“Victim-blaming” police advise cyclists – but not drivers – to “pay attention to road signs and red lights”; “So sick of drivers telling me where I should and shouldn’t be”; “No News November”: Movistar quash Cavendish rumour + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
“It’s No News November”: Movistar quash Cavendish rumour
There have been so many twists and turns in the ‘Where will Mark Cavendish end up in 2023?’ story that, frankly, it’s hard to keep up.
First, we had the Manx Missile’s controversial omission from Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl’s Tour de France squad in July, ending all hopes of that historic stage win number 35 (for this year, at least), followed by Patrick Lefevere’s confirmation that Cavendish would no longer be “part of our project” after the end of this season.
With Cav’s exit from Quick-Step confirmed, the rumour mill has been swirling wildly since July: first, there were the – albeit tentative – rumours of a move to EF Education-EasyPost, after the 37-year-old attended a Rapha (EF’s clothing sponsors) event in London.
Cav visits Rapha in July (Simon MacMichael)
French minnows B&B Hotels-KTM (who appear to be on the cusp of a major funding boost) then took the lead in the race for Cavendish’s signature, with team boss Jérôme Pineau’s hopes of securing a deal – a “50/50” prospect in August – appearing to rise steadily throughout the autumn, with many expecting the sprinter to be announced as the squad’s marquee signing at a grand unveiling in Paris last Wednesday.
However, that big reveal was called off at the last minute, as Pineau reportedly struggles to secure the required funds, amidst uncertainty over the arrival of new, heavyweight sponsors.
Cavendish, meanwhile, has remained tight-lipped on the matter, telling Cyclingnews at the Tour de France Criterium in Singapore on Sunday: “When I know, then you’ll hear it”.
So, just when you thought things couldn’t get any more convoluted, in walks Movistar, everyone’s favourite chaotic Netflix stars and the unlikeliest of bedfellows for a thoroughbred sprinter like Cavendish.
Movistar riders at the Tour of Britain (SWpix.com)
But according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spanish band of climbers have emerged as a backup option if Pineau’s Parisian adventure falls through. The venerable Italian sports paper has claimed today that Movistar DS (and former GB rider) Max Sciandri is interested in securing his friend’s signature and aiming for No. 35 at the Tour next July.
A lead out train – consisting of Alex Aranburu, Imanol Erviti and Ivan Garcia Cortina – has even been touted, with Cav apparently set to share sprinting duties with old teammate and new Movistar signing Fernando Gaviria.
Gaviria sprints against Cavendish at the 2022 Tour of Oman (ASO/Pauline Ballet)
But…
Just as we were all getting excited about the prospect of watching the volatile Cavendish and the squad’s impassive GC leader Enric Mas interact on the team bus on Netflix next year, the Spanish team took to Twitter itself to quickly quash any rumours concerning what surely would have been the shock signing of the winter:
Let’s put these rumours to sleep quickly and remind people what the WT rules are (we’re at 30 for 2023) – but it’s No News November after all, we need to come up with something? 😅😛 pic.twitter.com/oRTbV2rw8E
— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) November 1, 2022
“Can we please, kindly remind everyone that we’re at 30 riders on our men’s team for 2023 (the UCI maximum) and this is just the desire of Max, who has been close friends with Cav for a long time,” the team’s social media manager wrote, in between fits of laughter I presume, this morning.
And in any case, Movistar tells us, if they could have an extra man in their squad, it would of course be the now-retired Alejandro Valverde:
We’ve already got plenty of (namely Iván Romeo and Vinícius Rangel), and that’s why we’re at 30 – might as well have tried that formula to get Bala out of retirement, but the UCI won’t allow us, either!
— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) November 1, 2022
We understand it’s a low month when it comes to news in cycling, but come on, some things are too much!
— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) November 1, 2022
Well, they don’t call it the silly season for nothing…
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot to make Ineos debut at Koppenbergcross
🌈🌈🌈🌈@FERRANDPREVOT‘s first day as a Grenadier. You love to see it! 👊 pic.twitter.com/C5GnIZMnlm
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) November 1, 2022
French off-road star Pauline Ferrand-Prévot – who has, you know, just the four world titles to her name in 2022 – is set to make her debut as the Ineos Grenadiers’ first ever female rider this afternoon, at the always-fun Koppenbergcross:
A new adventure starts… TOMORROW! 🤩
Pauline @FERRANDPREVOT will make her INEOS Grenadiers debut as she returns to cyclo-cross on Tuesday at #Koppenbergcross 🙌 pic.twitter.com/3BtupWE0vR
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) October 31, 2022
PFP has missed the last two ‘cross seasons to focus on mountain biking, so today’s hit-out on and around the famous Koppenberg – a Tour of Flanders favourite (granted, not for Jesper Skibby) – could provide an interesting, if somewhat early, indicator of her form in the fields of northern Europe as she aims towards a second career world cyclocross title in February.
“So sick of car drivers telling me where I should and shouldn’t be,” says Ned Boulting after run-in with taxi driver
ITV commentator Ned Boulting here, currently touring the UK with his one-man show, pointing out one of many inherent flaws in the ‘cyclists should ride in the cycle lane’ argument favoured by some motorists:
Just got told by a taxi driver (using his horn and gesticulating wildly) that I should be in the cycle lane – the new one in Deptford. I would’ve been. Except I was about to turn off the main road. So sick of car drivers telling me where I should and shouldn’t be. It’s enraging.
— Ned Boulting (@nedboulting) October 31, 2022
It’s verbal assault, from behind the wheel of a machine that could be steered into you (they have, in the past, been steered into me to make a point). It is a deeply, deeply unpleasant to experience.
— Ned Boulting (@nedboulting) October 31, 2022
The duck is down, I repeat, the duck is down
As I noted earlier, the Koppenbergcross takes place this afternoon, providing cycling fans with both a preview of the winter of mud-spattered ‘cross goodness to come, as well as an early dose of the insanely steep, cobbled delights awaiting us in the spring…
The Koppenbergcross also marks the first round of the X2O Badkamers Trophy, the eight-race-long competition known primarily for its love of giant, inflatable rubber ducks:
Cyclo cross is officially the most ridiculous sport in the world and I loves it.
Also Wout is just insanely good at it so his massive duck collection must be growing. pic.twitter.com/mGHdD3Erzq
— Richard (@richkbristol) December 30, 2021
Unfortunately, this morning the strong Flandrien winds of November have incapacitated one of cyclocross’s defining features (along with the chips and beer, obviously), prompting many – okay, one hardcore fan to argue that we should just call the whole thing off…
It’s too windy for the DUCK #Koppenbergcross pic.twitter.com/eZxEz7tuHH
— José Been (@Jose_Been) November 1, 2022
They should postpone it. It’s meaningless without the duck.
— Henk (@Henk_FCSP) November 1, 2022
Rise duck ! Rise!!! pic.twitter.com/odC0w2MYJS
— Tom Ink (@TDelencre) November 1, 2022
And who says cyclocross is cycling’s “silliest discipline”?
Agony, ecstasy, and a rainbow at the National Hill Climb Championships
As Andrew Feather and Illi Gardner stormed to victory at the National Hill Climb Championships on Sunday, atop North Wales’ fearsome Old Shoe, Rod MacFadyen was once again on hand to capture all the grit, determination and beauty of hill climbing in the UK (and its fervent roadside support):
It almost makes me want to get back into hill climbing. Almost…
Marginal ‘cross losses for Ineos
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s much-anticipated first race in Ineos colours isn’t quite going to plan, as an unfortunate opening lap mechanical (due to a jammed chain) has left her a long way behind the dominant Fem van Empel:
Argh total nightmare for PFP in her first CX of the season, and first race for Ineos. Mechanical issues on lap 1. Tough times, but will be a good test for her to see how much ground she can gain back #Koppenbergcross
— Katy M (@writebikerepeat) November 1, 2022
However, it was the questionable response of PFP’s new Ineos-branded pit crew as she rushed to change bikes that has raised a few eyebrows online:
Well, something is up with Pauline’s pit crew. She clearly had problems but the mechanics didn’t walk towards her, and then the bike was given to her on the wrong side. That’s just incompetence. #Koppenbergcross #X2OBadkamersTrofee https://t.co/6kAq8gyJ5x
— Jens Dekker (@jens_dekker) November 1, 2022
Not saying these people are necessarily bad mechanics, but the fact that at least one of them apparently knows so little about cyclocross that he gave the bike from the wrong side is not a great sign
— Jens Dekker (@jens_dekker) November 1, 2022
Considering her new team has the current men’s world champ, it’s a shame they couldn’t do that better.
— Micheal Boedigheimer (@landsoftly) November 1, 2022
Mechanical #2 for PFP and Cobblestone Ducks
Amazing to see @FERRANDPREVOT racing in our colours today.#Koppenbergcross proved to be a tough race with some mechanical issues but Pauline never gave up. True grit and determination on display.
Next stop: European Champs 👊🇫🇷🔜 pic.twitter.com/zTAsT2VEEM
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) November 1, 2022
Oh dear, it really hasn’t been a great first outing for Pauline Ferrand-Prévot as an Ineos-backed rider – or for her new Pinarello Crossista F – at the Koppenbergcross today.
Despite picking her way through the field after that unlucky first lap mechanical and bike change, the French rider’s final lap was then derailed (excuse the pun) by yet more gearing issues.
Pauline Ferrand Prévôt finit à pied dans le #Koppenberg… ” être à pied” fait partie du dico du vélo, qui signifie être crâmé, cuit. pic.twitter.com/OuEjfa51dA
— 🅰ntoine VAYER 📸🖋️ (@festinaboy) November 1, 2022
Those pesky jammed gears (where’s Bauke Mollema when you need him?) forced the gravel world champion to run up the final ascent of the Koppenberg, her troublesome bike slung over her shoulder – which, in cleats, is a feat in itself to be fair…
There were no such issues, however, for the imperious Fem van Empel.
Another race, another win for Fem van Empel who had no equal today
Genuinely very hyped about what she might do on the road going forward too – should be on every 2023 future breakout riders list#X2OBadkamersTrofee #Koppenbergcross pic.twitter.com/A5mwm97OO2
— Mathew Mitchell (@MatMitchell30) November 1, 2022
The prodigious 20-year-old Dutchwoman, who is set to join Jumbo-Visma for 2023, has been in scintillating form so far this ‘cross season, winning each of the four UCI World Cup events so far, and she stormed around the Koppenberg course to secure yet another resounding victory.
And what was Van Empel’s prize for such a dominant display?
An inflatable cobbled duck.
A COBBLED DUCK?! 😍 This is next level stuff from the X2O Trophy #Koppenbergcross #X2OBadkamersTrofee pic.twitter.com/SkcqlodALj
— Katy M (@writebikerepeat) November 1, 2022
A. COBBLED. DUCK.
Ladies and gentlemen, I believe cycling may have peaked.
But then you get a hug from this thing pic.twitter.com/NPc3Bel8me
— José Been (@Jose_Been) November 1, 2022
Squints at screen… “Nope, still no Cavendish”
Nuestros 45; vuestros 45. #RodamosJuntos
📙 https://t.co/wqUjQYH6mD (PDF) #MovistarTeam2023 pic.twitter.com/P46hm6RxTt
— Movistar Team (@Movistar_Team) November 1, 2022
From Belgian fields to Belgian trains
Great to see Belgium going beyond minimum standards to make combined bike-train trips an easier and more attractive choice for more people! 🇧🇪👏 https://t.co/LqpHh3IEQH
— Galway Cycling Campaign (@GalwayCycling) October 29, 2022
According to a law passed by the Belgian parliament last week, all new trains in the country from 2025 will be equipped with a minimum of eight designated spaces for bikes, while refurbished trains will be required to have four bike spaces (from April 2021, all EU member states are obliged to include four places for cycle storage on all new or upgraded trains).
The new law forms part of the National Railway Company of Belgium’s train-bike strategy, which aims to increase the overall capacity for bikes on trains, provide more secure bicycle parking, and ensure clearer signage and information for travellers.
It’ll also make it a whole lot easier to take your bike to the cyclocross, which is what this is all about really…
Wat een finish! Lars van der Haar overcomes late crash to sprint to dramatic Koppenbergcross win
Today’s cyclocross drama at the prestigious Koppenbergcross certainly didn’t end with the women’s race and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s woes.
Wat een finish! Na een knappe remonte is het Van der Haar die de Koppenbergcross wint, voor Iserbyt en Vanthourenhout 🔥🏆#X2OBadkamersTrofee #koppenbergcross #veldrijden #cyclocross @larsvanderhaar @IserbytEli @vth_michael pic.twitter.com/4iFc61GZjO
— X²O Badkamers Trofee (@X2OTrofee) November 1, 2022
In an absolute corker of a men’s race, European champion Lars van der Haar tore up the final ascent of the Koppenberg to see off the Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal pairing of Michael Vanthourenhout and reigning three-time champion Eli Iserbyt.
At the very end of what was a feisty and sometimes volatile race (let’s just say that I’ve seen less bullying in 1990s school-based sitcoms), Van der Haar’s blistering turn of speed on the steep cobbled climb, a mainstay of the Tour of Flanders, completely blew away the Vanthourenhout-Iserbyt double act, and even came after the Baloise-Trek Lions rider crashed during the final lap, allowing Vanthourenhout to slip away for what looked like a nailed-on victory.
However, the last time up the Koppenberg proved one too many for Vanthourenhout, who could only watch as Van der Haar flew past in the closing metres, while teammate Iserbyt – the recent king of the Koppenberg – could muster very little by way of response.
European champ Van der Haar’s impressive win – his third and biggest of the season so far – also marks the first Dutch victory at the prestigious Flemish race since Mathieu van der Poel took the victory in 2017. No pressure then, Lars.
‘We’ll have our Park Anywhere lights on, so it’ll be fine’: Leith Walk strikes again
Edinburgh’s Leith Walk appears to be the gift that keeps on giving at the moment – if by gift, you mean example after example of questionable driving, that is.
Following yesterday’s close encounter with a bike lane-mounting lorry driver, a delivery van was spotted this afternoon taking up the whole of the new bike lane and a decent chunk of the footpath:
“What we’ll do is drive into a closed road behind the cones and reverse onto the pavement, blocking what is left of it with all the crap we unload BUT we’ll have our Park Anywhere Lights on so it’ll be fine.” @AnyVan @yplac_ed pic.twitter.com/YHnp0Ok1dS
— Dougal Stanton (@dougalstanton) November 1, 2022
Just in time for Police Scotland’s latest road safety advice…
Best bike lights 2022: find the best bike lights for your #cycling, front and rear… https://t.co/JCIDhrayij pic.twitter.com/5HEjVd4I0p
— road.cc (@roadcc) November 1, 2022
Police Scotland’s winter road safety advice reaction: It’s a jungle out there…
While it’s all kicking off in the comments section about red lights (top tip: don’t get involved), the aptly named road.cc reader Safety has had their say on Police Scotland’s latest campaign to “keep Scotland’s roads safe”:
Let’s not be surprised by the latest approach by Polis Scotland. This is the same force who have not just been slow in introducing a portal for accepting videos but at every turn have filibustered and actively delayed its introduction.
Meanwhile, over on Twitter:
Hopefully @PoliceScotland have taken in the many many valid points presented by people on twitter. Start putting on the onus on those that can do more harm, motorists and not cyclists.
— Broichan (@MikeCassie) November 1, 2022
It would be more honest to just say
“it’s a jungle out there, we can only do a bare minimum of road policing and there are a significant number of drivers who are too self-absorbed to care for your safety, so cycle (and walk) defensively. Sorry”
— kinley faescotland (@Spurtle284) November 1, 2022
And finally, the inevitable, thoughtful counterpoint:
Cyclists are self absorbed leftists that cannot be criticized. They are right all the time about everything, just ask them.
— Dash Cinnamon (@Dustin_crops) November 1, 2022
Ach, that ‘z’ in ‘criticized’ irks me. I can accept being called a self-absorbed leftist. But a self-absorbed American leftist? That’s where I draw the line…
Police Scotland accused of “victim blaming” after advising cyclists – but not drivers – to “pay attention to road signs, markings and particularly red lights”
More of the same old crap.
If you walk, cycle or wheel. Just live your life.
If you drive, you are in charge of a potential killing machine so always take responsibility for your and others safety, drive to conditions, follow all signage and instructions and drive safely https://t.co/nNePdzppsz— thebonnieloon 💙 (@thebonnieloon) October 31, 2022
It’s been a while (alright, two months) since the live blog last featured accusations of “victim blaming” aimed at a local police force.
But as Police Scotland launches its ‘Get Ready for Winter’ campaign, by issuing road safety advice to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists with the reminder that “we all have a responsibility to keep Scotland’s roads safe during the winter months”, some cyclists online noted one particular piece of guidance that appears to be solely directed at those on two wheels:
“Pay attention to road signs, markings and particularly red lights” is curiously only shown as advice to cyclists.
Why is that?
— Drew White (@drewsnx) October 31, 2022
Why are you telling cyclists, but not drivers, to pay attention to road signs and markings?
Why are you telling cyclists, but not drivers, to keep off pavements?— Andrew Craig (@GoodClearTweets) October 31, 2022
Usual victim blaming and bigoted nonsense that we regularly see from certain Police Services unfortunately.
— ChrisC (@ChrisC_CFC) October 31, 2022
You can imagine the scene when this advice was being put together in Police Scotland HQ: ‘Now, remember to emphasise the red lights, lad. “Particularly red lights”, that’ll make our intent clear…’
Other Twitter users weren’t too pleased that pedestrians and cyclists were also being encouraged to “dress for the weather” – not by wrapping up warm, but by wearing “reflective or bright-coloured clothing”, on top of having front and rear lights (for the cyclists that is, not pedestrians. Though I wouldn’t be surprised…).
Welcome to victim blaming 101 courtesy of one of our constabularies. Why are drivers not being given same advice? pic.twitter.com/iIRQ38uO2j
— 🚴🏻♂️Ralpha (aka Phil)🚴🏻♂️ (@2wheelsnot4) October 31, 2022
If I have lights on my bike, why do I also need bright/reflective clothing? Would you give this advice to operators of dark coloured vehicles? Try harder not to be victim blamers, please.
— Kenny Munro (@kennymunro) October 31, 2022
While some were confused and bewildered as to why helpful tips such as “Cars can take twice as long to stop in wet weather” were included in the ‘Advice for Cyclists’ section:
Why is “cars can take twice as long to stop” advice for cyclists? Cyclists ride bikes, it’s motorists who are supposed to be in control of their cars… just thought I’d point that error out to you…. I’ll let others point out the rest of the errors. pic.twitter.com/rPWpTVTGrb
— OneAdultSwim (@OneAdultSwim1) October 31, 2022
Tell pedestrians about the stopping distance of cars on icy roads✅
Tell cyclists about the stopping distance of cars on wet roads ✅
Tell drivers to fit winter tyres ❌— Richard Gracie (@richmtb77) October 31, 2022
Both pedestrians and cyclists are told to be aware of other road users, but drivers aren’t? Read these comments and adjust your advice accordingly please.
— Ashleigh Phillip (@ashholloway) November 1, 2022
“Vehicles can take up to ten times longer to stop on slippery road surfaces so take extra care crossing the road”
You spelled “take extra care when driving” wrong
— David S (@Pionir) November 1, 2022
Thankfully, Andy was on hand to pithily sum up what everyone was thinking:
Please stop with the victim blaming, and start telling drivers to drive responsibly.
— Andy (A2002980) #FETCHFAM (@DrVxD) October 31, 2022
1 November 2022, 09:56
1 November 2022, 09:56
1 November 2022, 09:56
1 November 2022, 09:56
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Latest Comments
Not even a passing comment for John Tomac?
@Jakrayan God knows. On the country roads here (Kent) people are usually good at not close passing me but the consistently overtake me on blind corners etc. Oncoming cars on very narrow roads its 50:50 as to whether they will slow down at all despite passing me within 50cm. Once I get back into civilisation its a different story. Bad driving becomes the norm.
You could bé right. I live in a French Pyrenean départment with plenty of narrow, tight roads. About 80% of drivers either pull over to thé max or wait for a better space to overtake. Mind you, there's always thé odd one looking at their phone...
For a while I've thought this was an unfortunate brand name. Several times I've seen cyclists riding towards me wearing Le Col jerseys with their right arm covering the L so it looks like they are advertising e.Coli.
A driver in a BMW not looking properly at a junction? Who'd have thunk it?
@bennysnnock Which is why training for a driver's licence should include cycle training, of course.
As someone who previously worked in the custom cycle clothing industry, I have to admit this news did make me smile. I'm sure the brand will rise like a phoenix from the flames, but just the idea that they've gone pop has lifted my mood. Fair play to Yanto though, I'm sure the brand has set him up, one way or another, for life; he had a vision and he delivered on it. But, having been at the wrong end of a strategy that involved outspending the rest of the industry (on advertising) and out-discounting on retail kit, it's nice to know that their 'be the last man standing' strategy has - at least for now - failed. One trick (let's be fair and call it a strategy) that really frustrated me back in the day, was the way in which they used to give university cycle teams free kit. All very upstanding you say, however their motivation was more; 1. get people in your kit young and (hopefully) keep them for life - fair enough - but more acutely 2. remove decent revenue streams from your competitors. Uni teams were great because every year there was a new influx of members needing kit - so LeCol just took the market, not to make any money, just to kill it for the rest of us.
@Rendel Harris Absolutely. I was just making the point that Surrey has a lot of 'couldn't care less if I hit you' drivers whose attitude is get out of my way and if you don't that's your fault.
Their socks were all right.
@mctrials23 All those play out in Surrey pretty much every ride.
38 thoughts on ““Victim-blaming” police advise cyclists – but not drivers – to “pay attention to road signs and red lights”; “So sick of drivers telling me where I should and shouldn’t be”; “No News November”: Movistar quash Cavendish rumour + more on the live blog”
Having spend a couple of days
Having spend a couple of days in London, (a) great to see so many people on bikes, even in pretty shitty weather but (b) I have not seen any cars drive through red lights, and I have not seen any cars driving on the pavement while (c) I have seen lots of bikes go though red lights- really, almost at every junction, someone will do it. And even if there are 30 bikes waiting patiently, it is the one that draws attention (especially when compared with zero cars) ; and there are, I am afraid to say, lots of people riding dangerously on pavements too.
I fully agree that “advice” from police like this is frustrating, but I think we might better serve the cycling community by being honest about the fact that there are plenty of people on bikes who don’t follow the law, who give everyone a bad name, and create risks for all. Calling them out too would not do any harm.
Not London, and less bikes,
Not London, and less bikes, but on a 2 mile walk back from the bike shop, I noticed two cars jump red lights, including a nurse who sped up when the light turned orange and went through 2 seconds after it went red to turn right, had a car parked on crossing markings so they could go and get a Greggs, and had to negotiate past two vans who decided that they should be fully on the pavement rather then on the road.
This is quite correct. I know
This is quite correct. I know not so much the position in Scotland, but in London everyone knows that cyclists have a problem with jumping red lights and being rude. It is a known fact, even a child knows this. Cars are also rude, but I do not see such an issue with red lights.
Giving out advice to drivers and cyclists and also pedestrians on their most common failings is very sensible. I approve.
More trolling.
More trolling.
The thing with trolling is you have to remember what you wrote yesterday in order to have a semblance of being a valid poster.
I do not care for what you
I do not care for what you say. If you do not like me, I do not care I will write the truth. A child knows that there is problems with cyclists on pavements and red lights in London, I cannot speak for Scotland because I do not visit there but I live and work in London.
Yesterday you wrote
Yesterday you wrote
“I don’t know what it is like in England”
Yet you claim today to be in London.
So much for the truth.
Which PBU are you ?
London is not England. London
London is not England. London is a big city not so much like the rest of England where people behave very differently. A child knows this. When I go cycling I am lucky enough to ride in Kent, Surrey, Essex. These are all pleasant places.
This is all very simple. If cyclist stopped riding through red lights and on pavements they would not be asked to obey red lights and to stop riding on pavements. If car drivers maintained their cars properly they would not be asked to check their cars. If pedestrians looked up from their phones they would not be asked to look where they are going. We call this cause and effect, very logical.
I do not understand what you mean on PBU but I will go back to work now.
So you do know what is it
So you do know what is it like in England in order to describe how the rest of England is different from London. So much for truth.
Another troll to ignore.
My money is on a
My money is on a reincarnation of Nigel
ah, but yesterday you weren’t
ah, but yesterday you weren’t in England…. and the day before you were… your trolling is really subpar.
Rakia wrote:
There are more sentient vehicles in London than anywhere else, even a child knows this.
I do agree with you about
I do agree with you about calling out idiots (whatever their mode of transportation) that ignore traffic signals. But if you haven’t seen cars (or buses, trucks, vans etc) going through red lights in London (let alone ignoring box junctions etc etc) you’ve either been spectacularly unlucky with your sample set, or haven’t been looking for long. My experience from regular commuting in & out of London is that a lot of drivers still seem to subscribe to the “two through on a red” principle. They don’t seem to generate anywhere near as much attention in the public psyche, whereas any person riding a bike that goes through a red light can be seen from space by every consumer of right-leaning meeja, who will then repeat that experience ad infinitum at any opportunity.
pretty much that. On my
pretty much that. On my short half hour cycle thriugh London, of which half of it I’m in parks so don’t even see a red light, I see red light jumpers half a dozen times at least.
Wellington arch roundabout, and the a4 leading onto it, every single lane has two red light jumpers on every sequence. Every day.
nosferatu1001 wrote:
It’s so bad there now that several times recently I have had to shout warnings to tourists on hire bikes who foolishly assume that the lights turning red for cars mean that it’s safe to cross. Black cabs and police cars particularly seem to be regular offenders there.
Going through on amber is the
Going through on amber is the same offence as going through on red, and I bet you’ve seen that happen
Passing the advanced stop line on red , to stop in the cycle box, is the same offence for cars as passing the stop line on red (or amber). If you’ve not seen that, you haven’t paid attention.
You are right- I haven’t
You are right- I haven’t been paying any particular attention. It may be that cars have gone through on the red as it has turned and i haven’t noticed. Agree that that is likey to have been the case.
But with bikes, it is a different problem- it is not people taking a chance and sneaking through on the turn. Tehre is a substantial minority who just totally ingore reds, and will just weave through pedestrrians crossing, when all lights are fully red. i find it infuriating whether i am driving, on the bike or on foot. in the last case, it is often intimidating and frightening too.
Let’s face it from the main
Let’s face it from the main three road users, pedestrian, cyclists and motor vehicles drivers, the cyclists are the one who will have the worst experience if they are forced to stop and start again, pedestrians can easily stop and start again, motor vehicles will just have to step on brakes and then gas but cyclists will have to regain on their own all this precious momentum. So I can undestand them.
Allowing red lights for cyclists shouldn’t be a taboo. Is a policy that happens and should be tested in more countries
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-33773868
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/oct/27/cyclists-run-red-lights-paris-london-san-francisco
I agree that there are plenty
I agree that there are plenty of circs where it is indeed daft for cyclists to have to wait at red, but for the moment that is not the law here, and some cyclists ignoring red, i am afraid, tars us with the same brush.
Well… there is no us, same
Well… there is no us, same as for most people there are no “drivers”. But of course there is in the stereotype. But again, because it’s a stereotype we’re already tarred. So no amount of good behaviour by “most of us” will change that either. If people buy a stereotype I think only some kind of a personal relationship with the believer will change the belief.
I tend to stay on the side of the rules personally but that’s just me.
Hmm… I’d say it’s sub-par
Hmm… I’d say it’s sub-par solution, a bit like “flexible speed limits”. The issue is that locals (and observant people) would be fine, 99% of the time… but if we really need traffic lights that means there will be traffic. So there will always be danger from motor vehicles. Pedestrians also sometimes rely on “green = safe” – yes, we all should check but some people may not be able to see a cyclist!
Better to be unambiguous e.g. anything other than green = stop / do not proceed. It might make sense for this to not always be enforced in some situations to the exact letter of the law of course. Or variable penalties. Otherwise there’d be lonely cyclists waiting at roadworks in the country for months for example. Cyclists generally are less danger to all other road users than motor vehicles.
If we can imagine the UK being better than currently however we should look to better solutions. Starting at the best:
No traffic lights at all (cyclists don’t need them)
No traffic lights in certain directions (where cyclists aren’t crossing motor traffic)
Smarter traffic lights (e.g. bike detection) / different signal phases (Ranty Highwayman has plenty on this, search there)
More time for a cyclist phase.
Advanced green (this is kind of an “entry level for improving countries” thing e.g. UK!)
London isnt a good barometer
London isnt a good barometer to take a UK wide pulse on this from, I’m aware you see more cyclists jump red lights there, I’ve complained about it several times as it frustrates the hell out of me they do it, but I cant see how it gets fixed.
Equally I know I can walk to a traffic light crossroads a mile from my house and see at least 2 cars jump an “established” red light each time the lights change,and on each of the 5 sets of traffic lights on my commute route a vehicle will jump an established red and noone seemingly cares.
rjfrussell wrote:
I see cars jump red lights – most of the time whilst breaking the speed limit – EVERY COMMUTE I do in London. Every time. And as for cars not being driven on pavements? Are you on drugs? More than 10 times as many people are killed on pavements by cars than by bikes.
Ah, that wacky Road Policing
Ah, that wacky Road Policing Scotland…
Red lights. London.
Red lights. London.
I see you’ve hooked our resident troll Ryan. Kudos.
He’ll be banging on about “established” red lights before you know it.
Let’s not be surprised by the
Let’s not be surprised by the latest approach by Polis Scotland. This is same force who have not just been slow in introducing a portal for accepting videos but at every turn have filibustered and actively delayed it’s introduction.
Why do people think PFPs
Why do people think PFPs mechanics are new ? And not just the same ones shes always used wearing different sponsor kit and just having a bad day ?
Theres no sense imo in Ineos having their own cx crew for one rider.
Awavey wrote:
I’m sure you’re right, INEOS don’t officially have a cyclocross team and Tom Pidcock (I believe still) officially races CX as an independent, despite wearing Grenadiers kit. Certainly INEOS simply took over paying the wages of his CX staff when he signed for them rather than setting up a new team for him.
That said, the guys doing the bike switch did make a complete pig’s ear of it, particularly the guy holding the new bike who looked as if he had never done it before. Maybe for some reason some of PFP’s regular team couldn’t make the race?
AFAIK this is Pauline’s first
.
Awavey wrote:
AFAIK this is Pauline’s first pro ‘Cross race since Neff wiped her out in 2018 when she was on Canyon Sram, two team transfers ago. I doubt she’s had her own personal mechanics sitting on retainer ever since.
Then keep in mind that Ineos do already employ loads of mechanics, and they do already employ loads of soigneurs, and they do already employ loads of whoever else you need to stand around at a CX race – it’s just that standing around at a CX race isn’t usually their day job. Hence, exactly what you just saw makes perfect sense with Ineos staff being there.
Wingguy wrote:
But she’s been racing gravel and MTB XC, for which she presumably uses the same staff.
Rendel Harris wrote:
Mountain bike teams employ their own staff. The race mechanics she’d have had last year are almost certainly employees of Absolute Absalon, not her. Even Nino Schurter’s race mechanic works for Thomas Frischknect and Scott-Sram, not Nino.
It’s just IME CX racers pit
It’s just IME CX racers pit crew even at the elite level, unless you are on like a super focussed well funded Belgian squad,but individual riders crew are just basically friends or family of the rider.
Marianne Vos isnt turning up for CX races with a Jumbo Visma crew, it’s going to be her friends or family helping her, wearing Jumbo Visma kit just because that’s who she is sponsored by and that’s the deal they have.
So it would be the same for Pauline i think and just thought it was weird people immediately presumed its an Ineos thing they’re mucking up because they’re only roadies.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-63474122
Hardcastle, of Hertford, was given a six-month suspended prison term for causing death by careless driving.
hirsute wrote:
I was just about to post that myself. I’m divided about the efficacy and point of actually sending people to prison for that type of offence, i.e. (as far as I can see) a terrible and tragic mistake but not exacerbated by phone use, speeding etc, but the two year driving ban is a joke. If you accidentally killed someone with a shotgun you most certainly would be banned from ever having a shotgun licence again; kill someone with a motor vehicle and your privileges will be restored after two years. Yet another indication that deaths caused by drivers are regarded as inevitable and acceptable collateral damage by the authorities.
Previous reports say
Previous reports say
Prosecutor Giles Beaumont said Ms Garratt-Quinton, who had been in the cycle lane, was in Hardcastle’s line of sight for “24 seconds” prior to the collision.
24 seconds is a hell of a long time when on the road.
hirsute wrote:
Yes, terrible. Just to be clear, I’m not saying making a mistake like that is too minor to be sent to prison, but for me the main purpose of prison is as a deterrent and I’m not sure you can deter people from making mistakes, even shocking ones like this. In the case of phone driving, drink-driving et cetera, people make a positive choice to use their phone when driving or to drive drunk, so a prison sentence could be a good deterrent, nobody goes out and thinks I’ll make a mistake, oh hang on, I might go to prison, I won’t. Hope that makes sense.
It can also act as a
It can also act as a deterrent to others. Make people realise that driving is dangerous and you have to pay attention.
The internet has been around
The internet has been around for like 25 years now. Its time to learn that no matter how much you argue and how convincing your points are, if you are engaging with a troll they are winning. What they are looking for is the engagement and the arguement, they don’t care about being right or being wrong or coming out of it looking right, all they care about is your attention.
The best and only way to deal with them is to ignore the post. Stop feeding them and they will go and look for food elsewhere. Right now this board is a rich trough of swill on which they can gorge their hunger for attention.