“People don’t want to leave a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike”: Businesses call for town centre cycle ban, despite “insufficient evidence” of dangerous cycling; YouTube coverage for Tour of Britain Women + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
“People don’t want to leave a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike”: Businesses call for town centre cycle ban, despite “insufficient evidence” of dangerous cycling
It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve discussed town centre cycling bans. They were all the rage for a spell in 2024 and 2025, but things have gone – mercifully – quiet on the PSPO front in recent months.
And that’s where the Spalding Business Improvement District comes in. Because this week, the Lincolnshire market town’s BID has called on residents and traders to provide evidence of “persistent” dangerous cycling in Spalding’s centre, in a bid to convince the local council to implement a bike ban.
The move comes as South Holland District Council prepares to renew its Public Space Protection Order later this year. As part of their response to the local authority’s consultation on the PSPO, Spalding BID requested that a restriction on cycling in the town centre be considered.
According to the BID, “careless” cycling is rampant in Spalding, with people on bikes allegedly speeding, cutting corners, almost hitting pedestrians, and negatively impacting trade at certain parts of the day.
However, the council told the group that there “is currently insufficient evidence to support” a cycling ban in Spalding. So, the BID is now on the hunt to dig out that evidence.
“If you have experienced problems with cyclists in the town centre, we want to hear from you,” the group said in a social media post.
“We’re particularly looking for evidence of: collisions, near misses, or injuries; vulnerable pedestrians being placed at risk; evidence that the issue is persistent and ongoing, rather than isolated incidents; and experiences and statements from businesses, residents, disability groups, and other stakeholders about the impact.”
Anyone with evidence of dangerous or careless cycling in Spalding has been asked to contact the BID by email or through social media, or attend a meeting in person at Hall Place next Tuesday.
“The more evidence we can gather, the stronger our case will be when we ask for action,” the group said.
“If you’ve experienced it, tell us. If you’ve witnessed it, tell us. If it’s affecting your business or making you feel unsafe in the town centre, we want to hear from you.”
I’ve had a scroll through some of the comments under the BID’s social media posts and, to be honest, it seems Spalding’s residents are more concerned about street drinkers and drug users than they are cyclists.
Nevertheless, the BID’s manager Sam Fletcher told LincsOnline this week that many residents are “fearful” of coming into town, thanks to people on bikes riding through it.
“We don’t want to discourage cycling – I am a cyclist myself – and there are some extremely responsible cyclists out there,” she said.
“This is about appropriate cycling in the right places and respecting that there are people walking around our town centre who don’t want to come out of a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike.
“We want people to feel that they can come into town and feel safe and happy. We don’t want anyone to be seriously hurt.
“I’m not saying there is a simple solution, but if the town feels safer, people will be more willing to visit.”
Fletcher added that if the group’s evidence-finding mission discovers that residents and businesses do not want a bike ban in Spalding, the suggestion would not go any further.
In case, you’re wondering why Spalding rings a bell, the Lincolnshire market town isn’t new to a safe cycling row.
In March, Spalding Academy said it will sanction students flouting road safety rules, after anonymous locals complained that young people on bikes are jumping red lights, “running into pedestrians”, and causing motorists to “brake sharply” in the town centre.
However, cycling campaigners in the town responded to the claims by urging parents to set a better example when driving to school, criticising the “angry, intolerant” nature of the UK’s roads.
And in January, a Reform UK councillor told cyclists to “take their own responsibility” for their safety on Spalding’s roads, as a campaign was launched in the town, featuring support from Halfords and the local police, urging people on bikes to wear hi-vis clothing and use front and rear lights.
“Why can’t we have both events on ITV? I’m sick of women’s events being sidelined”: Tour of Britain Women “more accessible than ever”, say organisers after live YouTube coverage and ITV highlights announced
The Tour of Britain Women gets underway tomorrow in Cockermouth (how is it starting already? My post-Tour de France hangover hasn’t worn off yet), kicking off a fun few weeks of late-summer racing on British roads.
This year’s edition looks set to be a cracker once again, as big names like Lorena Wiebes, Kim Le Court, and Lotte Kopecky swap the heat of France for the UK’s grey skies and (thankfully) milder temperatures, and an attack and ambush-friendly route.
And, to add to the excitement, the race will be available to watch for free! Well, on YouTube, anyway.
Yesterday evening, British Cycling announced that highlights of all five stages of the ToBW will be broadcast every day on ITV4 and ITVX, while a “dedicated live stream” will be available on TNT Sports (behind its hefty paywall) and for free on the Lloyds Tour of Britain YouTube channel.
The men’s race, however, which takes place between 2 and 6 September, will see live coverage of stages one to four broadcast on ITV4 (the fifth and final stage will be available through ITVX), along with the usual ITV4 highlights package and YouTube streaming.
“We are pleased to be bringing free-to-air coverage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain to audiences across the UK as we work with our broadcast partners ITV and TNT Sports,” Darren Henry, the managing director of British Cycling Ventures, said in a statement.
“The expanded coverage increases visibility for riders, teams host locations and partners, and further strengthens the Lloyds Tour of Britain as one of the UK’s leading sporting properties.
“We want to bring the UK’s premier cycling races to as many people as possible, so we are thrilled to be giving fans more ways to experience the joy of cycling whether they are in their homes, on the move or on catch-up, whenever is convenient.
“By working with several broadcast partners globally to bring both Tours to a wider international audience, we are reaching more sport fans than ever before across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
“It is a huge opportunity to showcase the brilliant racing from the riders and teams at the internationally renowned event, as well as showing the best that Britain has to offer with the incredible backdrops across all ten stages.”
Meanwhile, Niall Sloane, ITV’s Director of Sport, said: “ITV Sport’s impressive year of free-to-air sport continues this autumn as we broadcast the 2026 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women and Men across ITV and ITVX.
“We are providing a full broadcast package to our audience with the live races as well as highlights of the competition, showcasing the very best international cyclists across the Tours for our audience to enjoy.”
While ITV are boasting about their “full broadcast package”, some fans aren’t happy that the women’s race will only be available to watch live, for free, on YouTube.
“Why can’t we have both events on ITV? I’m sick of women’s events being sidelined,” Jean said on Facebook.
However, it appears the majority of ToB watchers are just happy they can tune in at all without forking out £31 a month.
“Thanks for putting it on YouTube. At least I know I can watch it live somehow,” wrote Mandie.
Although I imagine some younger relatives may have to be roped in to set up this new-fangled YouTube business for those of an older disposition.
“I do not understand YouTube channels. Can I watch it on my TV or do I have to watch on a computer?” asked on viewer on the Tour of Britain’s post.
How’d you spend your summer holidays, kids?
Tadej Pogačar to sit down with UAE Team Emirates for fresh contract talks ahead of the Vuelta, reports Daniel Benson
A few days after La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that he’s earning a whopping €13 million this year, Tadej Pogačar could be set for another huge financial windfall ahead of his long-awaited return to the Vuelta.
The world champion is set to make his first appearance at the Spanish grand tour – which kicks off in his adopted hometown of Monaco on Saturday – since he stormed to three stage wins and a podium place back in 2019, when he was a fresh-faced 20-year-old making his three-week debut.
But first up, Pogačar will be sitting down with his agent Alex Carera, UAE Team Emirates general manager Mauro Gianetti, and team president Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni Al Dhaheri for talks over a possible one-year contract extension, Daniel Benson’s Substack reports.
The five-time Tour winner’s current deal runs until 2030, prompting some speculation that he might retire at the end of that contract. However, according to the ever-reliable Benson, a face-to-face meeting over a one-year extension will take place on Friday in Monaco (though Carera quashed earlier rumours that an extra two years had been agreed).
“We have a meeting with the team president and Gianetti this week. Tadej is happy, but there are some points, and it’s not about money. We’re going to talk about 2031. We want to talk about some special clauses, and we’ll talk face-to-face, not on the phone, ahead of the Vuelta. We have the idea of extending the contract,” Carera told Benson.
According to cycling’s transfer specialist, those “special clauses” may relate to bonuses, image rights, race schedules, and even the possibility of a private jet to and from races. Oh, how the other half live.
On the market for a 115-year-old bike that’s the same price as a fancy modern road bike? You’re in luck
Our resident off-road expert Liam Mercer, a big auctions fan, spotted this beauty while perusing the latest batch of collectibles for sale:
First produced in 1910, Labor’s Tour de France model – which to the best of my knowledge was never actually raced at the Grande Boucle – features a single-blade front fork and single-sided stays (how very 1990s).
And it can be yours for the low, low price of €4,761 (around £4,000), about the same price as the Cannondale Synapse Carbon 4, or the £700 more than the Fairlight Strael 4.0 which won our bike of the year.
Quick, someone give Ned Boulting a call…
Racing round-up: Isidore hits the big time with first pro win and Balsamo batters the Belgian cobbles for confidence-boosting victory
While we patiently wait for the Tour of Britain and the Vuelta – the main courses of the cycling later summer – to get underway, we were treated to a few amuse-bouches this afternoon in France and Belgium.
At the Tour du Limousin, Decathlon’s latest young hopeful Noa Isidore sprinted to the first victory of his promising career on stage one in Dun-le-Palestel, easily seeing off Daan Depuyt after a perfect lead-out from his team:
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And at the Egmont Cycling Race, Elisa Balsamo put the finishing touches on an aggressive, attacking ride from her Lidl-Trek team over the cobbles and bergs around Zottegem, bursting off her teammate Lucinda Brand’s wheel to take a convincing win ahead of Hélène Hesters and Solbjørk Minke Anderson, the former world champion’s first taste of success since the Giro at the start of June:
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Looking to waste four hours of your life you’ll never get back? Why not try breaking the 100-mile Regent’s Park KOM?
This is exactly the sort of thing I’m talking about when I say Strava should be banned.
Last Thursday, former Saint Piran racer Jacob Crossley could have enjoyed a nice, relaxing morning on the bike, riding out into the countryside, maybe stopping for a coffee and a piece of cake somewhere.
Instead, he got up at 3am and decided to flog himself around Regent’s Park for 100 miles, just to eclipse a longstanding Strava record (which has stood for nine years for a reason, I suppose).
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Like, I mean, fair play. It’s a hell of a ride. But I couldn’t think of much worse, and all for a KOM. Am I on my own with this one?
Move over Sagrada Família… The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to stage and produce opening ceremony ahead of 2027 Tour de France team presentation
So, it looks like Edinburgh took one look at this year’s Barcelona Grand Départ, gazed up at the dramatic backdrop of the Sagrada Família, watched the dance troupes and unicyclists and thought: ‘Hold my bagpipes’.
Because, when the Tour de France makes its way to Edinburgh next summer, cycling’s biggest race is going to get the full Scottish treatment.
This morning, the organisers of the 2027 GB Grand Départ announced that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – that annual event showcasing traditional music, dance, and “military precision” in the grounds of Edinburgh Castle – has been appointed to open next year’s team presentation.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will stage and produce an opening ceremony to kick off the Tour festivities ahead of the team presentation, which will be held on Wednesday 30 June in Edinburgh Castle’s Esplanade, two days before the race starts on Friday 2 July.
The ceremony, the organisers say, will feature the cultures of all three nations that the GB Grand Départ will pass through (Scotland, England, and Wales), along with a traditional Highland welcome, massed pipes and drums, and “cultural showcases celebrating the best of Britain and France”.
A bespoke song penned by Angus MacPhail of the traditional Scottish band Skippinish, especially for the Tour, will also be heard by the 8,500 fans in attendance at the castle, while thousands more are expected to line up along the Royal Mile ahead of the team presentation.
“The Grand Départ is always a celebration of sport, culture, and community, and the 2027 edition promises to be something truly special,” the GB start’s managing director Paul Bush said in a statement.
“Partnering with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to deliver the Presentation of Riders Ceremony allows us to begin the Grand Départ celebrations on a stage unlike any other, in a way that honours British traditions, while sharing our creativity and spirit with the world.
“The Tattoo’s ability to create unforgettable large-scale performances will give the riders, and millions of fans, an opening that sets the tone for the entire Grand Départ and will be remembered long after the peloton has crossed the finish line in Paris.”
Jason Barrett, the chief executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, also said: “We are thrilled to bring the artistry and energy of the Tattoo to the Riders Presentation Ceremony on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade next year. This event is not only a chance to showcase the United Kingdom and Scotland to a global audience, honour the athletes, and inspire millions, it’s also a celebration of our ability to adapt and innovate.
“For over seventy-five years, the Tattoo has delivered unforgettable performances rooted in Scottish tradition, but this marks an exciting new chapter as we expand our production portfolio into other iconic major international events.
“By partnering with the Tour de France, two globally recognised national brands on a world stage, we are creating an experience that will resonate far beyond Edinburgh, leaving a legacy for audiences both at home and abroad.”
Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, the Tour de France, drums and bagpipes, what’s not to love? Alright, maybe the bagpipes…
Fundraiser for young Welsh cyclists in memory of Fin Tarling surpasses £50,000 mark
The GoFundMe page set up in memory of Finlay Tarling, tragically killed by a van driver during last week’s Volta a Portugal, passed the £50,000 mark this morning.
In the last half an hour, SD Worx duo Lorena Weibes and Mischa Bredewold were among the names contributing to the fund, which sits at £51,945 at the time of this blog post.
Created by Fin’s agent James Barlow, a friend of the Tarling family, the GoFundMe page aims to raise money that will be used to support young cyclists in Wales, as a legacy project in honour of the 19-year-old.
“Finlay was an exceptionally talented cyclist with a bright future ahead of him, as well as a beloved son, brother, grandson, loyal friend and teammate, and an outstanding young man in every respect,” Barlow wrote on the page.
“Fin’s happy place was on his bike — whether on the track, at a local club 10, on the West Wales home roads, or racing internationally. His smile was known far and wide and always lifted those around him.
“This fund can hopefully serve as part of a legacy project providing an opportunity to help future generations of young Welsh riders discover the freedom and confidence that a bike can give a child.
“We hope it can also bring some small measure of comfort and peace to Dawn, Michael and Josh, as well as to his extended family and loved ones.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
No show Nairo: Quintana misses out on Vuelta send-off as Movistar name squad for Spanish grand tour
It’s a sad day for cycling fans of a certain age, following the news that Nairo Quintana won’t get to enjoy one last grand tour before retirement, after missing out on Movistar’s Vuelta squad.
The 36-year-old, who won the Vuelta back in 2016, is set to retire at the end of the season and has been in decent form in recent weeks, finishing 18th at the Vuelta a Burgos at the start of August.
However, that, along with a wave of sentimental nostalgia, wasn’t enough to earn Quintana a spot on Movistar’s team for the Spanish grand tour.
Instead, the team’s two-pronged leadership of Cian Uijtdebroeks and Enric Mas will be supported by Iván Romeo, Carlos Canal, Jorge Arcas, Raúl García Pierna, Pablo Castrillo, and Orluis Aular, the Venezuelan sprinter reportedly getting the nod in favour of Quintana.
The decision to omit the Colombian climber, despite Quintana undertaking a 10-day training camp in the build-up to the Vuelta, was apparently made by Movistar head honcho Eusebio Unzué.
Quintana was planning on ending his career at the Vuelta, but could instead bow out at next month’s world championships in Canada.
Is this the UK’s first ever 15mph cycling speed limit (like the Telegraph claims)? Not quite…
Tour of Britain Women partners with Elixirr and Velon to broadcast live rider data during TV coverage
In a bid to give you more bang for your YouTube buck (possibly), the Tour of Britain Women has announced that its TV coverage will feature live rider data, a first for a women’s WorldTour stage race.
The data will be provided thanks to the race’s new deal with ‘race insight partner’ Elixirr and cycling tech and media company Velon.
A live rider performance data feed will used during both the women’s and men’s races, “delivering deeper insights into the action as it unfolds”, the organisers say, “enhancing the viewing experience” by providing more insight into the metrics of individual riders’ performances.
Performance data graphics and on-board footage, captured by Velon, will also be shared on social media.
“We are delighted to welcome Velon to the Lloyds Tour of Britain. Through our partnership with Velon and Elixirr, fans will enjoy a richer viewing experience, with access to live rider data and unique performance insight across both races,” Jonathan Day, British Cycling Ventures’ director of events, said today.
“The transmission of live rider performance data at a women’s WorldTour stage race for the first time is a significant milestone, and reflects our shared commitment to use innovation to elevate women’s sport.
“We look forward to working with Velon and Elixirr to deliver an even more immersive Lloyds Tour of Britain for fans, teams, and riders alike.”
Cyclists versus Karens, Alamo edition
This clip, which was just spat out by the algorithm on my Instagram feed, raises an important, existential question: Is holding a bike above your head at a battle site disrespectful?
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You can’t accuse this live blog of not asking the big questions…
Matthew Brennan confirmed for grand tour debut at Vuelta a España, as Sepp Kuss completes 2026 three-week triple
Finally, grand tours are ready for Matthew Brennan.
After his breakout 2025 campaign, the Darlington dynamo’s seemingly inexorable rise to the top of the cycling world has continued this season, as Brennan picked up his first Belgian classics win at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, nabbed a stage at the Tour Down Under, and secured three sprint wins at the Flèche du Sud and two at this month’s Vuelta a Burgos.
That form has earned the 21-year-old a spot in Visma-Lease a Bike’s team for the Vuelta a España, which starts on Saturday in Monaco (of all places), as Brennan heads into the world of grand tour racing for the first time in his precocious career.
Brennan will be joined in Spain (and the south of France) by fellow Brit Ben Tullet, the duo forming part of what looks set to be a stage-hunting Visma squad, in the absence of Jonas Vingegaard.
Paris-Roubaix winner Wout van Aert, refreshed and recharged after an elbow injury ruled him out of the Tour de France, will spearhead that hunt, alongside Brennan, while Christophe Laporte will also add some heavy-duty artillery to Visma’s attack on the flat and rolling days.
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Steven Kruijswijk, Bruno Amirail, and Jørgen Nordhagen will also be free at times to ride for themselves (when Tadej Pogačar isn’t busy winning every stage he can, that is).
Of course, in Sepp Kuss, Visma’s line-up does consist of a former Vuelta winner. But the American is set to start his third grand tour of the year after riding both the Giro and the Tour, so maybe temper those GC Kuss expectations just a touch.
In any case, judging by their poker-themed Instagram announcement, I reckon Visma will be heading into this year’s Vuelta – a race where Pogi is expected to be the king – keen to play the role of the jokers in the pack. And I think that’ll suit them just fine. I’ll get my coat…
Spot the difference
Hey @dubcitycouncil.bsky.social, are you listening?
Every cycle lane you’ve built in Dublin in the past five years is too narrow.— This will all end in tears… (@rvallenduuk.bsky.social) August 17, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Do you need a new door, but all you’ve got is a pile of expensive bike frames in your shed? Well, we have just the solution for you…
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Nice to see a Trek being put to good use… What, too harsh?
“Bike graveyard 50 feet below the Thames… almost as many as in the river”: Lime Bike parking controversy, #428: Tunnel edition
Cue the Jam’s ‘Going Underground’…
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“Illegal e-bikes that can reach dangerous speeds have no place on our roads and pavements, and the rise in seizures shows the scale of the problem police are dealing with”
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@mjc2669 Also agreed, I also bought a pair of Prime Doyenne 50mm and they were an affordable upgrade for my affordable bike. So, like many other posters, didn't really understand the purpose of the article.
@kingleo Yes it is, because that counts as being in the act of crossing, but not if they are just waiting.
@kingleo That's what I was taught as driver, fifty years ago. You don't have to stop unless they put a toe on the crossing. It's not changed.
Er, that is a digital caliper.
@chrisonabike 'Traffic in Towns' or the Buchanan Report 1963, forecast everything that's happening now. More roads, more traffic, so we need more roads so we get more traffic, so we need more roads................ The essential futility of building more roads has been apparent for over sixty years, but some people still see it as 'the' answer.
Erm, I think the 'paid promotion' banner at the top should have been a bit of a giveaway that wasn't a likely direction.
@Rendel Harris, if a pedestrian puts a foot on the crossing, the cyclists have to stop. Is that correct?
Agreed.. I thought we would get an article looking at the benefits Vs safety risks of the sub £500 Chinese carbon wheels.. at £1200 we are in the branded bracket. I've got a set of prime branded 50mm wheels from Wiggle that cost £200 (RRP £500 I think) in the wiggle closing down sale.. they have been faultless. I've no doubt some of the cheaper Chinese wheels would be just as good. I need a set for my gravel / winter bike.. it's just the service/spares issue making me think twice about some unbranded hoops. Will probably go with whatever Luke from Trace Vello recommends / has tested at the time.
@Smoggysteve While I follow that not all parts are equal, there are also lots of really good Chinese wheelsets, some of them using hubs from well known brands, and being much cheaper at the same time. (And there are also good Chinese and Taiwanese hubs out there.) Personally, I think "Where is that extra money going? its the hubs." is the wrong conclusion. Wheelsets with similar components can still have a huge price difference. And manufacturers buy components against OEM prices, usually with an extra discount when they buy in bulk . Well, then, where does the extra money go? Many extra costs are possible: the profit of the contracted factory that makes the rims or even the entire wheels; potentially higher production standards and better QA; profits for shops and middle-men; extra logistics; marketing/PR/sponsoring; extra R&D; covering for warranty cases and customer service; a boatful of middle-managers; extra profits for shareholders...
29 thoughts on ““People don’t want to leave a shop feeling like somebody is about to hit them with a bike”: Businesses call for town centre cycle ban, despite “insufficient evidence” of dangerous cycling; YouTube coverage for Tour of Britain Women + more on the live blog”
“We don’t want to discourage cycling – I am a cyclist myself………,” she said.
Busted.
Yes – they look like the sort she’d be worried about.
Or these
Topping the bill is David Argue. A perfect name for a reckless rebellious BMX cyclist.
No doubt, he got the girl when she realised there was a complex, deep thinking, kind person behind that wheelieing, skid to a halt, brash, devil may care exterior.
The closing scene. The girl has just revealed that to DA’s character that she is expecting his baby.
“But your parents hate me. I’m from the wrong end of town.”
“No, they will grow to accept you into the family when they know you like I do!”
“I need to prove myself. I’ve gotta do the BMX jump over the HV substation ”
“No, don’t! Our baby needs it’s father.”
“I gotta hit the pedals. See you on the other side honey.”
The final shot is of the girl’s parents sitting in their drawing room, listening to Pucini’s Senza Mamma, while sipping a dry sherry. The lights go dim and the gramophone slows to a baritone slur.
Just wait til she hears about these:
@Clem Fandango
Imagine if instead of the tired refrain of “as a cyclist myself.. [spouts anti-cycling BS]” councillors shared their Strava / Komoot activity before making any cycling related proposals.
It smacks of the deluded entitlement, albeit to a much lesser degree, as 70 y/o men legislating for women’s reproductive health. No opinion is entirely invalid, but lived experience and/or extensive unbiased research makes some opinions more valid than others
Lots of keen cyclists aren’t on Strava etc.
A more reliable indicator would be to present an up to data photo of their bike.
Many “keen cyclist myself” merchants’ photos will be of a bike with a seized chain, two flat tyres standing in the shed with two rotting deckchairs, a neglected trampoline and half a bag of compost. stacked in front of it.
@ROOTminus1 alas not only are there tons of people who cycle daily who aren’t on Strava or similar (like myself)…
… but there certainly are “I am a cyclist myself” types who *are* keen Stavaphiles.
Some of whom might be delighted to ban cyclists from all the routes *they* drive to get to their ride. Or at least look down on any “8 to 80” cycling improvements as either encouraging the incompetent or as the thin end of the wedge to remove their right to cycle on the road.
@Clem Fandango “We don’t want to discourage cycling, we just want to stop people doing it,” she said.
Having shopped a few times in Spalding, my main thoughts on leaving a shop are “That was crap. Where to next? There are no decent shops, and the award winning independent book and coffee shop has closed!”
By the way, I’m a keen shopper myself and don’t want to discourage shopping.
“I’m a keen shopper myself…”. That’s a great line, thank you.
Your reminder that Spalding is in the flatness of Lincolnshire, in a drier part of the UK, and is a town of about 1km in diameter.
Looking again at the streets on Streetview I can see that cyclists are clearly the biggest threat to the town centre. And to hardy shoppers braving Critical Mass mobs as they dash from the large carpark in the centre of the Sheep Market across a street 3 lanes wide to the nearest charity shop, kebabery or vape emporium.
OTOH if the local yoof were tearing about causing bother on emotorbikes I wouldn’t be shocked.
But doesn’t that call for the police, and in an ideal world for something for the kids to do, rather than a cycle ban?
I don’t quite get Visma’s post, are they ranking their riders based on the playing card values? in which case, are they that worried about using queen cards that they went straight from kings to jacks?
Eh? There are two of each – Jacks, Queens, Kings, and Aces.
@mdavidford but they have no jokers to play, which could cost them dear
@mdavidford Yes, equally spread but I think if I were Sepp Kuss (if only) I might be saying, “Hello? Only GT winner – in this very race to boot – and I get the lowest ranked card?”
Yeah – it was more the bit about skipping queens I didn’t get, seeding as there’s as many of those as any of the others.
They didn’t give me the queen
They gave me the king
They were wheelin’ and dealin’
Just doin’ their thing …?
Imagine if the same amount of effort was put into making it safer for everyone but car users. You could literally apply 90% of any of these complains about cyclists to drivers and if you acted on them you would have 10x the effect on safety vs targetting cyclists. Then again, we all know that the poor motorist is tired. Tired of the war on them. Tired of being scared of their own shadow because of that pesky license plate that stops them breaking rules without the full force of the law coming down on them.
I just feel sorry for all those drivers I see constantly breaking the rules knowing that I won’t see them in a few days time because they will have been caught and banned. Think of their families.
Spalding: concentrate on the road users who do most of the killing and injuring: car drivers, who are the biggest danger to shoppers.
‘Hold my bagpipes’.
Hold my Tennents Extra, surely?
“Haud ma bagpipes” sounds like something murmured urgently in the depths of the Cowgate.
While bagpipe touring is a thing:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz09p8kplxko
… uni-piping seems to be an overseas discipline:
Though I’m looking forward to Danny MacAskill bringing a skirl to his trials adventures.
The flames make it so much more…
In which case can I recommend the Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience giving it some with the squeeze box on their “Foxy Laddie”?
Perfectly enjoyable ceilidh music (and gone on my playlist for later) but somewhat disappointing that it’s not actually Shands in the Hendrix stylee – I really want to hear *that* band now.
@mdavidford I’m now going off to look for that also! “The wind cries Mairi” perhaps?
Although of course if you want an old dance / new dance crossover in Scottish idiom I can recommend any of the albums by the late great Martyn Bennett. Both his earlier piping and fiddle playing and his last DJ album (Grit). There’s a nice documentary on him also here: https://realworldrecords.com/videos/martyn-bennett-grit-documentary/
Or on a more … earthy level … one of the Bothy Bass mixes (do stay tuned for the adverts).
Surprise! Clean air and active travel are good for your health!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1l1r1zne1ro
@mdavidford I think the surprise here is how much better it is for the health of young children which should lead to much improved health as they age.