Business group say they have “significant” evidence of town centre cycling that “feels dangerous” as they lobby for ban; Bahrain Victorious rider suspended for anti-doping violation; Sarah Ruggins’ latest challenge + more on the live blog
Grumbling Spaldonians
Not the name of a 19th century F.A. Cup winner, but the term I’ve just invented to describe the the residents of a Lincolnshire village unhappy with people moving efficiently and environmentally-consciously through their town.
A few weeks ago, Ryan wrote a good summary of the story, outlining how South Holland District Council have a Public Space Protection Order to renew shortly, but that the Spalding Business Improvement District (BID) are putting together evidence that “dangerous cycling” in the town centre justifies a complete ban on cycling in the town centre.
Ryan also explained how, facing a shortage of evidence, the BID had launched a consultation as a call for evidence. Well, two weeks later, has it worked?
“We received what we expected to receive – which was an overwhelming number of people who not only said ‘please stop it’ but also shared their personal stories of fear.” BID manager Sarah Fletcher told LincsOnline.
“We want people to feel safe and not worry about coming out of the shop and being hit by a bike because it’s cycling illegally on the pavement.”
Indeed, don’t we all? But it seems ambitious to presume that the solution to cyclists breaking a law is to impose another law. There’s a metaphor involving a nut and a sledgehammer that comes to mind.
But also, a quick look at the streets of Spalding are quite revealing in themself.
Very narrow streets, low kerbs. No wonder they need double yellow lines. I’d be inclined to suggest that from a safety perspective, pedestrianisation might be the better option, though that doesn’t seem particularly appealing for the BID. Or of course, safe, protected cycle infrastructure, but baby steps.
LincsOnline also say that the BID’s findings have been submitted to Lincolnshire Police, South Holland District Council’s Community Safety Team, Lincolnshire County Council’s Active Travel Team and secondary schools in the town with a view to using the evidence when the local council renew the Public Space Protection Order later this year.
Whether the Conservative-led council choose to follow the BID’s recommendations remains to be seen, though we’re fearing the worst…
Mayor seeks legal advice over merseyrail e-bike ban
The story won’t go away. Merseyrail’s incoming blanket ban on non-folding e-bikes has faced consternation, protests and might soon face a legal review. Here’s what Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said yesterday about the ban. Suffice to say he sounds dismayed…
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Banning charging the lithium batteries seems a suitable compromise that provides all the insurance/liability cover the rail operator could want. Besides, as pointed out by the host, Tony Snell, that’s hardly a common sight.
And whilst we’re normally a little cynical towards consultations, pausing the incoming ban would only be a good thing…
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@chrisonabike Not quite the full picture Chris, yes he does appear to be motivated by his father for the changes to social care, just as Cameron was motivated, or claimed to be, by having a severely disabled son, but there are plenty of "big changes being mooted" that have nothing to do with that, I don't think he's mulling over rejoining Europe or introducing proportional representation because of dad!
How did the judge manage to keep a straight face when sentencing Agunenye? 14 months in prison suspended for 12 months, so he only has to behave himself for less time than the actual length of the prison sentence to avoid activating it? Surely any suspended sentence should have a period of suspension at least as long as the sentence itself?
Whilst I don't doubt, and empirical observation supports, the fact that more mechanics are needed, are there really 120 million Europeans who cycle less because they can't get their bikes serviced and 7 million who have given up cycling entirely because of the lack of mechanics? That sounds more like the sort of thing people would say in a survey as an excuse for not cycling as much as they feel they should rather than solid evidence. In my experience if people actually like cycling they will go further afield to find a mechanic if a repair is needed, learn to fix it themselves or get a mate (usually me!) who knows a little bit about bikes to help. It's only a hunch but I suspect that people who say they don't cycle because they can't find a mechanic would probably find another excuse not to cycle if that one wasn't available.
To be fair, the money went down the drain when they unilaterally put it in without proper consultation.
@eburtthebike The irony of that video starting with “this contains distressing content” and the pathetic sentence handed down is unbelievable. This guy did not forget, he was negligent.
@eburtthebike RE legal reviews etc let's hope Andy Burnam's dad was also a (transport) cyclist... (That seems to be the story for any big changes being mooted - not making judgements on sincerity etc).
wait until cyclists try riding through pedestrians on Oxford street, there will be far more confrontations....I ride it regularly as a 'sharpener' and for a buzz...trains focus and wider attention if you want to make progress, braking, stop start and general handling. then makes the rest of london feel much easier
10 £grand for a bicycle is just pathetic.
@captain_slog the better half, for a birthday a while back, got me a brevet merino jersey, with wind proofing on the chest and front of arms. It's wonderful.
Why, well just for example I've seen too many 'KoMs' belonging to someone who has no followers, who follows no-one, who pootles round at 20kph except for one hill which they zoomed up. That's obviously an ebike phenom which perhaps Strava is stripping out these days. The people I know who get real KoMs ride fast and are well connected.