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 5 minutes ago
@slc I went to have a look last time I visited and I can only concur. It was a hellscape of parked cars * with the deadening silence of the ghost town only broken by the chirping of birds, chatter of people out in the streets, the occasional ringing of a bell and the wailing and gnashing of teeth from a couple of houses with all the "stop the ELBN" signs. Doubtless the worst fears of the fire brigade and the disabled woman with that minibus have come true. I can only assume the local Greens are running a "bulldoze an A-road through for social justice" campaign! * Actually I did really notice those, packed together filling up most of the space, same as before I guess...
slc 36 minutes ago
@chrisonabike Here in Bristol the EBLN has created a ghetto, where wealthy pedestrians, bus passengers, and of course cyclists in tafetta gowns travel through only to mock the honest residents, who are forced to take great detours, queuing in traffic created by the council, to the shop next door. That is why local Labour are so keen to repent of their decision to create it. Nothing to do with the greens having since won the EBLN wards to become the largest party on the council.
ROOTminus1 8 hours ago
Ferguson's rant about the definition of culture makes him sound like he has the type of sociopathic traits endemic to top level management of any sport or business. At least Brailsford could back up being a questionable human with sporting success. I can't tell if it's honest naivety or willful delusion, but there is clearly a history of poor communication, so either there was legacy he needed to address, or more likely given the lack of evidence of any corrective actions, the toxic culture still persists. "The beatings will continue untill morale improves"
ROOTminus1 9 hours ago
New research provides yet more evidence that water is wet. A separate new study providing meta analysis of the prior water-is-wet studies indicates that a disturbingly large demographic is *still* surprised by the findings of the water-is-wet studies, and are suffering significant cognitive dissonance.
wtjs 10 hours ago
@the little onion It hardly matters. Trump, Farage etc. show that where their anti-cyclist, anti-active travel, anti-LTN, anti-climate change, anti-immigrant, anti- traffic law, pro-drive and park everywhere at all times nutters are concerned, the criminality of their heroes is of no concern.
the little onion 11 hours ago
Is that convicted corrupt criminal Luftar Rahman?
chrisonabike 12 hours ago
Once people have got used to living with less motor vehicle traffic (and maybe even fewer parked vehicles) ... it's always found they don't want to go back. BUT how does the chicken/egg problem get solved? Interesting line here: "Change" is easiest when it's really spelling out what's already happening. This made me think of Amsterdam and their recent trial of putting a modal filter on a fairly major road. Of course that was probably only possible because this is Amsterdam - where public transport is great and cycling is mainstream AND the city voted in favour of removing on-street parking spaces! While the people on the road were really in favour, traffic went up on other streets (not by as much but still up). And those people were outraged, because they'd got used to low traffic, and didn't want it back. ... so at the end of the trial they *partially* rolled this back (there may be some road narrowing instead - but the idea was "not ready yet").
chrisonabike 12 hours ago
No doubt incoming - something like: Not *our* proposed local traffic neighbourhood, it doesn't! Works everywhere else but for some reason it would be utter idiocy to do it *here*, would never work because (unique local reasons) and besides not a single person wants it, they just want better roads... Continuing with all the favourite arguments, most addressed above, up to and including "deep state conspiracy".
mpdouglas 13 hours ago
I have the 300 and it’s a good light. Unfortunately I’m on my second one. I bought the genuine saddle mount bracket for Bontrager/Trek saddles (I hate rubber strap mounts) and the road vibration of the daily commute made it snap after about 3 months. A clean break with no warning and I lost the light to the gutter/passing cars. This time, I’ve made a safety tether from a short length of wire and ring terminals so that it at least stays attached to the bike when it happens again.
belugabob 14 hours ago
@mdavidford You'll need a strong arm to carry that lance...
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