Skip to content
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • ebiketips
  • Shop
  • About us
  • Subscribe to the road.cc newsletter here
Log In Register
preferred-google-button

Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.
Subscribe
  • News
  • Reviews

    Bike

    Components

    Accessories

    Clothing

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Accessories – misc

    Computer mounts

    Bags

    Bar ends

    Bike bags & cases

    Bottle cages

    Bottle

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front

    Lights – rear

    Light – sets

    Locks

    Mirrors

    Mudguards

    Racks

    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives

    Smart watches

    Stands and racks

    Trailers

    Arm & leg warmers

    Base layers

    Gilets

    Gloves – full finger

    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets

    Jerseys – casual

    Jerseys – long sleeve

    Jerseys – short sleeve

    Overshoes

    Shoes

    Shorts & 3/4s

    Skin suits

    Socks

    Tights & longs

    Underwear

    Trousers

    Bar tape & grips

    Bottom brackets

    Brake & gear cables

    Brake & STI levers

    Brake pads & spares

    Brakes

    Cassettes & freewheels

    Chains

    Chainsets & chainrings

    Derailleurs – front

    Derailleurs – rear

    Forks

    Gear levers & shifters

    Groupsets

    Handlebars & extensions

    Headsets

    Hubs

    Inner tubes

    Pedals

    Quick releases & skewers

    Saddles

    Seatposts

    Stems

    Wheels

    Tyres

    Energy & recovery bars

    Energy & recovery drinks

    Energy & recovery gels

    Heart rate monitors

    Hydration products

    Hydration systems

    Indoor trainers

    Power measurement

    Skincare & embrocation

    Sun care

    Training – misc

    Cleaning products

    Lubrication

    Tools – multitools

    Tools – Portable

    Tools – workshop

    Workstands

    Apps

    Books, Maps & DVDs

    Camping and outdoor equipment

    Family

    Gifts & misc

  • Buyers Guides
    Bike
    Components
    Accessories

    Clothing

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Accessories – misc

    Bags

    Bike bags & cases

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front

    Lights – rear

    Locks

    Mudguards

    Racks

    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives

    Stands and racks

    Trailers

    Arm & leg warmers

    Base layers

    Gilets

    Gloves – full finger

    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets

    Jerseys – casual

    Jerseys – long sleeve

    Jerseys – short sleeve

    Overshoes

    Shoes

    Shorts & 3/4s

    Socks

    Tights & longs

    Trousers

    Bar tape & grips

    Brake & STI levers

    Brakes

    Chainsets & chainrings

    Derailleurs – front

    Derailleurs – rear

    Groupsets

    Handlebars & extensions

    Inner tubes

    Pedals

    Saddles

    Seatposts

    Wheels

    Tyres

    Heart rate monitors

    Indoor trainers

    Power measurement

    Skincare & embrocation

    Training – misc

    Lubrication

    Tools – multitools

    Tools – workshop

    Tools – Portable

    Books, Maps & DVDs

    Gifts & misc

  • Features

    All

    How To

    Tech

    Fitness

    Travel

  • Forum

    Bike Forum

    Tea Stop

  • Recommends
  • Podcast
  • Home
  • Subscribe
  • Log InRegister
  • News
  • Reviews

    Back

    Bikes

    Accessories

    Clothing

    Components

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Back

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Time trial bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Back

    Accessories – misc

    Computer mounts

    Bags

    Bar ends

    Bike bags & cases

    Bottle cages

    Bottles

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front
    Lights – rear
    Light – sets
    Locks
    Mirrors
    Mudguards
    Racks
    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives
    Smart watches
    Stands and racks
    Trailers

    Back

    Arm & leg warmers
    Base layers
    Gilets
    Gloves – full finger
    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets
    Jerseys – casual
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Overshoes
    Shoes
    Shorts & 3/4s
    Skin
    Socks
    Tights & longs
    Underwear
    Trousers

    Back

    Bar tape & grips
    Bottom brackets
    Brake & gear cables
    Brake & STI levers
    Brake pads & spares
    Brakes
    Cassettes & freewheels
    Chains
    Chainsets & chainrings
    Derailleurs – front

    Derailleurs – rear

    Forks
    Gear levers & shifters
    Groupsets
    Handlebars & extensions
    Headsets
    Hubs
    Inner tubes
    Pedals
    Quick releases & skewers
    Saddles
    Seatposts
    Stems
    Wheels
    Tyres

    Back

    Energy & recovery bars
    Energy & recovery drinks
    Energy & recovery gels
    Heart rate monitors
    Hydration products
    Hydration systems
    Indoor trainers
    Power measurement
    Skincare & embrocation
    Sun care
    Training – misc

    Back

    Cleaning products
    Lubrication
    Tools – multitools
    Tools – Portable
    Tools – workshop

    Workstands

    Back

    Apps
    Books, Maps & DVDs
    Camping and outdoor equipment
    Family
    Gifts & misc
  • Buyers Guides

    Back

    Bikes

    Accessories

    Clothing

    Components

    Health, fitness and nutrition

    Tools and workshop

    Miscellaneous

    Cross country mountain bikes

    Tubeless valves

    Back

    Road bikes

    Sportive and endurance bikes

    Gravel and adventure bikes

    Urban and hybrid bikes

    Touring bikes

    Cyclocross bikes

    Electric bikes

    Folding bikes

    Fixed & singlespeed bikes

    Children’s bikes

    Time trial bikes

    Tandems

    Frames

    Back

    Accessories – misc

    Computer mounts

    Bags

    Bar ends

    Bike bags & cases

    Bottle cages

    Bottles

    Cameras

    Car racks

    Child seats

    Computers

    Glasses

    GPS units

    Helmets

    Lights – front
    Lights – rear
    Light – sets
    Locks
    Mirrors
    Mudguards
    Racks
    Pumps & CO2 inflators

    Puncture kits

    Reflectives
    Smart watches
    Stands and racks
    Trailers

    Back

    Arm & leg warmers
    Base layers
    Gilets
    Gloves – full finger
    Gloves – mitts

    Headwear

    Jackets
    Jerseys – casual
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Jerseys – long sleeve
    Overshoes
    Shoes
    Shorts & 3/4s
    Skin
    Socks
    Tights & longs
    Underwear
    Trousers

    Back

    Energy & recovery bars
    Energy & recovery drinks
    Energy & recovery gels
    Heart rate monitors
    Hydration products
    Hydration systems
    Indoor trainers
    Power measurement
    Skincare & embrocation
    Sun care
    Training – misc

    Back

    Cleaning products
    Lubrication
    Tools – multitools
    Tools – Portable
    Tools – workshop

    Workstands

    Back

    Apps
    Books, Maps & DVDs
    Camping and outdoor equipment
    Family
    Gifts & misc
  • Features

    Back

    All

    How To

    Tech

    Fitness

    Travel

  • Forum

    Back

    Bike Forum
    Tea Stop
  • Recommends
  • Podcast
  • Off.road.cc
  • Ebiketips
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Subscribe to the road.cc newsletter here
Subscribe
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • ebiketips
  • Shop
  • Subscribe to the ebiketips newsletter here
Log In Register
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Buying
  • Blogs
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Buying
  • Blogs
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Buying
  • Blogs
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • road.cc
  • off.road.cc
  • ebiketips
  • Shop
  • About us
  • Subscribe to the off.road.cc weekly newsletter
Log In Register
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Bikes
    • Accessories
    • Clothing
    • Components
    • Health and fitness
    • Tools and workshop
    • Hardtail Mountain bikes
    • XC Mountain bikes
    • Trail Mountain bikes
    • All-Mountain bikes
    • Enduro Mountain bikes
    • Electric Mountain bikes
    • Gravel and Adventure bikes
    • Pumps and CO2 inflators
    • Racks
    • Movie cameras
    • Mudguards
    • Bags
    • Lights - front
    • GPS units
    • Computers
    • Car racks
    • Bike bags and cases
    • Accessories - misc
    • Jerseys
    • Shoes
    • Shorts and 3/4s
    • Socks
    • Underwear
    • Jackets
    • Body armour
    • Arm and leg warmers
    • Base layers
    • Helmets
    • Gilets
    • Gloves
    • Glasses
    • Cassettes
    • Chainsets and chainrings
    • Derailleurs - rear
    • Forks
    • Gear levers and shifters
    • Groupsets
    • Handlebars
    • Headsets
    • Brakes
    • Inner tubes
    • Pedals
    • Rear shocks
    • Rotors
    • Saddles
    • Bar tape and grips
    • Bottom brackets
    • Seatposts
    • Brake pads and spares
    • Wheels
    • Tyres
    • Stems
    • Energy and recovery bars
    • Energy and recovery drinks
    • Energy and recovery gels
    • Skincare and embrocation
    • Hydration products
    • Power measurement
    • Cleaning products
    • Lubrication
    • Tools - multitools
    • Tools - portable
  • Buying
  • Features
  • Trail Guides
  • About us
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Bikes
      • Hardtail Mountain bikes
      • XC Mountain bikes
      • Trail Mountain bikes
      • All-Mountain bikes
      • Enduro Mountain bikes
      • Electric Mountain bikes
      • Gravel and Adventure bikes
    • Accessories
      • Pumps and CO2 inflators
      • Racks
      • Movie cameras
      • Mudguards
      • Bags
      • Lights – front
      • GPS units
      • Computers
      • Car racks
      • Bike bags and cases
      • Accessories – misc
    • Clothing
      • Jerseys
      • Shoes
      • Shorts and 3/4s
      • Socks
      • Underwear
      • Jackets
      • Body armour
      • Arm and leg warmers
      • Base layers
      • Helmets
      • Gilets
      • Gloves
      • Glasses
    • Components
      • Cassettes
      • Chainsets and chainrings
      • Derailleurs – rear
      • Forks
      • Gear levers and shifters
      • Groupsets
      • Handlebars
      • Headsets
      • Brakes
      • Inner tubes
      • Pedals
      • Rear shocks
      • Rotors
      • Saddles
      • Bar tape and grips
      • Bottom brackets
      • Seatposts
      • Brake pads and spares
      • Wheels
      • Tyres
      • Stems
    • Health and fitness
      • Energy and recovery bars
      • Energy and recovery drinks
      • Energy and recovery gels
      • Skincare and embrocation
      • Hydration products
      • Power measurement
    • Tools and workshop
      • Cleaning products
      • Lubrication
      • Tools – multitools
      • Tools – portable
  • Buying
  • Features
  • Trail Guides
  • About Us
  • road.cc
  • Ebiketips
log in
register

Back to News

  • News
Cycling signs (copyright Simon MacMichael) (23)
Cycling signs (copyright Simon MacMichael) (23) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

Campaigners say Labour’s new homes plan “shouldn’t be granted” without cycling measures; Pro cyclist kicked off race for racist gesture; National road safety group slammed for “dangerous” mandatory bike helmet poll; Crocodile Ewan + more on the live blog

If you’re struggling through the week like a pro cyclist on a stupidly steep Turkish mountain, why not while away your Wednesday with Ryan Mallon on the road.cc live blog?
  • by Ryan Mallon
Wed, Oct 11, 2023 08:34
48

SUMMARY

  • Live coverage of Caleb Ewan and Lotto Dstny’s “mutual agreement”
  • Tanfield brothers auction off skinsuit signed by Team GB members for charity
  • Intermarché-Circus-Wanty update statement to include Gerben Thijssen, confirming that Belgian rider has also been withdrawn from Tour of Guangxi
  • Pro cyclist withdrawn from race in China after posting racist gesture on social media
  • “If all you’re pushing is bike helmets and hi-vis, you’re not really interested in the safety of the most vulnerable road users”: National road safety group accused of “dangerous framing” over mandatory helmet poll
  • “Planning permission shouldn’t be granted without active travel elements designed in”: Cycling campaigners call for Labour to “demonstrate bravery” by making new homes plan active travel-focused, ditching “roads-only network” and reliance on cars
Cycling signs (copyright Simon MacMichael) (23)
Cycling signs (copyright Simon MacMichael) (23) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Google icon
Add as a preferred source on Google
11 October 2023, 08:34

Live coverage of Caleb Ewan and Lotto Dstny’s “mutual agreement”

Im not sure they parted as friends https://t.co/kL5zLpqXii pic.twitter.com/Xd7FvLuQwa

— Anna Mac 👑🪱 🌈🖤 (@AnnamacB) October 11, 2023

11 October 2023, 08:34

Tanfield brothers auction off skinsuit signed by Team GB members for charity

🌟Charity Auction🌟
To raise money for @YorkshireAirAmb and @yorkshirecancer we are auctioning off a skinsuit signed by the GB Cycling Team

To be in with a chance of winning, donate on our justgiving page https://t.co/oBc2b1xrSZ – the highest donation will win!
Good luck 🚲 pic.twitter.com/9kCEyQKRFw

— Charlie Tanfield (@CharlieTanfield) October 10, 2023

Ahead of their second annual charity sportive in the North York Moors, British racing brothers Harry and Charlie Tanfield are auctioning off a skinsuit signed by members of the Team GB squad to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The highest donation will win the scrawled-over skinsuit (I wonder if pen marks will make it more aero?), with all the money raised being split evenly between the two charities.

The Tanfield brothers are both ambassadors for Yorkshire Cancer Research, following the passing of their mother in 2019, while their father required the services of Yorkshire Air Ambulance after a “life-changing” fall while riding his bike in 2016.

You can donate to both charities, and try to win the signed Team GB skinsuit, at the sportive’s Just Giving page.

11 October 2023, 08:34

Intermarché-Circus-Wanty update statement to include Gerben Thijssen, confirming that Belgian rider has also been withdrawn from Tour of Guangxi

After belatedly remembering that it takes two to post an offensive social media photo, Intermarché-Circus-Wanty have updated their statement to confirm that Belgian sprinter Gerben Thijssen – whose Instagram account hosted Madis Mihkels’ racist gesture – has also been withdrawn from the Tour of Guangxi, pending further “necessary disciplinary steps”.

Updated statement on Madis Mihkels and Gerben Thijssen. https://t.co/MhNnkfIBbl pic.twitter.com/End82rGbtD

— Intermarché-Circus-Wanty (@IntermarcheCW) October 11, 2023

Better late than never, I suppose…

11 October 2023, 08:34

Pro cyclist withdrawn from race in China after posting racist gesture on social media

Intermarché-Circus-Wanty have withdrawn their rider Madis Mihkels from the Tour of Guangxi, which starts tomorrow in the south of China, after a photo showing the Estonian making a racist gesture was posted on social media by teammate Gerben Thijsen.

The 20-year-old neo-pro, who took his first professional win at the Tour of Germany in August, made a crude, offensive gesture with his eyes as part of an Instagram story on Thijsen’s account, taken in Beihai, where the six-stage race begins tomorrow, images of which are circulating on social media.

**Warning: The following material contains a racist, offensive gesture**

Madis Mihkels racist gesture
Madis Mihkels racist gesture (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Madis Mihkels racist gesture
Madis Mihkels racist gesture (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

In a statement released this morning, Intermarché-Circus-Wanty say they have pulled Mihkels out of the race and “necessary disciplinary steps” will be taken. However, there was no mention of Thijssen in the statement, though the 25-year-old Belgian’s Instagram story and account has since been removed.

 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Intermarché-Circus-Wanty (@intermarchecw)

“We sincerely regret the behaviour of our rider Madis Mihkels and the image shown on the social media,” the team said.

“We would like to apologise to the Chinese people and fans, to the government of Guangxi, to the Chinese Cycling Association, and all parties involved in the organization of Tour of Guangxi for the image given of our sport.

“For ever, our team Intermarché-Circus-Wanty, composed of more than 15 nationalities in our project, and our partners always defend firmly equal opportunities and fight daily against racism.

“We will withdraw Madis Mihkels from the race and take necessary disciplinary steps to close this incident.”

11 October 2023, 08:34

“If all you’re pushing is bike helmets and hi-vis, you’re not really interested in the safety of the most vulnerable road users”: National road safety group accused of “dangerous framing” over mandatory helmet poll

A national road safety organisation has become the subject of scathing criticism from cyclists for the third time in two weeks, for conducting an online poll on whether the use of cycle helmets should be mandatory, with social media users accusing the group of framing the question in a “dangerous” manner and ignoring the primary cause for cycling injuries and fatalities on the UK’s roads.

Road Safety GB, the national road safety organisation that is run in association with THINK! and representatives from groups across the UK, including local government road safety teams, was criticised at the end of September for sharing a “victim-blaming” campaign from the Bedfordshire Road Safety Partnership.

Helmet campaign (Bedfordshire Road Safety Partnership)
Helmet campaign (Bedfordshire Road Safety Partnership) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)
Helmet campaign (Bedfordshire Road Safety Partnership)
Helmet campaign (Bedfordshire Road Safety Partnership) (Image Credit: Farrelly Atkinson)

> Road safety organisation accused of “victim-blaming” over cycling helmet campaign

The organisation said that they hope the campaign, which urges cyclists to wear helmets, would make helmet wearing the “norm” like in Australia – where helmets have been mandatory for over 30 years, yet where injuries for cyclists have increased, where fines for not wearing a helmet are handed out “aggressively and disproportionately”, where cyclists believe that riding a bike is “discouraged”, and where recent studies have found that cyclists wearing helmets are viewed by drivers as “less human”…

Ah, great comparison.

> Conservative MP cites “safety” and attempts to reignite cyclist helmet debate

Undeterred by the backlash to that particular campaign, Road Safety GB has again come under fire this week for publishing on its website an opinion piece by Conservative MP for Rugby, Mark Pawsey, who has campaigned for making wearing a helmet while cycling a legal requirement, despite his on government insisting that it has “no intention” of introducing such a law.

And now, Road Safety GB is conducting a poll with the single question: “Should the usage of cycle helmets be mandatory?”, with respondents allowed to choose from three answers, Yes, No, and Not Sure (a box in which respondents can expand on their choice is optional).

Have your say 🗣️

Our latest reader survey asks whether the use of cycle helmets should be mandatory.

Vote here 👇https://t.co/k6byRXoFO2#RSGB pic.twitter.com/cx9slUFzTQ

— Road Safety GB (@Road_Safety_GB) October 10, 2023

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the poll – described as a “clickbait survey” by one social media user – has only added to the din of disapproval emanating from the cycling world in response to Road Safety GB’s stance on, ahem, road safety issues in GB.

“So you’re basically asking for an opinion rather than citing any scientific or statistical reason as to why helmets may make the roads safer for cyclists who may potentially sustain a head injury. Jeez, who thought this up?” asked cycling lawyer Rory McCarron on X/Twitter.

Referring to the group’s “interesting” decision to include a photo of a child cycling on a country road alongside the poll, Eric said: “Do you really think that helmet will do a better job than a protected bike lane when a speeding SUV comes over the horizon?

“If all you’re pushing is bike helmets and hi-vis, you’re not really interested in the safety of the most vulnerable road users.”

> Why is Dan Walker’s claim that a bike helmet saved his life so controversial?

“The framing of your question is dangerous as it doesn’t even venture to name the main reason for cyclist fatalities,” added Bike and Bow.

“I’ll give a hint: Comes with four seats and a steering wheel.”

“I thought you were an organisation interested in and charged with helping to make our roads safer?” asked Jonathan. “What does wearing a cycle helmet, or not, have to do with road safety? Wearing a cycle helmet does not make our roads any safer and you should know this! Strange indeed!”

“Following this reasoning we should extend this to people who drive as even with modern safety devices you are more likely to have a head injury in a motor vehicle,” says Gary. “Also with the rate of spinal injuries in motor vehicles I’d suggest adding a neck brace.”

> Academic behind ‘cyclists seen as less human’ study: “If you have a safe and normal cycling culture, how could you see people as anything but human?”

Dr Robert Davis, the chair of the Road Danger Reduction Forum, also responded to the poll by arguing that Road Safety GB shows “how so much of the ‘road safety’ industry (set up by auto industry and government committed to more and more motor traffic 100 years ago) are part of the problem.”

Davis also said that these organisations, “representing hundreds of ‘Road Safety Officers’ paid for by us in local government”, are “either failing to address road danger at source or exacerbating it, with non-evidence-based victim blaming red herrings thrown in”.

Regardless of the outcome of Road Safety GB’s poll, such a change in cycling legislation appears unlikely for the foreseeable future, with the government admitting in December that the matter had been considered “at length” during the cycling and walking safety review in 2018, with the Department for Transport holding “no intention” to making cycle helmets mandatory.

But that doesn’t seem to ever stop some ‘road safety’ groups, does it?

11 October 2023, 08:34

“Planning permission shouldn’t be granted without active travel elements designed in”: Cycling campaigners call for Labour to “demonstrate bravery” by making new homes plan active travel-focused, ditching “roads-only network” and reliance on cars

Sir Keir Starmer’s promise to build the “next generation” of new towns, and 1.5 million homes, as part of a “decade of renewal under Labour”, must be designed and implemented alongside “transport options fit for the future”, which will allow people living in these new homes to cycle, walk, or use public transport easily, Cycling UK says.

Yesterday at the Labour party conference, the glitter-covered leader of the opposition pledged to accelerate building on unused urban land to create a swathe of new towns close to “good jobs and infrastructure”, similar to those built by the Labour government in the wake of World War Two.

Starmer also promised to build 1.5 million new homes during the five years of what he hopes will be the next Labour-dominated parliament.

> Rishi Sunak’s ‘Plan for Motorists’ will “rob people of choice” and force them to drive, say cycling and walking campaigners

However, Cycling UK has called on the Labour leader to ditch the “roads-only network” typical of recent large-scale housing developments and to “demonstrate bravery” by setting out a transport plan that gives people “real opportunities” to walk and cycle short journeys, ending the reliance on cars.

“Labour has promised a decade of national renewal, including building 1.5 million new homes,” Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at Cycling UK, said in a statement following Starmer’s speech.

“These new neighbourhoods will also need transport options fit for the future, not the roads-only network that typifies so many recent large housing developments, leaving people with no option but to rely on cars.

“These new homes must have excellent links to public transport, be close to the services people need, and designed and planned so that walking or cycling for short journeys are obvious, safe, and attractive options for most people. Planning permission shouldn’t be granted without these elements designed in.”

> Cycling charity accuses Conservatives of “ill-fated attempt to win” votes with pro-motoring policies “undermining” active travel success

She continued: “But we needed to hear more from [Shadow Transport Secretary] Louise Haigh about Labour’s long-term plans for transport – in particular, taking into account the needs of people and families who don’t have access to a car.

“Keir Starmer mentioned the need for bravery, and we now need Labour to demonstrate that bravery by setting out the party’s plans for a transport future that gives more people real opportunities to walk or cycle short journeys. That’s a far better way to tackle the cost-of-living and climate crises, but also to massively improve our health, wealth, and well-being.”

Help us to bring you the best cycling content

If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £2.49. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.

Subscribe
  • cycling live blog, live blog, road.cc live blog
Ryan Mallon
After obtaining a PhD, lecturing, and hosting a history podcast at Queen’s University Belfast, Ryan joined road.cc in December 2021 and since then has kept the site’s readers and listeners informed and enthralled (well at least occasionally) on news, the live blog, and the road.cc Podcast. After boarding a wrong bus at the world championships and ruining a good pair of jeans at the cyclocross, he now serves as road.cc’s news editor. Before his foray into cycling journalism, he wallowed in the equally pitiless world of academia, where he wrote a book about Victorian politics and droned on about cycling and bikes to classes of bored students (while taking every chance he could get to talk about cycling in print or on the radio). He can be found riding his bike very slowly around the narrow, scenic country lanes of Co. Down.  

48 Comments

48 thoughts on “Campaigners say Labour’s new homes plan “shouldn’t be granted” without cycling measures; Pro cyclist kicked off race for racist gesture; National road safety group slammed for “dangerous” mandatory bike helmet poll; Crocodile Ewan + more on the live blog”

  1. the little onion
    October 11, 2023 at 9:03 am
    0

    Re Labour’s new towns – given

    Re Labour’s new towns – given that Starmer essentially endorsed 15 minute neighbourhoods in his speech, there are grounds for optimism 

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • mctrials23
      October 11, 2023 at 9:21 am
      0

      The problem is that if Labour

      The problem is that if Labour go too hard on these things before the election there is a real problem with the vast number of idiots in this country will forget completely about the last 13 years of shit show under the Tories and vote for them again because they don’t want ULEZ and these 15 minutes neighbourhood. Won’t something think of the poor suffering motorist. “Its OK, the Tories hear you, we will make sure big bike loses their grip on the country’s infrastructure.”

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Flintshire Boy
        October 11, 2023 at 9:30 am
        0

        .

        .

        ‘Idiot’ = ‘someone who dares to have a different opinion to my lefty one’.

        .

        Are you Trendy in disguise?

        .

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • hawkinspeter
          October 11, 2023 at 10:06 am
          0

          Flintshire Boy wrote:

          ‘Idiot’ = ‘someone who dares to have a different opinion to my lefty one’.

          Are you Trendy in disguise?

          — Flintshire Boy

          “Idiot” – meaning someone that has been misled by right-wing mainstream media (and maybe a bunch of right-wing conspiracy focussed media too) into not understanding what a “15 minute” neighbourhood entails.

          I can understand non-idiots wanting to push the motor agenda due to lack of critical thinking and understanding of counter-intuitive concepts such as induced demands, but why on earth would people want to always have facilities more than a 15 minute journey away? How does that even work – if you live next door to a doctor’s surgery, would you then insist on attending one that’s further away, or would you go for demolishing all residences within that 15 minute boundary?

          Log In or Register to post comments
        • Cugel
          October 11, 2023 at 11:04 am
          0

          Flintshire Boy wrote:

          ‘Idiot’ = ‘someone who dares to have a different opinion to my lefty one’.

          — Flintshire Boy

          Eejit – someone who trawls The Daily Eejit for potted bald opinions  ranted out by the swivel-eyed tightrighty ex public school journo-yob then regurgitates them like a gone-off meaty pie as their own. Which particular Ejit-rag is your, er, choice? 🙂

          Log In or Register to post comments
      • IanMK
        October 11, 2023 at 9:55 am
        0

        I don’t think labour need to

        I don’t think labour need to say anything. Gear Change is still a DfT policy document and Active Travel England is a statutory consultee for these developments.

        Active Travel England to be consulted on all large planning applications – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

        If Labour want to say anything they just say they will adopt current Tory active travel policies.

        Log In or Register to post comments
      • Surreyrider
        October 11, 2023 at 1:22 pm
        0

        I think you’re overestimating

        I think you’re overestimating the number of people who reject ULEZ – most vehicles (more than 9 out of 10) are compliant. Granted in a borough.constituency with a tiny majority it may play a role but generally there is a loud shouty minority in my experience (although I don’t doubt that there are inconveniences attached to the scheme).

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • Matthew Acton-Varian
          October 11, 2023 at 1:36 pm
          0

          Unfortunately  the Media

          Unfortunately  the Media sensationalism around Anti-ULEZ claims they are a violation of our freedom and must be stopped. They are an enemy to all along side 20mph zones, LTNs and speed limits in general, after all…

           

          Log In or Register to post comments
    • Dnnnnnn
      October 11, 2023 at 9:24 am
      0

      New towns could be an

      New towns could be an opportunity to build something exceptionally good on a large scale. There are plenty engineers, architects and planners who’d love to do it. I hope they’ll be given the chance but…

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Dnnnnnn
        October 11, 2023 at 10:46 am
        0

        [replying to myself…] there

        [replying to myself…] there does also need to be a big push on regenerating existing urban cores too, with lots more housing and active travel amenability. Our existing-but-struggling town and city centres are well-suited to being attractive 15 minute neighbourhoods – but there needs to be a concerted effort to repurpose and revitalise them.

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • Surreyrider
          October 11, 2023 at 1:25 pm
          0

          Exactly. Before building new,

          Exactly. Before building new, focus on regenerating what is already there in disrepair. 

          I don’t want to offend anyone from Milton Keynes but it’s not to my liking!

          Log In or Register to post comments
        • chrisonabike
          October 11, 2023 at 3:24 pm
          0

          And – the difficult point –

          And – the difficult point – choosing not to drive some trips must be relatively attractive compared to driving them.

          Milton Keynes is the example (also Stevenage).  The cycling infra certainly isn’t perfect at all but would still be considered “good” for much of the UK (even places that have some…) BUT the town was designed to be superbly convenient to drive.

          Log In or Register to post comments
      • andystow
        October 11, 2023 at 2:10 pm
        0

        Dnnnnnn wrote:

        New towns could be an opportunity to build something exceptionally good on a large scale. There are plenty engineers, architects and planners who’d love to do it. I hope they’ll be given the chance but…

        — Dnnnnnn

        I’m a firm believer that we’d have to get really lucky to have a designer or design team create something better than mediocre… at the risk of creating more Le Corbusier style atrocities.

        We’ve known for at least thousands of years how to build great walkable places, mostly organically with some ground rules, as settlements became villages, then towns, then cities, and buildings got repurposed or replaced as needs changed.

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • quiff
          October 11, 2023 at 3:14 pm
          0

          andystow wrote:

          at the risk of creating more Le Corbusier style atrocities.

          — andystow

          There’s the name for the new towns design competition: “come and help us design the UK’s next Atro-cities!”

          Log In or Register to post comments
          • hawkinspeter
            October 11, 2023 at 3:22 pm
            0

            quiff wrote:

            There’s the name for the new towns design competition: “come and help us design the UK’s next Atro-cities!”

            — quiff

            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iywaBOMvYLI

  2. Smoggysteve
    October 11, 2023 at 10:26 am
    0

    I hear what they are saying,

    I hear what they are saying, but the same could be said for a lot of things a bit more important than active travel. There are far too many large housing estate projects being built in the last decade that have next to zero local infrastructure in the way of schools, shops, doctors surgeries. Getting about is great to go other places but most of these new housing projects should have amenities within walking distance first and foremost. 

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • HarrogateSpa
      October 11, 2023 at 11:51 am
      0

      Active travel is vital.

      Active travel is vital.

      Log In or Register to post comments
    • Surreyrider
      October 11, 2023 at 1:18 pm
      0

      It’s funny how people on

      It’s funny how people on these developments moan that there are no amenities and young people are bored but so many are against the 15-minute city/town idea.

      Log In or Register to post comments
    • chrisonabike
      October 11, 2023 at 3:21 pm
      0

      Smoggysteve wrote:

      I hear what they are saying, but the same could be said for a lot of things a bit more important than active travel. There are far too many large housing estate projects being built in the last decade that have next to zero local infrastructure in the way of schools, shops, doctors surgeries. Getting about is great to go other places but most of these new housing projects should have amenities within walking distance first and foremost. 

      — Smoggysteve

      Two sides of the same coin.  Not either/or – both!

      Given than cycling is a bit like super efficient walking (same effort, much faster and/or further – plus much easier to carry stuff) AND that it neatly bridges the kind of gaps that you get in a decent public transport system (yeah, we don’t all have one…) adding in first class support for cycling (not just “it’s … possible” or “just use the path”) is rather important in addition to making places more human-scaled.

      Plus – if you provide (properly) for cycling you’ve provided for wheelchair users, many other mobility vehicles, people with other limits to their mobility, safer travel for children, it’s much safer for the partially sighted etc.  Active travel shouldn’t be “…and those less able can just drive / call taxis / wait in hope for a community bus”.

      Old faves:  who else benefits from decent cycle infra, inclusive cycling.

      Log In or Register to post comments
  3. stonojnr
    October 11, 2023 at 12:04 pm
    0

    Maybe CyclingUK could give
    Maybe CyclingUK could give some examples of where this hasn’t been happening already?

    Every major housing development I’m aware of locally, and its at least 10,000 plus new homes across multiple developments, has had active travel consideration as a planning condition and developers wouldnt get planning permission without it, because it would go against the local planning strategies at the very least, if not central government policy too.

    Now whether whats delivered is much use is a wholly different question,to stating active travel is an element that isn’t covered currently.

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • Dnnnnnn
      October 11, 2023 at 12:27 pm
      0

      Developers will generally do

      Developers will generally do the least possible to get permission (and sometimes actually deliver less than that). It’s not entirely their fault though: it’s also not uncommon to see cycle lanes or decent pavements on new estates leading to an existing main road which is entirely unsuitable for walking or cycling…

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • chrisonabike
        October 11, 2023 at 2:12 pm
        0

        Exactly this.  Councils pass

        Exactly this.  Councils pass the buck.  Developers may see “hurdles to clear” rather than “things which could add value to us”.  Especially if they’ve been granted a nice site in the middle of nowhere, with no plans (or no immediate plans, or coherent ones) to have active travel infra to connect to.

        Likely to remain this way for some time.  OTOH it’s not a given that it should always be this way.  Developers do what is in their financial interest.  (Sometimes applicable to councils too e.g. things not just in the councillors’ financial interest!)  In NL you sometimes see cycle infra go in ahead of the main development.  Like, y’know, roads.

        Log In or Register to post comments
      • brooksby
        October 11, 2023 at 2:37 pm
        0

        Dnnnnnn wrote:

        Developers will generally do the least possible to get permission (and sometimes actually deliver less than that). It’s not entirely their fault though: it’s also not uncommon to see cycle lanes or decent pavements on new estates leading to an existing main road which is entirely unsuitable for walking or cycling…

        — Dnnnnnn

        “Sometimes”? 

        Same as with affordable or social housing, or green space or playgrounds, developers will say whatever it takes to get their planning permission approved and then once they;’ve dug everything up and started building – so its essentially irreversible – they will announce that unless these ‘social’ conditions are removed then they’ll have to walk away and leave the site for now…

        Log In or Register to post comments
        • hawkinspeter
          October 11, 2023 at 2:52 pm
          0

          brooksby wrote:

          Same as with affordable or social housing, or green space or playgrounds, developers will say whatever it takes to get their planning permission approved and then once they;’ve dug everything up and started building – so its essentially irreversible – they will announce that unless these ‘social’ conditions are removed then they’ll have to walk away and leave the site for now…

          — brooksby

          Counter example: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2023/sep/27/london-apartment-block-that-deviates-from-plans-must-be-torn-down-says-council

          Log In or Register to post comments
          • brooksby
            October 11, 2023 at 3:17 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            Same as with affordable or social housing, or green space or playgrounds, developers will say whatever it takes to get their planning permission approved and then once they;’ve dug everything up and started building – so its essentially irreversible – they will announce that unless these ‘social’ conditions are removed then they’ll have to walk away and leave the site for now…

            — hawkinspeter

            Counter example: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2023/sep/27/london-apartment-block-that-deviates-from-plans-must-be-torn-down-says-council

            — brooksby

            I’m afraid that’s a bit of a “Man bites Squirrel” situation, peter.

            It’s only in the news because it is so very unusual…

          • hawkinspeter
            October 11, 2023 at 3:20 pm
            0

            brooksby wrote:

            I’m afraid that’s a bit of a “Man bites Squirrel” situation, peter.

            It’s only in the news because it is so very unusual…

            — brooksby

            Absolutely – that’s why I noticed it in the first place. I wish more councils were willing to flex their power against piss-taking developers.

          • Dnnnnnn
            October 11, 2023 at 3:45 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            I wish more councils were willing to flex their power against piss-taking developers. 

            — hawkinspeter

            Guess who can afford the better consultancy and legal advice….

          • HoldingOn
            October 11, 2023 at 3:45 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            I’m afraid that’s a bit of a “Man bites Squirrel” situation, peter.

            It’s only in the news because it is so very unusual…

            — hawkinspeter

            Absolutely – that’s why I noticed it in the first place. I wish more councils were willing to flex their power against piss-taking developers.

            — brooksby

            Wait – your name is Peter? I though Speter was a small town in England and you were a hawk – hence the squirrel images…..

          • hawkinspeter
            October 11, 2023 at 3:53 pm
            0

            HoldingOn wrote:

            Wait – your name is Peter? I though Speter was a small town in England and you were a hawk – hence the squirrel images…..

            — HoldingOn

            That’s absurd. How could a hawk use a computer?

          • HoldingOn
            October 11, 2023 at 5:22 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            That’s absurd. How could a hawk use a computer?

            — hawkinspeter

            I need to go back through some conversations – the context has definitely changed.

          • hawkinspeter
            October 11, 2023 at 5:25 pm
            0

            HoldingOn wrote:

            I need to go back through some conversations – the context has definitely changed.

            — HoldingOn

            But your name is still “Gon”, right?

          • mark1a
            October 11, 2023 at 5:41 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            I need to go back through some conversations – the context has definitely changed.

            — hawkinspeter

            But your name is still “Gon”, right?

            — HoldingOn

            I thought it was “Hold” from Gon, a small island off the north east coast. 

          • HoldingOn
            October 11, 2023 at 5:55 pm
            0

            mark1a wrote:

            I thought it was “Hold” from Gon, a small island off the north east coast. 

            — mark1a

            Plot twist – its actually No from Gnidloh (the G is silent)

          • Dnnnnnn
            October 11, 2023 at 3:44 pm
            0

            hawkinspeter wrote:

            Counter example: https://www.theguardian.com/global/2023/sep/27/london-apartment-block-that-deviates-from-plans-must-be-torn-down-says-council

            — hawkinspeter

            Those cases are very rare – although so is the scale of the breach. In most cases, it’ll be smaller things that councils can’t or won’t pick a fight over. That one’s also in London, where (often better-resourced) councils will occasionally face down developers in court (see Islington’s Parkhurst Road case, which led to national policy on affordable housing being changed http://www.islingtoncitizen.co.uk/2018/04/30/islington-wins-landmark-court-battle-affordable-homes).

      • stonojnr
        October 11, 2023 at 8:14 pm
        0

        Which ultimately is a
        Which ultimately is a different issue

        Log In or Register to post comments
    • HarrogateSpa
      October 11, 2023 at 4:45 pm
      0

      Come to Harrogate and you’ll

      Come to Harrogate and you’ll see that there is NO useful active travel provision at ANY of the recent housing developments.

      All we get is a token shared use path to nowhere.

      The local authority is totally failing to make worthwhile cycle provision a condition of planning permission.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • stonojnr
        October 11, 2023 at 8:17 pm
        0

        Useful is subjective though,
        Useful is subjective though, what you or I might think is useful is rarely what’s delivered, but were those housing developments subject to any planning conditions involving active travel?

        Log In or Register to post comments
    • Simon E
      October 11, 2023 at 6:16 pm
      0

      stonojnr wrote:

      Every major housing development I’m aware of locally, and its at least 10,000 plus new homes across multiple developments, has had active travel consideration as a planning condition

      — stonojnr

      I bet you don’t live in Shropshire.

      Active travel is anathema to developers and council planners, and councillors* too. Shropshire council can’t even be arsed to try to make kids getting to school safer, never mind grown-ups travelling to work!

      * though this is slowly changing, as the Tory puppets who’ve run it so badly for decades are gradually being replaced by people who seem to actually seem to care, which is a very welcome change.

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • stonojnr
        October 11, 2023 at 8:32 pm
        0

        No I don’t, but as I said all
        No I don’t, but as I said all the housing developments locally near me, alot in majority Tory held council areas, have had active travel considerations enforced as planning constraints on those sites being developed, which were contingent on gaining planning permission.

        Here’s an example https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/asset-library/imported/2020-01-30-s106-ipswich-garden-suburb-henley-gate-16-00608-out-part-5.pdf

        Log In or Register to post comments
  4. Surreyrider
    October 11, 2023 at 1:15 pm
    0

    Apparently the picture in the

    Apparently the picture in the DSM story is of Jacobs Bush. Looks like a cyclist to me. 

    Log In or Register to post comments
  5. a4th
    October 11, 2023 at 1:37 pm
    0

    A lot of recent arrivals at

    A lot of recent arrivals at Cycling UK are linked to CPRE. No organisation has done more to create the housing crisis than CPRE – hope the Cycling UK trustees aren’t going to fall into that trap

    Log In or Register to post comments
  6. kil0ran
    October 11, 2023 at 1:51 pm
    0

    There’s quite a Brit
    There’s quite a Brit production line at DSM – Lewis Askey (still a junior) finished second at Paris Tours last weekend after a 40km mostly solo effort. Even had a French teammate riding on the front to form a break which stayed away once he was caught.

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • Left_is_for_Losers
      October 11, 2023 at 2:13 pm
      0

      kil0ran wrote:

      There’s quite a Brit production line at DSM – Lewis Askey (still a junior) finished second at Paris Tours last weekend after a 40km mostly solo effort. Even had a French teammate riding on the front to form a break which stayed away once he was caught.

      — kil0ran

      Yes and I will remember Onley going coming to the fore when he went toe to toe with Vingegaard last year at the CRO race and so nearly coming out on top. 

      Log In or Register to post comments
  7. Wales56
    October 11, 2023 at 5:53 pm
    0

    Good news Lads, Kier sid
    Good news Peeps , Kier sid Labour are going to Build 17million and six hundredy thousand and 876 houses if they win. CAST IRON GURANTEE. Gets ma vote. His da was a toolmaker. He knows whats hes takin aboot.

    Log In or Register to post comments
  8. Car Delenda Est
    October 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm
    0

    I wouldn’t know if you can
    I wouldn’t know if you can buy speed anymore but I do get it on prescription from the NHS

    Log In or Register to post comments
    • chrisonabike
      October 11, 2023 at 8:33 pm
      0

      Car Delenda Est wrote:

      I wouldn’t know if you can buy speed anymore but I do get it on prescription from the NHS

      — Car Delenda Est

      Trying to understand that… so … do you just sell or not at random, or rigidly stick to a particular decision making process (perhaps stringent background checks like “they actually have the money and aren’t a narc”) ?

      Log In or Register to post comments
      • Car Delenda Est
        October 11, 2023 at 11:47 pm
        0

        I don’t know where you got
        I don’t know where you got the idea I was selling anything.

        It was just a joke about my ADHD meds.

        Log In or Register to post comments
  9. eburtthebike
    October 12, 2023 at 12:09 pm
    0

    Did the Road Safety GB poll,

    I did the Road Safety GB poll, no of course, but they have a text box where you can tell them why you voted that way, so I did:

    “Because everywhere it’s been tried it has been a public health disaster, with an increase in risk and a reduction in the number of cyclists.  Cycle helmets do not reduce the risk of death, and if anything, they increase it.  Have you informed people of these facts before they vote?  If not, this poll has no validity at all: none, zero, zilch, so please don’t present it as such.”

    Just looked that Pawsey’s article and he’s getting a roasting in the comments https://roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/opinion-cycle-helmets-should-be-mandatory-particularly-for-children/

    Log In or Register to post comments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

 

 

Read more...

Lezyne Pro Sensor Pair
Lezyne Pro Sensor Pair
Does the job, but If the Pro Sensor Pair was half the price it would be a lot easier to recommend
review
0
Castelli Espresso 2 Cap Unisex
Castelli Espresso 2 Cap Unisex
Summer cap provides UV protection with impressive wicking and breathability
review
2
“The last lock you’ll ever need”: check out the £180 U-lock that’ll survive 10 angle grinder discs – plus the gravel bike that fits in a suitcase, the bike shoe brand now selling scent and loads more
“The last lock you’ll ever need”: check out the £180 U-lock that’ll survive 10 angle grinder discs – plus the gravel bike that fits in a suitcase, the bike shoe brand now selling scent and loads more
Feedback unveils “the world’s first lightweight and portable air lift bike repair stand”, the fastest gravel wheelset on the market, and more from Ridley, Exposure, Quirk, Assos, Shokz…
tech news
0
Parcours carbon gravel wheels down to just £509 at Sigma Sports, save £132 on the Insta360 GO 3S cycling bundle, half price High5 nutrition + more
Parcours carbon gravel wheels down to just £509 at Sigma Sports, save £132 on the Insta360 GO 3S cycling bundle, half price High5 nutrition + more
This week's cycling deals cover everything from big-ticket upgrades to everyday ride essentials, with savings from Parcours, Insta360, High5, Tredz, Spatzwear, Universal Colours, Cateye and Pro
feature
5
“This has turned my stomach”: Crowdfunder for cyclist knocked off bike in “horrifying unprovoked incident” reaches almost £3,000 as youth charged with assault
“This has turned my stomach”: Crowdfunder for cyclist knocked off bike in “horrifying unprovoked incident” reaches almost £3,000 as youth charged with assault
Locals were horrified by the footage of popular local cyclist Michael - also known as 'Squeaky' - being attacked by a youth riding a mountain bike as another cyclist filmed the incident
news
0
“County lines on wheels?” Ipswich abandons hire e-bikes after ‘safety’ concerns, Bafang launches powerful new motor, 16m micromobility trips in west of England plus more
“County lines on wheels?” Ipswich abandons hire e-bikes after ‘safety’ concerns, Bafang launches powerful new motor, 16m micromobility trips in west of England plus more
We've also heard from an e-cargo bike specialist that reckons 90% of theft attempts were thwarted thanks to its connected technology
feature
5
Camera cyclist Dave Sherry laughed at by GB News presenters for correctly pointing out speed limits do not apply to cyclists during 20mph ‘debate’
Camera cyclist Dave Sherry laughed at by GB News presenters for correctly pointing out speed limits do not apply to cyclists during 20mph ‘debate’
Sherry was mocked mercilessly by the hosts during the segment, in which he was supposed to be debating with the conservative commentator Charles Amos about the proposed introduction of 20mph speed limits in Birmingham
news
46
USWE Race 2.0 2L hydration pack
USWE Race 2.0 2L hydration pack
Superb hydration pack with excellent comfort and a brilliantly designed central clasp closure
review
1

Read more...

Revel Rascal SRAM XO mountain bike
Revel Rascal SRAM XO mountain bike
A fast, agile and lively bike which is a hoot to ride but watch out for the steeps
review
0
Do mountain bikes get more adjustable than this? Rocky Mountain’s Instinct and more from Giant, Tailfin, Insta360 and Cast
Do mountain bikes get more adjustable than this? Rocky Mountain’s Instinct and more from Giant, Tailfin, Insta360 and Cast
feature
0
Coaching is the best money you’ll ever spend on your mountain bike
Coaching is the best money you’ll ever spend on your mountain bike
New bikes are cool and all... but have you thought about investing in the engine that runs them?
blog
2
USWE Race 2.0 2L hydration pack
USWE Race 2.0 2L hydration pack
Superb hydration pack with excellent comfort and a brilliantly designed central clasp closure
review
1
Dunne, not dusted: 2025 world downhill bronze medallist Rónán Dunne on his comeback from big injury
Dunne, not dusted: 2025 world downhill bronze medallist Rónán Dunne on his comeback from big injury
The Irishman had a superb season last year, winning the Les Gets World Cup and taking third in the UCI Downhill World Championships. Things haven’t gone to plan in recent months but he’s back racing and he’s targeting a big end of season
feature
0
Alpinestars’ MotoGP-style airbag technology comes to mountain biking
Alpinestars’ MotoGP-style airbag technology comes to mountain biking
New airbag system claims to provide four-times the protection of standard inserts
tech news
0
British Cycling has finally embraced gravel but is it too late?
British Cycling has finally embraced gravel but is it too late?
Last weekend British Cycling held its first Gravel National Championships but with so many big events already on the calendar, is BC too late to the party?
feature
6
Michelin E-Wild Front Performance Line tyre
Michelin E-Wild Front Performance Line tyre
A tough, confidence-inspiring e-MTB front tyre that balances dependable grip, durability and sensible rolling speed
review
0

Read more...

“County lines on wheels?” Ipswich abandons hire e-bikes after ‘safety’ concerns, Bafang launches powerful new motor, 16m micromobility trips in west of England plus more
“County lines on wheels?” Ipswich abandons hire e-bikes after ‘safety’ concerns, Bafang launches powerful new motor, 16m micromobility trips in west of England plus more
feature
5
E-bike confusion harming shops, as owner claims illegal bike owners “aggressive” when refused service
E-bike confusion harming shops, as owner claims illegal bike owners “aggressive” when refused service
news
19
Blanket e-bike ban from trains and stations will have “devastating impact”, say cycling campaigners – as rail operator refuses to meet with cyclists and share evidence behind “huge backward step”
Blanket e-bike ban from trains and stations will have “devastating impact”, say cycling campaigners – as rail operator refuses to meet with cyclists and share evidence behind “huge backward step”
Cycling UK launches formal complaint over operator's upcoming ban, citing complaints of riders who rely on e-bikes as mobility aids
news
53
Ahooga E-Max Alfine
Ahooga E-Max Alfine
Innovative and functional folder performs very well and should garner a strong following
review
0
Lime disabled in London district after blind resident claimed pavement-blocking e-bikes ‘forced him onto busy road’
Lime disabled in London district after blind resident claimed pavement-blocking e-bikes ‘forced him onto busy road’
Lime apologises and disables e-bikes in Penge after partially sighted residents highlight issues with poor e-bike parking
news
7
FLIT M2i folding e-bike weighs less than a Brompton Electric T Line – and costs half the price
FLIT M2i folding e-bike weighs less than a Brompton Electric T Line – and costs half the price
The 13.3kg Cambridge-built FLIT M2i is “the lightest fully folding premium e-bike” and is priced at £2,999
tech news
1
Gtechniq has Gore-Tex set in its sights as brand unveils ‘next-generation’ PFAS-free Fabric Proof
Gtechniq has Gore-Tex set in its sights as brand unveils ‘next-generation’ PFAS-free Fabric Proof
Fresh DWR spray promises high abrasion resistance, greater longevity and easy installation without forever chemicals
tech news
1
Police sergeant claims “under current legislation e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles” after targeted crackdown on illegal “nuisance” vehicles
Police sergeant claims “under current legislation e-bikes are deemed to be motor vehicles” after targeted crackdown on illegal “nuisance” vehicles
When approached by road.cc for comment, the sergeant clarified that “some e-bikes should be regarded as motor vehicles and hence require insurance and tax”
news
22

Latest Comments

mdavidford 13 minutes ago

Interesting counterpoint to the 'hire bike menace' narrative (obviously with the caveat that the report authors have a vested interest in selling the benefits, but...) Appears hire bike schemes go some way to addressing the cycling gender imbalance and, given the point about parking immediately outside the destination, dockless schemes particularly so. https://micromobilitybiz.com/forest-report-finds-shared-e-bikes-are-helping-close-london-cycling-gender-gap/

in: “County lines on wheels?” Ipswich abandons hire e-bikes after ‘safety’ concerns, Bafang launches powerful new motor, 16m micromobility trips in west of England plus more
60somethingcyclist 16 hours ago

@chrisonabike True, things went back to normal once the pandemic was over. In this case, however the problems are still ongoing, and aren't likely to be resolved in the near future. If anything, they're going to get worse. Food shortages are predicted because of the effect that the heatwave has had on crops. This is bound to push prices up. The Straits of Hormuz aren't likely to reopen anytime soon and the strategic oil reserves are running low. Russia is having to import petrol because its own refineries have been badly hit, so that's even more competition for an even more scarce resource. I think that more and more people are going to see cycling as a way of cutting household bills.

in: “Urgent need for stronger action”: Extreme heatwaves prompt fresh calls for UK government to prioritise cycling for short journeys
chrisonabike 17 hours ago

I think if "grown up" cyclists * are quibbling about ASLs we've very much missed the road safety point anyway. (Not to mention the wider "better transport choices" picture). ASLs are poor-to-useless "cycling infra", even for their design intent. If the idea is "for less confident cyclists" then a design that requires that you re-position in front of the motor traffic - waiting to accelerate - seems unhelpful. Of course they're only designed to help when traffic is stopped, and you can reach the front in time and if vehicles aren't already occupying them. As we're noting here drivers frequently ignore them - whether that be deliberate, a lack of road craft, because they were concentrating on following the vehicle in front, or because the paint has rubbed off. * Aside: shouldn't cycling also be safe and accessible for kids? Or should they only be allowed to do this when accompanied by sufficient qualified adults? Or be limited to parks and otherwise being driven around by their carers? Perhaps there is another way...?

in: Camera cyclist Dave Sherry laughed at by GB News presenters for correctly pointing out speed limits do not apply to cyclists during 20mph ‘debate’
Ben Graham 19 hours ago

Hi Bungle, I saw you follow-up comment. I can't imaging there's a tolerance of 4 seconds on camera enforced lights, seems an odd decision - an offence is committed if a vehicle starts crossing on a red, any tolerance is discretionary. There does seem to be some odd thinking about 'advanced stop lines' where the rules relating to them are identical to a regular stop line, as explained correctly elsewhere in the Highway Code. It does seem a regular offence. Where I live it doesn't help that some of them are very faint and disappear in rain.

in: Camera cyclist Dave Sherry laughed at by GB News presenters for correctly pointing out speed limits do not apply to cyclists during 20mph ‘debate’
Rendel Harris 19 hours ago

@ktache Not sure he's totally ruled out of the worlds yet (though I think it would be best if he doesn't), normal recovery time is about eight weeks but surgery can halve that...depending on the nature of the break he could be just about fit to ride by the time of the elite men's race, but he'll have missed a lot of training. Hopefully his managers and team will persuade him to wait until Lombardia, if not just to knock it off for the rest of the year.

in: “Impressively dumb” narrow cycle lane criticised as “box ticking exercise” after repainted lane barely covers double yellow lines; Steep gravel climb awaits Vuelta peloton + more on the live blog
Rendel Harris 20 hours ago

@Bungle_52 The Met told me a couple of years ago when rejecting a submission that they needed a clear three seconds of red visible before they would consider it for an RLJ prosecution. I pointed out to them that this meant that at 30 mph a driver could see a light change to red from 40 metres away and still get through without sanction, or 55 m if they accelerated to 40 as most do. They just replied "them's our rules..."

in: Camera cyclist Dave Sherry laughed at by GB News presenters for correctly pointing out speed limits do not apply to cyclists during 20mph ‘debate’
Bungle_52 21 hours ago

@Ben Graham I have just checked the footage from my report. The driver crosses the 1st stop line 4 seconds after the light turns red. All on camera from behind the vehicle. No further action. So I assume the margin is at least 4 seconds.

in: Camera cyclist Dave Sherry laughed at by GB News presenters for correctly pointing out speed limits do not apply to cyclists during 20mph ‘debate’
chrisonabike 21 hours ago

Oh, and active travel funding per head (in England at least) is laughable compared to other places. Plus it is delivered intermittently. It's more like a Blue Peter contest...

in: “Impressively dumb” narrow cycle lane criticised as “box ticking exercise” after repainted lane barely covers double yellow lines; Steep gravel climb awaits Vuelta peloton + more on the live blog
chrisonabike 21 hours ago

Yup, I see those opportunities being missed all the time in Edinburgh. When it gets really bad, dig it all up and put it back down again how it was. Contrast with what seems to happen in NL - when things are dug up the whole thing seems to get a "let's redo this according to the current standards" treatment. They even coordinate with the utilities, so that after a refurb the street isn't immediately dug up again because of leaking pipes / we suddenly realised the new estate being planned for round the corner will want broadband etc. Pros and cons of course - you may wait longer there for changes as smaller changes may be deferred until a major redo is due. (Though in the UK case you likely wouldn't get them at all...) It seems we "can't have nice things" in the UK in part because a) we have greater motor traffic speeds/volumes spead across "streets" / within urban areas b) the funding and organisational responsibility differs. Are we in the "Sam Vimes boots" territory (being too poor to afford better products which not only save money over time but actually work)? There is long term money pressure on LAs and it seems that due to poor construction and maintenance we have to regularly pour money into (pot-)holes in the road. And it seems there's no budget to check up on or enforce adequate standards from utilities work or even private building.

in: “Impressively dumb” narrow cycle lane criticised as “box ticking exercise” after repainted lane barely covers double yellow lines; Steep gravel climb awaits Vuelta peloton + more on the live blog
ktache 22 hours ago

Shame about the world champs defence. Speedy recovery. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/30/tadej-pogacar-vuelta-a-espana-cycling-crash-hospital-stage-nine

in: “Impressively dumb” narrow cycle lane criticised as “box ticking exercise” after repainted lane barely covers double yellow lines; Steep gravel climb awaits Vuelta peloton + more on the live blog

Most Popular News

1. “This has turned my stomach”: Crowdfunder for cyclist knocked off bike in “horrifying unprovoked incident” reaches almost £3,000 as youth charged with assault

2. Camera cyclist Dave Sherry laughed at by GB News presenters for correctly pointing out speed limits do not apply to cyclists during 20mph ‘debate’

3. “Officials who should know better, don’t”: Sadiq Khan criticised for describing electric police motorbikes as “e-bikes” as BBC amends misleading headline; ’50km climb’ awaits Vuelta peloton in finale

4. SUV driver arrested after swerving into cyclists and firing gun in shocking US road rage attack

5. E-bike confusion harming shops, as owner claims illegal bike owners “aggressive” when refused service

6. Tacks reportedly found on final fast descent of Vuelta a España stage, sparking safety concerns

7. Invest £30 million in safe cycling schemes to leave lasting legacy for British Tour de France Grands Départs, prime minister told

8. “Impressively dumb” narrow cycle lane criticised as “box ticking exercise” after repainted lane barely covers double yellow lines; Steep gravel climb awaits Vuelta peloton + more on the live blog

Award-winning cycling news, reviews and buying advice

QUICK LINKS

  • About us
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Buyers Guides
  • Features
  • Tech
  • Forum
  • Opinion
  • Podcast
  • Recommends
  • Shop
  • Bicycle Insurance

FOLLOW US ON

preferred-google-button
rcc-facebook
rcc-youtube
rcc-insta
rcc-threads
rcc-bluesky
rcc-whatsapp
rcc-rss

Our Websites

GET IN TOUCH

Editorial, general: info@road.cc
Tech, reviews: tech@road.cc
Advertising, commercial: sales@fat.digital
View our media pack

Privacy policy

Support us

Subscribe

All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use

offroad_logo
Mountain bike and gravel cycling reviews, news and advice

QUICK LINKS

  • About us
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Buyers Guides
  • Features
  • Trail Guides
  • Blog

FOLLOW US ON

rcc-facebook
rcc-youtube
rcc-insta
rcc-threads
rcc-bluesky
rcc-rss

Our Websites

roadcc-logo

GET IN TOUCH

Editorial, tech and reviews: info@off.road.cc
Advertising, commercial: sales@fat.digital
View our media pack

Privacy policy

Support us

Subscribe

All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use

Electric bike reviews, news and advice

QUICK LINKS

  • About us
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Buyers Guides
  • Features
  • Blog

FOLLOW US ON

rcc-facebook
rcc-youtube
rcc-insta
rcc-threads
rcc-bluesky
rcc-rss

Our Websites

roadcc-logo

GET IN TOUCH

Editorial, tech and reviews: info@ebiketips.road.cc
Advertising, commercial: sales@fat.digital
View our media pack

Privacy policy

Support us

Subscribe

All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use