“Exceptional prize for all cycling enthusiasts” in EKOI’s Black Friday sale… is an electric car; “It’s ticking the climate box. But did anyone ask for this?” Furious drivers slam “waste of money” £22.5m cycle lane plans + more on the live blog

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by V A L C K O (@alex_valcko)

Valcko Studios, known for adding clipless cleats to everyday shoes, has taken it a step further than their usual Vans and Jordans, to a pair of Birkenstock mules.

Maybe something to add to the Christmas wish list?

Tocan crossing of Wetherby Road (Credit: Harrogate District Cycling Action) 

Members of the Harrogate District Cycling Action have celebrated the opening of a new crossing, which has sensors that keep the lights green for motor vehicle drivers if they are present. 

“This means that when there is traffic, it takes a long time for the lights to turn green for people crossing – around 35 seconds,” they said.

They said: “We are pleased to see the crossing finally in place. There are sensors on the lights that detect motor vehicles and keep the lights green for them if they are present. 

“The problem is that the delay in the lights changing to green for pedestrians and cyclists starts from when the button is pressed.”

“Rules for crossings allow the delay to start from the moment the lights last changed to green for vehicles (pre-timed maximum). This means that if no one has crossed recently, the lights can change quickly.” 

They state that the pre-timed maximum system is more sensible, but not used by North Yorkshire Council. 

Get your act together, Carmarthenshire #activetravel

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— Prof. Ian Walker (@ianwalker.bsky.social) 7 November 2025 at 11:21

Despite “such massive space for cyclists and pedestrians to share”, cyclists must dismount to pass a shuttered gate. 

Environmental psychologist Ian Walker shared a video on Bluesky of the “long, closed shuttered gate”, as sarcastic evidence of “Wales getting its priorities correct”. 

“Everybody walked away – just,” said cyclist George Fox, a record-breaking time triallist who avoided the “flying” sideways motorist “by a matter of centimetres”

> “Buy a lottery ticket!” Cyclists “nearly flattened” after speeding driver loses control and crashes into oncoming car in horrifying footage

A38 cycle lane proposal (Credit: Birmingham City Council)

Birmingham City Council’s latest plan for a 6km route from Longbridge to Selly Oak has been met with fierce criticism across social media.

The plan, which got 55% of 864 respondents’ support in a public consultation, is backed by £14.5 million from the Department for Transport and £8 million in local funds. 

Local DJ, Tom Shorterz, said on Facebook: “Birmingham Council, who are currently Bankrupt “I know, let’s spend £22.5mil on cycle lanes and make people catch the bus”.

“Every cycle lane I see from Solihull to the back of Digbeth, there’s never any cyclists in them, it’s one of those ‘ticking the box’ for the climate without actually asking ‘did anyone ask for this’”. 

Commenter Amo Taib agrees: “No one uses cycling lanes in Solihull, waste of council £££, Muppets.” 

A38 cycle lane proposal (Credit: Birmingham City Council) 

James Hardy said: “Birmingham city council are full of shit. It came out the other day that they were never bankrupt. Being mugged off we are.” 

“More people would cycle places if their bikes weren’t at a 95% chance of getting stolen. You can’t lock them up because they get nicked, angle grinders and bolt croppers at the ready,” said Jimmy Byrne. 

“If you’re on a nice E bike, you’ll get attacked and mugged.”

> Have you ever seen a cycling route like this designed in the UK?

However, a few people have defenced the project, noting that the government funding is ring-fenced for transport improvements. This means that it cannot be spent anywhere else. 

“I’m the last person to defend the council but in fairness the money for this is from the government and has to be spend on a project like this, otherwise it wouldn’t be approved,” said Stuart Jones. 

“Whether the government should be spending £22mil on this project is another matter completely.” 

The plan will go before councillors on 11 November. 

Thrupe Lane, Somerset (Credit: Google) 

A new 1.3km section of the Somerset Circle walking and cycling route has been opened, linking Hamwood Viaduct to Thrupe Lane in Somerset. 

Once completed, the route will form a 76-mile traffic-free circuit linking Bristol, Bath, the Mendip Hills and the Somerset Levels. 

“This is an exciting moment,” said Councillor Ros Wyke, Somerset Council’s Associate Lead Member for Active Travel and Public Transport, and West Mendip. 

“None of this would have been possible without years of teamwork. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who played a part, and to all who gave their time, energy, skills, and support to make it happen.

“We live in a beautiful part of the world, and now we’ve created new ways to enjoy it and share it. This route will be loved by local people and visitors to our county for years to come. A fantastic achievement for everyone involved.” 

In the last three years, sections have been completed at West Shepton, Dulcote, Westbury-sub-Mendip and Easton. 

The project was initiated by the former Mendip District Council and is now inherited by Somerset Council. 

It has been coordinated by charitable organisation Greenways and Cycleroutes, working in partnership with local councils, the Strawberry Line Society, local landowners and voluntary groups. 

The American fitness company has issued a voluntary recall notice of its Original Series Bike+ model, saying the defect poses a “potential fall and injury risk to consumers”

> You can’t sit down! Peloton warns 900,000 customers to stop using bikes following reports of seat posts breaking and falling off

I park my cargo bike in street parking spaces and parking lots all the time. No shame, no regret. Honestly just do it unapologetically.

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— Jeremy Cole (@jeremycole.bsky.social) 6 November 2025 at 21:51

“Yes, a cargo bike is big, but it’s designed to be a “guest” in the urban space, fitting neatly on a sidewalk. Cars and trucks demand that the entire space be re-engineered just for them,” posted American Fietser on BlueSky. 

Lawrence Davies also commented: “I think it’s quite ironic how hard it can be to find space to park a cargo bike when it’s the very definition of transport efficiency. I’ve been tempted many times just to put it in a parking space, but you can imagine the reaction that this would provoke…” 

> “The road is yours only if you own a car?”: Cyclist couple challenge council after being asked to remove DIY bike parking space from outside home

However, Jeremy Cole admits to “unapologetically” parking in street parking spaces. 

“I have often parked mine in a parking spot when there’s not a better option,” Alanna dB agrees. “It still takes up less of the stall than a motorcycle and especially than my station wagon.” 

The three-story cycle hub could be mothballed, the council says, due to safety concerns about cyclists using a narrow shared path, while others have criticised plans to charge commuters for storing their bikes. 

> Plans for new station bike hub approved… that cyclists might not be able to use for years due to dangerously “meagre” cycle path – but councillors call for car lane to be closed to allow access

I am a little late to this, but I have also requested my name and face to be removed from @cyclinguk.bsky.social publicity due to the decision to remove trans women from their awards. Trans women are women, gender is on a spectrum (and I did a genetics degree), and cycling is for everyone. ?️‍⚧️?❤️

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— Cllr Emily Kerr ? (@emilykerr36.bsky.social) 7 November 2025 at 13:42

Councillor for Oxford City, Emily Kerr, and Councillor for Lambridge, Bath and Northeast Somerset, have announced that they have asked for their name and face to be removed from Cycling UK’s publicity. 

This follows Cycling UK’s decision to exclude trans women and non-binary people from consideration for their annual 100 Women in Cycling award, citing a Supreme Court ruling. 

On BlueSky, Councillor Heijltjes said, “Like many others, I am disappointed and angry about the decision by Cycling UK to change the eligibility criteria for Women in Cycling 2025 to exclude trans women.

“Trans women are women?️‍⚧️” 

Councillor Kerr also posted saying, “Trans women are women, gender is on a spectrum (and I did a genetics degree), and cycling is for everyone. ?️‍⚧️?❤️” 

An all-new gravel and mixed surface platform from Merida, which is more aggressive than the brand’s Silex gravel bike to better cope with faster ‘European-style’ gravel races. 

> Merida officially unveils the Mission, a new gravel race and multi-surface bike with integrated downtube storage

Car brand BYD’s new SUV ad pokes fun at people walking and cycling, comparing them to Horse & Carts. It joins a long list of car ads that sell a false promise of convenience and aspiration while punching down at sustainable transport modes. So I made it a bit more realistic…

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— Adam Tranter (@adamtranter.bsky.social) 7 November 2025 at 13:58

Adam Tranter has compared the advert to the reality of a school drop-off, with car drivers causing more traffic and inconvenience than bikers and walkers. 

“Choosing BYD isn’t the risky choice; it’s the progressive one and intelligent one,”  Kate Hornstein, CMO of BYD Australia told Taboo. 

“We asked ourselves — if customers are willing to buy tech that’s decades old, what would it take to redefine their expectations? Australians are moving beyond the conventional options, and this campaign reflects that shift.” 

Is a campaign that pokes fun at cyclists and walkers “progressive” and “intelligent”? 

River Wye in Monmouth (Credit: Ralph Rawlinson) 

The Met Office warns that there could be flooding tonight and tomorrow morning due to high tides on the River Wye in Gloucestershire, reports Gloucestershire Live.  

“We are closely monitoring the situation. Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water,” the agency said.

“Flooding may affect low-lying land and roads adjacent to the Wye Estuary from Redbrook to Chepstow.” 

The predicted peaks at Avonmouth Portbury are 7.4m to 7.7 m on Friday and 6.9m to 7.2m on Friday at Newport. On Saturday, the high tide is forecast between 8 am and 9 am with predicted peaks of 7.3m to 7.6m at Avonmouth Portbury and 6.8m to 7.1m. 

In testing times for the industry, it’s always nice to be able to bring you some positive news. Legendary British bike brand Mercian Cycles is back on the rise under new ownership and celebrating its 80th anniversary by releasing its first new model for two decades.

> Iconic British bike brand Mercian releases its first new model in two decades, after being saved from liquidation last year

Ekoi Black Friday advert (Credit: Ekoi) 

Ekoi have announced their “biggest Black Friday event ever”, giving every order the chance for a “cycling enthusiast” to win the ultimate prize… an electric car!

The sale (up to 60% off everything) is “the perfect opportunity to upgrade your gear”, or, if you’re lucky, to stop cycling altogether.

Spend €50 or more and you’ll be automatically entered into the draw to “drive away with a brand-new Skoda Elroq!”

You could even admire your new jersey, shoes, or helmet from the comfort of your brand-new electric car.

If you fancy winning a car from “the European leader in cycling apparel and equipment”, all orders over €50 placed between 06/11 at 19:00 and 28/11 are automatically entered.