Welcome to Friday’s live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team.
Live blog: Irish Senator who complained about cyclists goes for ride after being challenged to on Twitter; Frozen Froome turns to Cryotherapy; No Viagra in Testogel package; Boardman encourages active travel to lift burden off NHS +more
All today’s news from the site and beyond…
Fri, Nov 15, 2019 20:18
SUMMARY
15 November 2019, 20:18
A $750 pump (and it's not even the whole pump)
Enve’s new $750 Air Pressure Station is intended to be super accurate and precise to .5% PSI, make tubeless inflation easier and be quick and convenient to use – and for that wad of cash you don’t even get an actual air compressor! Read all about it here.
15 November 2019, 20:18
Way ahead of his time...
This might be our favourite video of the week! Honestly, who needs an office when you’ve got the Winnebiko and can just type in binary code?
15 November 2019, 20:18
Wout van Aert's recovery steps up a notch
My rehab is in full swing. Proud on what I achieved already & grateful for all the support I had
Credits: @movetocure pic.twitter.com/y2zVUV3puG— Wout van Aert (@WoutvanAert) November 14, 2019
Van Aert suffered a horrific crash in the stage 13 time trial at this year’s Tour de France, and finally looks to be making some decent progress towards recovery. Initially this was hampered by a flawed operation immediately after the crash in France, before he had further surgery to correct it in his native Belgium.
15 November 2019, 20:18
New research reveals North East as cycling capital of the UK
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A survey of 7,600 adults carried out by sports retail giant Decathlon has found that the North East is the most popular region for cycling, with 16% of residents ‘regularly participating’ in cycling for sport. The researchers say the facilities on offer at Middlesborough Velodrome could be a strong contributing factor.
Elsewhere, 39% of Londoners run, 27% of Scots enjoy swimming and 34% in the North West regularly hit the gym.
15 November 2019, 20:18
Chris Boardman on Question Time: Active travel and "moving more" can lift burden off NHS
.@Chris_Boardman says if we can get people into more active lifestyles it will benefit healthcare and the environment #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/iopttQx1J4
— BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) November 14, 2019
Although Manchester’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner wasn’t given a great deal of airtime – with most of the programme focussing on something beginning with ‘B’ – he did chip in during a discussion about the NHS. Boardman talked of the £8 billion the NHS spends every year treating patients who have illnesses related to inactivity and obesity, and said we need to get more people walking and cycling in an attempt to ease the burden. He cited the Netherlands and Denmark as examples of nations who are already far ahead of us, with over 60% of commutes in those countries taken on foot or by bike.
On the ‘B’ issue, Boardman said: “I think it’s crazy to have three years of learning and then treat the population as children”, and is in favour of a second referendum on Britain leaving the European Union.
15 November 2019, 20:18
'Why don't you use the cycle lane?' continued
Dear @Edinburgh_CC @edinhelp @adamrmcvey I would like to know why you are laying concrete blocks on the Mound totally blocking the bicycle lane? How does this fit with the green transport plan for #Edinburgh ? Why is it carried out by illegal Xmas market under cover of night? pic.twitter.com/0VbKirXU5o
— Lord Woolamaloo (@LordWoolamaloo) November 14, 2019
This time in Edinburgh, it’s because of a massive truck laying concrete blocks on it, thus rendering the cycle lane unusable. Councillor Lesley Macinnes has promised to ‘follow up’ today…
No, it’s not and I have not been made aware of any plans to essentially render the cycle lane impassable, as the photos appear to show. Will be following up this morning.
— CllrLesleyMacinnes (@lmacinnessnp) November 15, 2019
15 November 2019, 20:18
Weird...
Here come the cyclists in Zhongshan Suits @vincenzonibali @MATTEOTRENTIN @CalebEwan @s_kruijswijk @Eganbernal
Costumes traditionnels pour les champions #ShanghaiCriterium pic.twitter.com/haPdTLS7Xf— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) November 15, 2019
15 November 2019, 20:18
Melbourne drug addict jailed for 11 years after killing Dutch cyclist
A grieving Dutch family has travelled to Melbourne to see a drug addict sentenced to 11 years behind bars for running down a young cyclist. https://t.co/3aOBBcmCIV @cassiezervos #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/kSQAsyMQML
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) November 15, 2019
The family of Gitta Scheenhouwer travelled to Melbourne to see 28-year-old Michael Panayides sentenced for causing her death. Panayides was on his way to buy drugs and travelling at twice the speed limit in a stolen Mercedes-Benz when he hit Ms Scheenhouwer, 27.
Panayides ran away, before later pleading guilty to culpable driving causing Ms Scheenhouwer’s death. He will serve a minimum of eight-and-a-half years, with the prosecutor labelling his driving as “incomprehensible”. The judge said: “It’s a serious case of negligent culpable driving emanating from blatant disregard for the life and safety of others on the road.
“Failing to stop in these circumstances is a despicable and cowardly act.
“Mr Panayides, each of your victims has had a profound, senseless, needless loss at your hands.”
15 November 2019, 20:18
Non-handed Penny Farthing cyclist sets three world records
It was @GWR Day yesterday – and my buddy @NeilLaughton set the riding a Penny Farthing without using your hands: 10km – 23 mins, 23 secs; Furthest distance in an hour – 26.0 km and Fastest average speed over 100m – 29.6 kph pic.twitter.com/lcbAPSlih0
— Mark Beaumont (@MrMarkBeaumont) November 15, 2019
To celebrate Guinness World Record Day, Neil Laughton rode for what we think was an hour on a Penny Farthing non-handed – he cycled 26 kilometres in an hour, and on the way to that he also rode the fastest non-handed Penny Farthing 10km and the fastest average speed over 10 seconds. He was congratulated by fellow world record holder Mark Beaumont, who cycled the fastest hour on a Penny Farthing with hands allowed earlier this year.
15 November 2019, 20:18
Police not to blame for death of cyclist killed by fleeing burglar during pursuit
Gary Lynch reversed into Arthur Bourlet while trying to evade officers.
15 November 2019, 20:18
Freeman tribunal: there was no viagra
Confirmed in Richard Freeman hearing that there was no Viagra in the Testogel package.
— Matt Lawton (@Lawton_Times) November 15, 2019
According to The Times’ Matt Lawton, the tribunal has just confirmed that there was no Viagra in the disputed package containing Testogel. You can catch up on yesterday’s events at the tribunal here.
15 November 2019, 20:18
Tom Pidcock leaves some massive skidders
15 November 2019, 20:18
The full contents of the infamous Testogel order
OK, definitely no Viagra in the 2011 order. Phil Burt, who opened the package, giving evidence. Order note says there were five items: Testogel, Logynon (contraceptive pill), Montelukast (asthma drug) , Noxil (“for acne” says Burt. PanOxyl maybe?) and Valoid (antihistamine)
— Tom Cary (@tomcary_tel) November 15, 2019
Giving evidence at the tribunal today, Dr Phil Burt has confirmed all five contents of the Testogel order made by Richard Freeman. It was said yesterday that British Cycling ordered Viagra to help with some riders’ ‘nerve issues’, but Steve Peters denied it was used for the benefits of performance enhancing.
The hearing continues…
15 November 2019, 20:18
Freeman case adjourned until next Wednesday at 9.30am
Today’s evidence was shorter than the previous days, where the lead physiotherapist at British Cycling Phil Bury was the witness. As detailed below, he said what else was in Richard Freeman’s 2011 order from Fit4Sport that contained the Testogel, and also referred to a falling out Sutton had with Freeman over an expensive flight ticket fromthe track world cup in Australian in 2015.
15 November 2019, 20:18
First cupping, now...
In today’s episode of my recovery #RoadToTDF2020 #RoadToTokyo2020 #cryotherapy pic.twitter.com/lOL2pwaJBh
— Chris Froome (@chrisfroome) November 15, 2019
It appears every trick in the book is being used to help Chris Froome recover from his latest surgery – this time it’s cryotherapy, which involves freezing or near-freezing temperatures, so whatever he’s standing in it won’t be warm.
15 November 2019, 20:18
Steven Burke retires
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Steven Burke MBE (second left in this photo from the 2012 Olympics) has announced his retirement after a 14 year career with British Cycling. Burke was an integral member of the team pursuit squad who claimed the gold medal in both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and in Beijing 2008 he won bronze in the individual pursuit aged just 20. He also won three elite European titles and one elite world title during his career.
Via a statement from British Cycling, Burke said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all of my team mates throughout the Great Britain Cycling Team. I have enjoyed working with them all. It has been an epic journey achieving Olympic gold with Geraint Thomas, Brad Wiggins, Pete Kennaugh, Owain Doull and Ed Clancy and I will look back on some great moments with them.
“Although I have retired from international duty and looking forward to new challenges, I still plan to race in the Six Day events, help out the local riders in Team SB Hub and Cycle Sport Pendle, and to ride my bike for years to come.”
15 November 2019, 20:18
How far is too far? The dilemma of long commutes
Our forum has come alive after cycle.london asked what the longest feasible commute is, with his new round trip journey after moving house being 44 miles a day. Do you put in some serious mileage to get to work and back, and what distance can you realistically do day-in-day-out and still have energy for other stuff? Take part in our poll and let us know your thoughts, as we’re keen to crowdsource some info and tips from other super commuters for a future article on dealing with long bike commutes.
15 November 2019, 20:18
Senator Craughwell gets on his bike after being challenged over anti-cycling tweet
Hey @PatKennyNT Speaking of cyclists I have just driven through Terenure and guess what 4 cyclists & one motor cyclists broke a red light and weaved in and out of traffic in order to continue their journey. Rules must apply to all road users.
— Senator G Craughwell (@GCraughwell) November 11, 2019
You may recall from Wednesday’s live blog the story of Senator Gerard Craughwell, who was challenged to go for a ride around Dublin after posting the above tweet complaining about cyclists. Senator Craughwell said “I might just do that” – and even though he admitted to not having ridden a bike for 50 years, today he kept his promise!
So I said I would undertake the challenge of a cycle around Dublin. Today I collected the bicycle. Took a tour around the city from Capel St to Leinster House. It was scary. So let’s see how this exercise goes. pic.twitter.com/AUYErEVX3Q
— Senator G Craughwell (@GCraughwell) November 15, 2019
Senator Craughwell said it was “scary” and mentioned that he found delivery vans parking in cycle lanes a nuisance, which forced him into traffic. In another reply, he said: “I guess it would have been wrong to speak on cyclists & cycling without giving it a go.”
He was accompanied by I BIKE Dublin members, and says he will be back out on Monday as part of his own personal project to see Dublin by bike for himself.
It’s refreshing to see Senator Craughwell was willing to change his perceptions, and hopefully he can use his political influence to improve cycling infrastructure in Dublin after his experiences.
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Jack is group editor across road.cc, off.road.cc and ebiketips, overseeing all three sites in the F-At Digital group to make sure everything’s up to scratch. He’s been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of road.cc including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town, and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master’s degree in print journalism, and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it’s a long story).
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Latest Comments
chrisonabike 44 minutes ago
Feels like you're greeting an old friend there... Pretty sure that people driving motor vehicles often think that most others are "in the way" and that is generally the case for *different* transport modes "sharing space". No need to believe that infra will usher that in *! Indeed Calton Reid's work on the 1930s UK cycle path project (see britishcycletracks dot com) documents that the suspicions of cycle groups of the time eg. the Cycle Touring Club were correct - the planners *did* want cyclists off the roads! Of course the failure was not in providing cyclists with an alternative and trying to move them there but in letting the drivers of motor vehicles take the roads and streets over. Between heavy promotion / accommodation for drivers and the resulting unpleasant and dangerous conditions that resulted from so many humans driving, most people ditched the bike. Interesting to see where vehicular cycling folks fall: are they absolutist ("my right to ride on motorways")? Do they believe in "accidents" (or maybe the cyclists who die weren't ... skillful enough)? What do they think of all the others not riding - do they (apparently) not care ("I'm alright Jack"), do they think they're just weak / lazy, is it due to "dangerisation of a perfectly safe activity" (and if so why do many of them think that tiny active travel organisations manage to achieve this propaganda feat) etc.? * Aside what must be billions spent over the years on pro-driving lobbying, advertising etc. there's all that ancient human psychological kit of "us and them" and "detecting cheaters". Plus the fact that while cycling may have partly replaced horse riding the car has taken on its prestige / rank-marking function.
eburtthebike 2 hours ago
@ianking Riding back from a trip to Spain through France, it was noticeable that the amount of bad driving near us cyclists increased the farther north we got, and the cars had Brit plates.
Rendel Harris 2 hours ago
@jackcycles On a very busy NSL A road with heavy coach and HGV traffic it makes perfect sense to provide cyclists with a separate carriageway. It's not saying cyclists don't belong on the road, it's saying here's a great way that everyone can enjoy cycling this route safely, even if they're a child or elderly person who can't manage above 10mph. I can't stand this posturing, usually from fit young racers who do feel safe on such a road, saying that separate cycling infra isn't necessary. On this sort of road even if every single driver is highly skilled and obeys the law and the Highway Code to the letter cycling would still be a highly unpleasant and somewhat dangerous experience, especially for the aforementioned young or elderly riders, riders lacking in confidence, small riders easily blown around by turbulence etc. Everyone involved, from Chris Boardman down to local cyclists, seems delighted with it; the idea that having a cycleway here isn't better for all concerned is what's "ludicrous and false".
Backladder 3 hours ago
@chrisonabike I could call it mamilism and get cheap bikes and lycra ;-)
Bentrider 3 hours ago
As long as cars crossing the cycleway have to wait for bikes to pass rather than vice-versa,.I don't see a problem.
jackcycles 4 hours ago
"This cycleway isn’t just a piece of infrastructure, it’s an invitation to thousands of people to leave the car at home and travel in a way that’s better for them and better for their community." Er no, a cycleway *is* just a piece of infrastructure. The idea that you need a dedicated cycleway in order to ride a bike is ludicrous and false, and gives succour to those who think that cyclists don't belong on a road.
HLaB 5 hours ago
I only get punishment passes when Im riding close to the gutter usually when there's a painted farcility!
chrisonabike 6 hours ago
I reckon you should go for some patriarchal system - you might grow to like it and I reckon it would be popular with lots of men who seem to feel hard-done by. Perhaps you could institute a holy sacrament which would allow you to circumvent local drugs legislation, or at least get some tax exemptions (coffee?). Anyway - we all love a good protected-characteristic-fight - today misogyny versus religious discrimination!
Backladder 6 hours ago
@This Wreckage I never realised it wasn't misogyny if it was based on religion, I wonder what else I will be able to get away with once I found my own religion!
chrisonabike 7 hours ago
"Landcross Road is now like a rat run, cars bomb through there. Surprised that there hasn’t been a smash there or somebody hasn’t been knocked down yet." Is that a vote for a modal filter there? Or - better - seeing how this could be fitted into a broader pattern of LTNs for residents? Or even starting a conversation on what they expect from travel locally / regionally and how could that be delivered. If the answer is - predictably - "like now but driving is more convenient" how much is that *really* going to cost / affect them going forward? Spoiler - they might well get lucky and have a few more years of "help for the hard- pressed motorist". (Particularly through the influence of Reform moving the conversation at a national level). But with more people here, more bills from people living longer (and all the other changes, the wars we're paying for...) the *real* costs of mass motoring may come back to bite pretty soon.
13 thoughts on “Live blog: Irish Senator who complained about cyclists goes for ride after being challenged to on Twitter; Frozen Froome turns to Cryotherapy; No Viagra in Testogel package; Boardman encourages active travel to lift burden off NHS +more”
For those that missed it
For those that missed it (including me): https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000b9f5/question-time-2019-14112019
(and a barely disguised excuse to post Saint Chris)
Stay up to watch Chris on QT
Stay up to watch Chris on QT last night, glad to see him there and his message got one of the stronger receptions on the from the audiences. Highlighting the link between obesity and the NHS and the role an active mode of transport can play in that is an important message and one often not found in the MSM.
kt26 wrote:
I saw it too and appreciated his attempt to get this very important subject discussed, but it was ignored by the chair, the panel and the audience. I rang the radio prog which was talking about the issues on QT, but they didn’t call back. Similarly, R5 had Boris on this morning on a phone in, but they had a long discussion about transport without once mentioning active travel. I rang in again, but they weren’t interested.
burtthebike wrote:
I think that may be largely an issue with the format of QT, speaking time is only really given to those to offer contrasting views, agreement only seemed to be shown by audience applause which – to which there was a generally postive response to Chris’ point.
As to you experience with the Radio, very frustrating and disappointing. It always looked a bit of a token gesture to have Chris on the show, but what a token he is to have. Hopefully he has given some people food for thought.
Viagra was used to give
Viagra was used to give certain athletes nerves of steel… and definitely not used to “enhance their performance” 😀
Chris Boardman showing what a
Chris Boardman showing what a sensible gent he is.
On that Edinburgh concrete
On that Edinburgh concrete blocks story, Bristol council put concrete blocks across lots of the cycle lanes approaching the centre, as an anti terrorist thing before the remembrance Sunday stuff last week. Apparently they were worried about an attack. Only the cycle lanes, though: not the roads or the footpaths… And, they were still there on Wednesday.
brooksby wrote:
That seems fair; everyone knows that all cyclists are terrorists.
burtthebike wrote:
better than terrorists, we don’t actually have to do anything to terrify drivers. They’re already terrified by us – terrified that we will scratch their precious car, terrified that we will take their space, terrified that we might get in front of them… terrorists can only wish for that kind of influence!
Quote:
Dr Strangelove said it best:
“Shoot, A Fella’ Could Have A Pretty Good Weekend In Vegas With All That Stuff”
The Irish Senator couldn’t
The Irish Senator couldn’t help resorting to type though.
“… As bad as the worst driver.” FFS !!!
“My taking to the bicycle was to experience hazards for myself. I admit that on a bicycle cars can only be described as weapons of mass destruction. The road is for all of us so the cyclists who were 4 abreast on the Enidkerry road this morning are as bad as the worst driver”
https://twitter.com/GCraughwell/status/1196040925488832512
I don’t know about Ireland
I don’t know about Ireland KarlM77, but in the UK I think that 4 abreast cycling cannot be as bad as the worst driver, for me that’s Gary Hart, killed 10 on a train by bad driving. Anyone got anything worse?
This entire thread is
This entire thread is heartbreaking.
https://twitter.com/ormondroyd/status/910244326567006211