Calls for bike industry to lobby govt to avoid post-pandemic congestion crisis; Cops urge cyclists to wear high-vis; Road Worlds organisers pay £35k for Stray repair bill; Event companies could face court; Cav’s homemade turbo + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
You can now unlock CeramicSpeed pulley wheels on Zwift for some e-marginal gains
Everyone’s favourite watt-saving pulley wheels that cost as much as a bike in real life are now available as an upgrade to your avatar’s bike on Zwift, simply by enrolling and completing Zwift’s CeramicSpeed mission between 1st-31st May.
The CeramicSpeed OSPW will be fitted to all bikes in their garage for ‘increased efficiency’ whether competing in the challenge events or during free-riding, and those who have upgraded will actually get real-time savings when riding a MTB, TT or road ride… a permitted helping hand, if you will.
Zwifters will need to ride 40km on MTB, 80km on TT and 120km on a road bike to unlock the OSPW System, and completing the mission will also unlock some exclusive CeramicSpeed apparel. The brand are also giving away an OSPW system to two riders who complete the mission in the real world – more info here.
Mark Cavendish shows us how to make a DIY infant turbo trainer for a budding... Mark Cavendish
If you want a little training partner, knock up a trainer yourself in under an hour with some shed scraps
1. Cut 2 shelf brackets to size
2. Measure & drill some holes
3. Cut & nail some wood into an H shape
4. Fix brackets to bike with stabiliser bolts
5. Screw brackets to wood pic.twitter.com/u76Q5ifKYM— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) April 30, 2020
Cav took to social media yesterday to tell us that his two-year-old is already cycling-mad, and now he’s given us the instructions to make your own mini turbo if you’re raising a future world champion.
Martin Lewis Money Show: Director of Consumer Protection says that events companies not providing refunds could be taken to court
We had hundreds of you get in touch with us about cycling events not offering refunds for events that have now been cancelled due to coronavirus – and George Lusty – the Director of Consumer Protection from the Competition and Markets Authority – appeared on the Martin Lewis Money Show last night to say that under their regulations, consumers ‘should get a refund if no good or service has been provided.’
The Authority say they are prepared to take companies to court if they’re not providing refunds, and will be dealing with weddings and events, travel accommodation and nurseries first… with sportives such as the Vélo series – of which most of the emails we received were regarding – would presumably fall under the ‘events’ category.
Where companies are offering vouchers, Lewis recommended those who can afford to should take the option to protect struggling businesses; but Lusty stated that offer can’t be to the exclusion of a cash refund, saying: “If that’s what the customer wants it needs to be an option.
“We’re prepared to take businesses to court if we need to, but we’re hoping businesses will do the right thing.”
Lusty continued: “If a term of a contract is unfair and included terms such as ‘non-refundable’, then the term that is deemed unfair can’t override a consumer’s rights and it will be struck out, particularly if no services are provided.
“Even though we can’t follow up every case, we’re prepared to act.”
The subject of deferrals for entries wasn’t quite broached; however the Competition and Markets Authority’s stance makes it quite clear that offers of partial refunds and/or vouchers can be challenged in court.
If you’re finding a refund hard to come by going direct, Lewis recommends a ’chargeback’, where your bank asks the company’s bank for the refund instead.
Movistar reveal winners of their 'Design our jersey' competition... and it certainly stands out
Movistar will wear the psychedelic kit for their first post-lockdown outing on the UCI World Tour, after fans were asked to design their own jersey from a blank canvas before voting for thier favourite. This one – by Loris Gobbi – won with 587 votes from 3,069 in total, and after the riders have dazzled their competitors in them they will all be signed by every team member and auctioned off for charity.
It’s a good job the current world champion doesn’t ride for Movistar this year, as that would have been one hell of a clash…
More vehicles on British roads than ever, as numbers surpass 40 million for the first time
Of course this won’t be the case during lockdown, but before all this started if you felt like you were sharing the road with an increasing number of motorists you’d be correct… as Motorparc data has revealed that the number of vehicles registered for use on British roads is now over 40 million.
As of 2019 there are more than 35 million cars, 4.5 million vans and over 600,000 trucks in use in the UK, representing a 1% increase on the previous year. Of particular note is the 4.5 million vans, which is double what it was ten years ago; a number that wasn’t expected to be reached until 2021.
How to make use of all those spare bike tyres in your shed...
2019 Road World Championships organisers have agreed to pay £35k towards repair work for Harrogate's Stray
After guardians of The Stray say it was left with “atrocious damage” due to flooding in the 2019 Road World Championships’ Fan Zone, arguments have rumbled on over who will foot the bill; and now the organisers Yorkshire 2019 have agreed to pay £35,500 towards repair costs. This is on top of a £95,000 boost from the council for upgrades.
Yorkshire 2019 was set up by the government specifically for the event and is now being dissolved, and chairman Chris Piling said the organisation is glad to contribute to the costs of restoring The Stray, commenting: “328 million people all over the world saw the beauty of Harrogate and the amazing world class sport that happened here in the most challenging of Yorkshire weather conditions.
“The impact of the weather was beyond everyone’s expectations and as the company now formally closes, we are pleased to make a significant financial contribution to help the council restore the Stray for the benefit of the local community, and for the many visitors that research shows will be inspired to come to Harrogate for many years to come.”
Depsite the complaints, a council-commissioned study said the Worlds gave a £17.8m boost to the local economy; although the Harrogate Advertiser quotes a study from Ernst and Young that said this didn’t take into account losses by businesses that were affected by road closures and lower town centre footfall while the championships were taking place.
Could e-bikes be about to get even more eco-friendly? Researchers develop rechargeable graphene batteries
In partnership with Trinity College Dublin, Graphene Flagship claim to have produced rechargeable batteries and energy storage devices that are non-toxic because of their graphene construction – full story over on eBikeTips.
Another candidate for the best cycling lockdown video
After Craig Simmons spotted Shio Chuan Quek’s classy stop motion video on our live blog yesterday, he got in touch to make us aware of another instant classic created by his 13-year-old daughter. This one takes us through the action from ‘The Hell of Balwyn North’… like the Hell of the North, but an Australian suburb.
Craig told road.cc: “Using only what she could find around the house, she’s produced this stop motion film of her little sister’s Spring Classic Roubaix race adventure.
It took her 4 days of story boarding, prop making, rehearsals, filming and editing, getting the whole family involved.
“We’re really proud of her efforts to stick with this slow film making process, working through the problems and finding ways to get the effects she wanted.
“Special thanks go to Matt Keenan the voice of Australian cycling for adding his brilliant commentary to the video.”
A huge chapeau to Craig’s daughter for spreading some cheer to those who missed their Paris-Roubaix fix this year… oh and there’s more! Here are the podium presentations…
Driver who left cyclist with fractured elbow given five points because more could have made it 'difficult or impossible for him to secure work'
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Doncaster Free Press reports that 48-year-old John Copley failed to slow down as he drove his BMW down a narrow road in Thorpe, Doncaster on 24th September 2018, causing him to hit a cyclist which left the complainent with a fractured elbow.
The defence told Sheffield Crown Court that Copley accepted he was driving too close to the cyclist, but stated that six penalty points would make it difficult or impossible for him to work as a HGV driver – Copley is currently out of work as his company is experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic.
Judge Rachael Harrison obliged, fining Copley £120 and giving him five penalty points.
Scicon launches washable protective masks
Formely a bike storage brand, Scicon have turned their hand to sunglasses and apparel in recent years… and in response to the pandemic, they’ve switched up production again by launching a range of protective gear, starting with 150 euro protective goggle and mask sets last month.
The latest from the Italians are reusable unisex respirators, costing €49 for plain versions and €65 in special national flag editions. They come in packs of five, and are available now on the Scicon website.
Spektrum - a new 'sustainable performance eyewear brand', launches in the UK
The Swedes’ initial range consists of the Blankster, Kall, Anjan and Blank models, all designed to protect against the elements and made using “sustainably sourced materials from renewable, plant-based sources.”
The frames are made using a bio-based Grilamid material made from castor oil, said to be environmentally-friendly while also being light and flexible: “a reliable partner to face the great outdoors”, so say Spektrum.
The Kall and Anjan are priced at £85 and the Blankster and Blank shades (reminds us of that thing Terry Wogan and Les Dawson hosted typing that) are priced at £135 – find out more on the Spektrum website.
Beijing traffic levels not a promising sight for those who hope for change after lockdown
Bad news for those that believe a crisis is enough for systemic change. In Beijing car traffic is back to ‘normal’ and cyclists are switching their #Corona masks for their regular masks against PM2.5 air pollution.
Systemic change requires ACTION.
(pic by @tianyuf) pic.twitter.com/nHKrAv6oKm
— Cycling Professor (@fietsprofessor) May 1, 2020
As China emerges from lockdown, it’s reported that traffic levels have pretty much returned to normal in the capital. Do you think we see any of the small plus sides – namely less motor traffic and less pollution – continuing post-lockdown, or will we slip straight back to our old ways?
North Yorkshire Police urge cyclists to wear high-vis and stick to cycle paths in response to rising crashes
The state of this from North Yorkshire. Excessive, illegal driving speeds and the ask from the Police and Councils is for vulnerable road users to “share the road” and for cyclists to wear “protective visible clothing”. @AndyDAgorne @Mac1Donhttps://t.co/YjrMlGSnsk pic.twitter.com/1KRhy9fQi2
— Adam Tranter (@adamtranter) May 1, 2020
An article on Minster FM’s website is facing a social media backlash over advice issued by North Yorkshire Police following a rise in collisions involving cyclists since the lockdown.
The article states that incidents involving cyclists in the county have risen from 20% to 27% compared to 2019 figures for the same period; road.cc also recently reported that countrywide, cyclist fatalities have doubled since lockdown began on 23rd March.
While noting that the rise has coincided with an increase in excessive traffic speeds recorded by North Yorkshire Police, they have decided to urge ‘drivers and cyclists to share the road’.
The advice for cyclists includes minimising the time spent away from home and exercising once per day, and they suggest using cycle paths instead of roads of cycling with children. They also advise: “Make it easier for vehicles to pass you safely by filtering down to single file”.
Although it’s not a legal requirement, they also recommend wearing “protective clothing that makes you visible”, adding: “focus on your surroundings at all times and communicate with other road users with hand signals when turning.”
North Yorkshire Police Sergeant Kirsten Aldridge added: “We’ve seen a lot more cyclists using our roads recently, from young families and novices to experienced riders.
“The number of collisions involving cyclists has also sadly risen during this time.
“But if drivers and cyclists remember to share the road and stick to the rules this weekend, their risk of being involved in a serious crash can be significantly reduced.”
The comments haven’t been received too well by some on social media…
Drivers are hitting people on bikes more often, so they call it a “rise in cycling collisions”.
— Bob parker (@Bobpark19443563) May 1, 2020
Why are they ‘urging’ drivers to follow the law? Do they urge other criminals to not commit crimes or do they use stronger, more appropriate language? pic.twitter.com/0rtuf5kB28
— Pudsey Pedaller (@PudseyPedaller) May 1, 2020
Police in Scotland searching for 'raging' Land Rover driver who assaulted cyclist and drove off
The Daily Record report that police are ‘frantically’ searching for a driver who pulled over and launched a vicious asault on a cyclist he almost crashed into.
The man – described as between 45-55 with a heavy build and driving a silver Land Rover Discovery – only stopped the assault when the victim’s partner got involved at around 5.30pm last Saturday.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “If you have any information that could assist our investigation, in particular if you were driving on the A9 or A822 around that time and have dashcam footage, please call 101 or speak with any police officer.”
Bicycle Association calls on bike industry to lobby government and councils to avoid post-lockdown congestion crisis
The Bicycle Association – a trade industry body for the UK cycle industry that counts Giant, Specialized and Evans Cycles amongst its members – have created a template letter for its members to send to local authorities and MPs to act. This is in order to prevent car numbers from going up when people return to work, who could be weary of using public transport and might not feel safe enough to use often inadequate cycling infrastructure to commute on congested roads.
The BA said: “It looks like we’ll soon be moving to a new phase in the UK response to coronavirus. Before we do, there’s a short window of opportunity to set in place a step-change to more cycle-friendly towns and cities.
“Local authorities should be implementing ‘emergency infrastructure’ for cycling and walking: for safety against the virus – so we can social distance (cycling in particular will be a necessity to avoid crowding public transport); for safety on the road: so cyclists – particularly new and returning cyclists – feel that cycling is a safe option; and longer term for a cleaner, healthier ‘new normal’ transport environment.
“Numerous countries and cities worldwide are already moving fast on this, but in the UK very few local authorities have acted. The BA and other cycling organisations are urgently lobbying Government to show leadership and to encourage local authorities to implement such emergency infrastructure changes, but the official response so far is that this is primarily an issue for local authorities.”
It comes after Cycling UK created a tool for the public to ask councils for cycling space during the lockdown, while numerous authorities are now building ‘pop-up’ cycling infrastructure that many hope will lead to permanent changes post-lockdown. Last week, Leicester City Council created a ‘key worker corridor’ for people cycling to work at the East Midlands city’s royal infirmary, and Lambeth became the first council in England to publish an emergency transport plan.
1 May 2020, 08:35
Stiffer, more compliant and all that jazz.
Ribble’s Titanium CGR adventure bike gets a refresh with a claimed improvement in compliance and stiffness
Dropped seatstays for rear-end compliance and a beefed up headtube for more front-end stiffness are the claims
1 May 2020, 08:35
A spokesperson said the force had received complaints of people cycling quickly or in a dangerous manner.
Police increase patrols on Swansea prom due to rising number of cyclists
Pedestrians and cyclists head to seafront for daily exercise
1 May 2020, 08:35
Our news editor Simon explains how he managed to crack riding every day in April for the first time, in very strange circumstances of course...
How lockdown helped me (and the dog) finally crack 30 Days of Biking
In these strangest of times, getting out for a daily ride has been a welcome escape and chance to reflect
1 May 2020, 08:35
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Latest Comments
Not to downplay the seriousness of bikejacking, but Mr.Taylor might want to consider that fact that many riders have been put off using the park at weekends due to the aggressive, intimidatory behaviour of members of his own club, who are notorious for riding as if the park is a private training facility just for themselves, and that's a pretty sad state of affairs as well.
In Wiggle/CR's absence, what are people using nowadays? I've been out of it for a while, but now returned.
I did a multi-day ride many years ago with someone who was a better cyclist than me by every conceivable measure but this one. I remember watching them up ahead on a quiet road trying to teach themselves - snatching brief seconds with their hands off the bars before losing balance and grabbing on again. 'Watch this' I said to the rest of my group, before I accelerated to catch them, then nonchalantly sailed past them uphill riding no hands. Very satisfying. I've been able to ride most of mine hands-free, but had a Specialized Allez that really didn't cooperate. Haven't been brave enough to try it on a Brompton or cargo bike though. And still can't do a wheelie, or any of the other things on Jo's palmares.
@Hamster now that is an exciting development. I do remove/amend signs but reporting them for flyposting is much more satisfying.
@Slartibartfast If the sign-maker can be caught in the act then the council Environmental Health can get a report for littering/fly-tipping. Hours of endless fun for that person trying to explain away a conviction. Don't report unless you're prepared to go to court though. Or remove the litter and put in the nearest bin with a sticker explaining how littering is a crime.
What would make driving safer for motorists is if they stopped driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and driving faster than the speed limit.
Some good ideas there. One point tho. Whilst I love those Wera Allen keys for steel bolt heads, they can be risky on alloy socket screws. Not ideal, IMO, for Rochshox fork axles as they eat into the alloy and lock into the socket. Play soon results. The hex+ system seems to be based on an inside out adaptation of the Snap On “Flank Drive” spanner or socket - and that’s a great idea, but sadly the design seems to overstress alloy socket head screws. Could it be that the profiled section on the end of the tool doesn’t have enough penetration on a fork axle? Maybe. All I can say is my axles last a lot longer using a regular Allen hex key. (Ideally on a torque wrench I guess). Ooh and ChrisA is right - a “Vernier Caliper” relies an a sliding scale more like a slide tile. Digital is way easier, but battery dependent.
@Rendel Harris - ginger ale can be alcoholic when it's traditionally brewed. Not nearly as strong as mead, though.
@tomlew Don't disagree. That makes me at a system weight of 85kg more dangerous at 20mph than a 100kg rider on a 20kg eapc at 15.5mph! Except that I'm in control and only do that sort of speed on the road, not shared used paths etc
@Smoggysteve - I got a similar one from AliExpress advertised as a Xiaomi brand (I have my doubts) for under £30. It's great for drying my bike chain and also getting rid of coffee bean chaff from my roaster.
38 thoughts on “Calls for bike industry to lobby govt to avoid post-pandemic congestion crisis; Cops urge cyclists to wear high-vis; Road Worlds organisers pay £35k for Stray repair bill; Event companies could face court; Cav’s homemade turbo + more on the live blog”
I quite like the Movistar
I quite like the Movistar jersey, but it would be much improved if they got rid of the big white squiggle.
mdavidford wrote:
I think that the Movistar jersey is great too, but it would be hard to justify without the sponsor’s logo! Maybe the designer should pitch for a logo redesign for Movistar –
nniff wrote:
I think I wore a t-shirt that looked a bit like that, back in 1992 or thereabouts…
brooksby wrote:
I think I wore a t-shirt that looked a bit like that, back in 1992 or thereabouts…
[/quote]
I think I wore a t-shirt that looked a bit like that, back in 1972 or thereabouts…
Plus ca change.
(If you see me wearing one in 2022, please, have a word.)
Given some of the other
Given some of the other corporate branding visible on Pro Peloton jerseys the “big white squiggle” is positively stylish.
As public funds are being
As public funds are being used to repair the stray, are the Guardians going to put in drainage to stop it becomming a green soggy mess like it has been on every (non cycling) visit I’ve made to Harrogate.
The Stray is one of those
The Stray is one of those almost mythological places – fiercly guarded by a protective pack of NIMBYs who write letters to the council on a weekly basis and are determined that nary a blade of grass shall be disturbed there without their express permission.
The whole lot needs substantial drainage putting in, a lot of it needs replanting (which would also help with the drainage) and you could easily put in some wildflower meadows, leave some sections uncut for a year. But no, it must be left as an open green desert. It’s not a wildlife haven or anything, it’s just a massive load of grass. Could be so much more.
You forget to mention sir,
You forget to mention sir, the world class display of daffodils that stretches for acre after acre in the spring.
crazy-legs wrote:
And from what I’ve seen a massive dog toilet that some locals don’t respect, last time I was there, I cleaned up after my dog but a snooty local couldn’t be bothered even though I offered her a poo bag.
…snooty…local…Harrogate
…snooty?…local?…Harrogate…???
The council have recently
The council have recently announced their plans for restoration of the Stray (or to be more precise the West Park Stray which is the affected area). These include “£20,156 to fix long-standing drainage issues”.
The Harrogate Borough Council website also states:
“We are also taking the opportunity to address the historical drainage issues at the corner of Otley Road and West Park. This will involve a ground survey of the area to establish what infrastructure is underneath. Once identified, appropriate drainage systems will be installed mid-May and will coincide with the overall restoration project.”
And,
“Hosting the UCI road world championships was a major honour for our district and the exposure to a global audience will have long term benefits.
The event organisers spent £100,000 laying down 13,000 square metres of protective matting to minimise damage to the site. In usual circumstances this would be more than enough to prevent major damage. As it was, the protective matting was no match for the relentless rain we experienced during the nine days of the championships. It was one of the wettest autumn since the 1970s. Extra protective measures – such as straw – also proved to be ineffective as the rain continue to lash down.”
A slightly different perspective to that of the Stray Defence Associattion.
As a point of interest I pass the West Park Stray most days and with the recent spell of dry weather guess what? It’s looking much better all by itself, as everyone who knows that part of the Stray and who doesn’t hate cyclists was saying all along.
The defence told Sheffield
The defence told Sheffield Crown Court that Copley accepted he was driving too close to the cyclist, but stated that six penalty points would make it difficult or impossible for him to work as a HGV driver
Surely if he’s not safe driving a car he souldn’t be driving a HGV ?????
ChasP wrote:
The local Traffic Commissioners have a significant level of control over HGV drivers and might be interested in this guy’s latest offence. They may, and indeed they do, remove licences from certain types of offender.
Quote:
What does that mean? Make sure you wear plate armour or kevlar painted yellow?
A fluorescent vest isn’t protective clothing, and many helmets aren’t fluorescent.
Some of the police stab vests
Some of the police stab vests are in Hi Viz.
If we were all to wear them it would reduce knife crime danger too.
and where is HP ?
and where is HP ?
I have also been wondering,
I have also been wondering, what with 2 TV adverts now featuring dancing squirrels.
Struggling to think of
Struggling to think of anything other than a bad reason.
Oh cr@p I hope not!
Oh cr@p I hope not!
hirsute wrote:
Sorry – since being furloughed I’ve strangely been finding lots of upskilling to be doing so haven’t spent so much time around here.
hawkinspeter wrote:
and where is HP ?
— hawkinspeter Sorry – since being furloughed I’ve strangely been finding lots of upskilling to be doing so haven’t spent so much time around here.— hirsute
Phew! Glad you’re OK (sorry – I think we all get genuinely concerned if someone drops off the radar at present).
Have you screen grabbed the dancing squirrel off the new Lynx ad, yet?
brooksby wrote:
Haven’t seen that ad, but is it this?
hawkinspeter wrote:
Have you screen grabbed the dancing squirrel off the new Lynx ad, yet?
— hawkinspeter Haven’t seen that ad, but is it this?
— brooksby
That’s the chap!
Phew! I was worried you had
Phew! I was worried you had been taken captive by the residents of Pill !
hirsute wrote:
I went through there a couple of weeks ago but didn’t see anything unusual – I wasn’t using the tow-path though. (I did have a scare as I almost lost my rear wheel turning into a side road as it was a bit gravelly).
I’ve been letting the wind direction choose my rides recently. Look at the weather and head into the wind towards some hills (easy enough around Bristol).
Quote:
OTOH “knocking down a cyclist and sent them to hospital” isn’t something he’d really want on his CV either, is it?
Don’t want the points because it might impact on your job-seeking? Then drive more f-ing carefully!
Grr.
North Yorkshire Police in
North Yorkshire Police in ‘having a shit attitude towards cyclists’ shocker. Anyone who’s ever had the misfortune of meeting one of their drivers on the open road will not be surprised that they don’t have a good grasp on what keeps cyclists safe.
North Yorkshire Police
North Yorkshire Police
They also advise: “Make it easier for vehicles to pass you safely by filtering down to single file”.
And these police officers are giving out safety (sic) advice.
Maybe Mr HGV driver should
Maybe Mr HGV driver should have thought of the consequences before driving like a bell end. Wonder how long the cyclist was out of work for and will their arm be 100% after its healed? But let’s look after the idiot driver
He had also managed to rack
He had also managed to rack up 6 points from previous awful driving.
Barraob1 wrote:
Not only showing absolute disregard for the life and limb of other people, he didn’t care about not being able to do his job either. Great to know that the job prospects of an unemployed dangerous driver are worth more than the life of a cyclist.
What is it with these Police
What is it with these Police forces?
Warwickshire have some sensible stuff
Assuming a position towards the centre of the lane where possible maximises the rider’s line of vision and means that other road users have a clear view of you.
Ensure that your bicycle is roadworthy. If it has been unused for a while, ensure that the mechanisms such as brakes and gears are working and that tyres are pumped up before starting any ride. Brake failure can cause a serious collision. Follow this link for a short video clip from Cycling UK showing you how to do the M check on your bike. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94RqKKbG2GQ
Then they throw in
If you’re riding with your family, help motorists overtake you with the safe distance of 1.5 metres by filtering down to single file.
Here’s an idea, if you are driving and encounter a family cycling, slow down to make a safe pass (bearing in mind 1.5m is for 30mph ) ; wait if necessary: a few seconds on your journey time is immaterial.
hirsute wrote:
Albeit just because they have a clear view of you doesnt mean they’ll behave anymore sensibly about it,like the muppet on the motorbike who nearly took my back wheel out as he tried to overtake me in the lane I was in on a roundabout (yes the roads are back to normal unfortunately) and if some lumbering idiot on a motorised set of two wheels doesnt get why we ride central in the lane in those cases,what chance do the 4 wheel motons have.
For me that comes back to if there are more cyclists on the roads,the police should be passing advice to other road users about how to drive safely,not the other way around
no, its EASIER to pass
no, its EASIER to pass cyclists when we arent riding single file. Less time on the other side of the road means less chance of hitting oncoming traffic. Riding single file just encourages bad overtakes, mis judged timings, when you then get pushed to the side by the idiot trying to overtake who then realises their mistake too late.
“accepted he was driving too
“accepted he was driving too close to the cyclist, but stated that six penalty points would make it difficult or impossible for him to work as a HGV driver”
But that is the reason for giving penalty points! On their own they are just a sticker chart. If the measure by which they are awarded is that they shall have no impact on the driver then they are useless.
what would he have been like
what would he have been like if the man had been in his lorry
Surely that driver has
Surely that driver has provided strong evidence why he really shouldn’t be working as an HGV driver. Imagine how much worse it would have been with 40 tonnes of HGV rather than 2 tonnes of BMW.
https://www.citylab.com
https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2020/04/paris-cars-air-pollution-health-public-transit-bike-lanes/610861/