan key than slice through the lock with an angle grinder.
After posting this I got thinking – maybe if the alan key/spanner does take a lot longer then perhaps that may be the best way to secure your bike – unbolt the rack put it through the frame of your bike and then bolt it back down!!
They’re not quite as bad as
They’re not quite as bad as they look (still not great though). The bolt goes through the box section to a nut and washer you could loosen it a bit with an allen wrench but once it’s loose the nut spins freely and undoing it any further is tricky.
It could potentially be undone further by getting something under the head of the bolt to lift the nut and washer against the inside of the box section to create the required friction. So not really “safe” but safer than it looks.
Helicopter entrance – it’s
Helicopter entrance – it’s not exactly the ‘cycling Bond’ that was being floated the other day, is it?
So weird watching that CX
So weird watching that CX video. I have spent much time in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and can recognise so much of the city there.
I wouldnt call it the most cycle friendly place in the US though…
GCN just did a video there in
GCN just did a video there in the last couple of weeks. The rural roads around it look pretty sweet.
Quote:
Is there another Yorkshire? All the Yorkshire seaside towns I know about are down the eastern coast…
Sorry, you beat me to it by
Sorry, you beat me to it by three minutes. How many times did you have to re-read the quote to make sure you were reading it correctly. And then how many times did you doubt yourself on which is East and which is West??
“Never. Eat. Shredded.
“Never. Eat. Shredded. Wheat.”
(Several times…) 😉
Which geographically
Which geographically challenged ad exec wrote Brooks spiel?
How many seaside towns does Yorkshire have on its western coast???
I hear they originally
I hear they originally planned on calling it after “Lancashire” until they actually saw the colour of the sea off Blackpool then had a change of heart, but forgot to update the description.
BTW I lived in Lancs for 25 years; fantastic variety of countryside for cycling in.
Elmy Cycles is a lovely shop,
Elmy Cycles is a lovely shop, I highly recommend it, so Happy 100th to them.
They had a display of retro classic bikes when I visited last August.
Agreed, me too, glad they are
Agreed, me too, glad they are still thriving in the town, they’ve serviced my various bikes for the last 12 years and I hope for many more years to come, theyve got a good history website to mark the 100 years too. https://ourstory.elmycycles.co.uk
GCN Tech filmed a video about retro bike tech in the shop with those classic bikes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYezaJNVXxg
At the risk of having my
At the risk of having my citizenship taken away, I much prefer the Arizona to either of the UK-based options pictured.
Nice looking saddles from
Nice looking saddles from Brooks – puzzled as to why Devon, “inspired by the dark earth tones of Dartmoor,” is sand coloured whilst Arizona, “inspired by the sandy tracks of the Southwest” is muddy green?
I get prescribing cycling for
I get prescribing cycling for health issues relating to inactivity and even mental health issues, but loneliness ?
one of the things I adore about cycling is its loneliness, the ability to get away from everyone, be self reliant, or is that just me ?
Awavey wrote:
Me too, or at most with Mrs H and the odd mate, but I do know more than one person who’s gone from beginner cyclist in middle age to a keen member of their local club with all the socialising that involves, so it works for some.
They’re lonely because they
They’re lonely because they don’t have anyone close to them. Taking up cycling, they will get to experience motorists getting close to them every day. That, plus the constant friendly and encouraging hooting, and they’ll really feel the love.
Awavey wrote:
I have it on good authority that it can be hard to get a doctors appointment if you frequently eat apples…
Jenova20 wrote:
Well the apple has all the
Well the apple has all the core skills, ripened over time, and reliably rates as a solid ‘A’, whereas the doctor is still practising, so I’m going to say the apple would just pip them.