“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
SUMMARY
Cycling in style? The First Clipless Birkenstock Mules
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?
Harrogate cycling group celebrate ‘long awaited’ new crossing
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.
"This is Wales getting its priorities correct": Cyclists must dismount to pass closed gate
Get your act together, Carmarthenshire #activetravel
— 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”.
“Buy a lottery ticket!” Cyclists “nearly flattened” after speeding driver loses control and crashes into oncoming car in horrifying footage
“Everybody walked away – just,” said cyclist George Fox, a record-breaking time triallist who avoided the “flying” sideways motorist “by a matter of centimetres”
“Ticking the box’ for the climate” £22.5m cycle route project set for approval
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.
1.3km link of Somerset Circle walking and cycling route completed
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.
You can’t sit down! Peloton warns 900,000 customers to stop using bikes following reports of seat posts breaking and falling off
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”
"No shame, no regret": Parking a cargo bike in street parking spaces
I park my cargo bike in street parking spaces and parking lots all the time. No shame, no regret. Honestly just do it unapologetically.
— 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…”
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.”
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
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.
Councillors ask for their names and faces to be removed from Cycling UK’s publicity, following decision to exclude trans women from Women in Cycling award
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. ?️⚧️?❤️
— 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.
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. ?️⚧️?❤️”
Merida officially unveils the Mission, a new gravel race and multi surface bike with integrated downtube storage
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.
"A false promise of convenience and aspiration": Car brand BYD mocks walkers and cyclists
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…
— 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”?
Met Office warns walkers and cyclists to take care due to flooding
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.
Iconic British bike brand Mercian releases its first new model in two decades, after being saved from liquidation last year
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.
“Exceptional prize for all cycling enthusiasts” in EKOI’s Black Friday sale… is an electric car
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.
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I think the author is trying too hard to "both sides" this one. The basic error is Gove's - he was wandering across a pedestrian crossing on red for him with his head in a cup of coffee, and started well after it was on red. The Highway Code says "should not cross" in these circumstances. He then tried to excuse this by red herrings. Conservatives, including Gove, are supposed to have taking personal responsibility for their actions as a core value. Perhaps having the crooked coward Boris Johnson and Fruit Loop Liz as elected leaders demonstrates that this is merely historical. Gove is permitting a culture war being fought in the pages of his magazine; that is a war where Conservatives are demonising cycling because they hope it will save the rump Conservative Party. One example was their sudden reversal of support for the Welsh 20mph default limit. Should noodles have reacted less sharply - perhaps. A chat with Michael Gove to stop him wandering around the streets like a lobotomised koala may have been beneficial.
@mdavidford Funny, as soon as I saw your comment on the ticker on another article I knew to whom you must be replying.
@mctrials23 People have been suffering for years because they have been unlucky enough to have been hired by bad people, or had the bad luck to become ill. This is just bringing the system more into balance. I don't have a problem with encouraging people to start businesses but I don't agree with doing it by letting them exploit the poor and the desperate, if they need encouragement then offer state benefits for small businesses and use the claims process to make sure that they are doing everything they should to run the business properly including paying and training their employees. If they just want to get rich quick by exploiting others then they should be in the USA.
One may wonder why you've brought up DEI when it has nothing at all to do with anything in what Lappartient said. Or why you care about the state of the women's sport if you're so down on diversity, equity and inclusion. 🤷♂️
Not quite the first time, I rode over it back in the late twentyteens, just happened to see it was jammed nose-to-tail so thought it would be fun to filter along...turned out there was an overturned lorry at the eastern end blocking all carriageways. I honestly didn't know cycling was banned (the signs aren't very prominent), just assumed nobody rode on it because it would be suicidal in normal circumstances. Fortunately the weary copper at the other end who saw me just cut off my apologies and said, "Fuck off over there [a gap in the barrier to a slip road] and don't do it again."
They're not slalom barriers, they're Sheffield stands for parking your bike.
@momove I would think that spending time training someone up, putting the time and effort into that only to have most people move on relatively quickly isn't a great business model. I know there is the argument that "if your business has to take advantage of people to run then its not a viable business" but thats the reality of some of these shops. Up to a point, thats exactly what apprenticeships have always been. A business get cheap labour that might help them a bit and the apprentice learns something.
One may wonder why bureaucrat Lappartient wants to reinvent the wheel with a massive injection of DEI and drastic reduction of money. Let the best cyclists win, period. Meanwhile, women's pro peloton needs means and support to attract new sponsors, increase TV coverage, improve salaries and prize money.
So they want to pay people a pittance "for the experience", not record their leave accrued, have them ineligible for sickness pay, then complain about them not being experts on e-bikes, bikefitting and more?
No right-wing media frothing about this?
25 thoughts on ““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”
“No one uses cycling lanes in
“No one uses cycling lanes in Solihull…..”
Did anyone use the roads before they were built?
Probably the Romans.
Probably the Romans. Whatever did they do for us etc.
I believe Emperor Augustus
I believe Emperor Augustus founded Bianchi and Colnago to build chariots.
Wasn’t he was the Cycles
Wasn’t he was the Cycles Maximus chap?
Quote:
Are you sure you don’t mean ‘ring-fended’?
Here in blighty I think the
Here in blighty I think the term is ‘ring-mudguarded’
55% support for the
55% support for the Birmingham cycle track, so why isn’t that your headline?
I get fed up of the constant outrage-generation articles from road.cc. Some people say daft stuff on social media, it doesn’t mean we need it regurgitated here.
For balance, the story about
For balance, the story about lights being installed in Harrogate with crap settings has been reported as “cycling group celebrate”… ?
It costs about £50 million to
It costs about £50 million to build a mile of dual carriageway road, compared to that cycle paths are cheap to build.
Regarding the BYD advert (and
Regarding the BYD advert (and every other car advert showing the driver on empty roads)…
When will the car manufacturers/ad companies be sued for false advertising?
They should at least have one
They should at least have one of those fast voiced disclaimers at the end about the driving conditions not being true to real life.
Someone should film
Someone should film themselves driving at the exact same location (city centre) at the same time of day according to the lighting conditions, and use that as evidence.
I think that rectangular blue
I think that rectangular blue signs are not compulsory but are recommended.
” Car brand BYD’s new SUV ad
” 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… “
Adam Tranter
I’d love to win a new
I’d love to win a new electric car. Is there a bike that starts at 48000 Australian fun tickets that could be used as a prize?
Sometimes you can be a bit too earnest.
https://www.theguardian.com
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/07/joey-barton-guilty-sending-offensive-posts-social-media
A vile and loathsome sub
A vile and loathsome sub-human specimen!
According to Barton it’s some
According to Barton it’s some kind of political prosecution and he can’t believe he’s in trouble for stuff he did on the internet.
More “legal recognition of societal condemnation for being a bully who harassed and threatened people – in some cases based on prejudices most people condemn” there Joey?
Also his lawyers should educate him that laws apply when you publish stuff you write down or record – rather than only saying it to someone’s face. Indeed “libel” has also been around for time…
I read his autobiography a
I read his autobiography a few years ago. Presumably someone else did the writing based on his narrative. He came across as sometimes intelligent and thoughtful, but prone to violent verbal and physical outbursts. Maybe some traits of schizophrenia?
His intelligence probably means his outbursts are quite considered and vindictive.
I did enjoy his criticism of the cynical way football extracts money from fans:”We went to the World Cup. We were shite, but here’s my book. My agents says it will still be bought gullible fans.”
I can also sympathise with some of his criticism of Eni Aluko. Although intelligent and knowledgeable, she comes across as being sullen and unfriendly – not great traits for a TV presenter. The manner in which this criticism was made was pretty dreadful.
Mr Blackbird wrote:
I feel you’re inviting us to join some dots there!
Maybe. Barton is clearly a
Maybe. Barton is clearly a very complex individual.
He was a decent player, even making the England team. His autobiography is one of the most frank and interesting ones I’ve read by a footballer. He clearly isn’t a fool, but he has a personality trait that makes him press the self destruct button at regular intervals.
Have you considered that the
Have you considered that the “intelligent and thoughtful” sections of his ‘auto’biography was the input of his ghost writer, and the violent outbursts are the truer reflection of the subject?
I’d wager his least foolish acts are the employment of PR and management people to mitigate his less savoury traits.
Indeed – the idea that “in
Indeed – the idea that “in his own words” applies less to the nasty things online and more to the ghostwritten memoir is as problematic as “I was drunk” and “that isn’t me” as excuses.
OTOH while “footballer’s biography” is one of the least likely genres for me to seek out, perhaps his would offer unexpected revelations into modern discourse?
Or is it more like the Trainspotting quote: “He’s always been lacking in moral fibre.” – “He knows a lot about Sean Connery…”
Haven’t been through
Haven’t been through Birmingham’s plans but what are effectively “centre lane cycle paths” are not the greatest solution. I believe Manchester has proposed these also and tried to make a virtue of this. Question – do you see this commonly in NL *?
Probably what they really want – and will find out later – is cycle paths either side which don’t get interrupted by side-road junctions and bus stops. (Possibly bi-directional paths each side
whenif mass cycling occurs)Presumably that is politically too far. OTOH putting in stuff which appears inherently limited may simply set it up to fail to be popular enough. And fall prey to the next administration.
* The closest I can find are a couple of conversions of urban motorways – but these are really linear parks and cycle paths remain at the sides. There’s one in Utrecht and also here: https://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2019/10/16/the-a2-motorway-no-longer-divides-maastricht/
That BYD advert would be a
That BYD advert would be a lot more realistic if the driver and her kids were obese, like the car.