Welcome to Wednesday's live blog, with Jack Sexty, Simon MacMichael and the rest of the team.
11/12/2019, 16:40
The CadenceX can charge two USB devices at once while you ride
US startup CadenceX say they've solved the issue of dead batteries with their patent-pending invention, that converts a bike's motion into continuous and stable electricity to power any USB device such as a smartphone, bike lights, GPS, or camera. It puts out a claimed six times more power than other bicycle dynamo systems at 15-20 watts, can charge two USB devices at once via its USB C ports and can be installed in minutes on almost any bike.
It's compatible with pretty much any USB device, with one port optimised for safety devices such as lights, and one for a 'high-power draw' such as smartphones. The Smart Power hub mounts the the handlebars, while the generator is mounted to the fork.
The price is $299.99 (not including international postage), with a $50 discount if you pre-order for delivery worldwide in March 2020 - there's also a bundle with extra accessories including a theft bolt. Find out more on the CadenceX website here.
11/12/2019, 16:35
Wheels bikeshare e-bikes now come with helmets included
The US bikeshare startup Wheels have began supplying helmets with all their vehicles. It's integrated into the rear mudguard of the bike, and Wheels are offering a 20% discount if riders choose to unlock use of the helmet when they book a ride - full story on eBikeTips.
11/12/2019, 14:54
Epic 'bloody cyclists' thread
Bloody cyclists running red lights pic.twitter.com/nFMuBwU2pe
— Cycle Sam (@MCRCycleSam) December 11, 2019
Cycle Sam has captured lots of footage showing cyclists not running red lights, not blocking the pavements and not not obeying road markings...
11/12/2019, 09:14
£100,000 worth of bikes stolen at Leslie Bike Shop in Fife
The bike shop, in Glenrothes, has posted a public appeal after thieves took around 60 brand new bikes in the early hours of Monday morning. Shop owner Bryan Moodie told The Daily Record: "We first discovered the theft on Monday morning when we came in. We're all pretty devastated here, we're quite a tight-knit group.
"To put all this hard work in and with Christmas coming and to have all these bikes stolen is terrible. It was a bit of a shock to open the doors and see that the store had been raided - it was totally empty."
The thieves are believed to have took off in a white Luton van with a tailgate. Detective Constable Fraser Simpson from Glenrothes CID said: "This is a despicable crime committed against a small local business and the property stolen is believed to be in excess of £100,000.
"I am urging people, especially during the lead-up to Christmas, to be aware of people offering new bikes for sale, consider that they may be stolen, especially if they appear a lot cheaper than would be expected, and contact police if you are offered any bikes you are suspicious about.
"I would also ask that people share this information online to make sure that as many people as possible are made aware of the theft and can assist our enquiries."
11/12/2019, 14:09
Look who pops up in 2005!
The world’s highest paid athletes (1990-2019) pic.twitter.com/E1q1pM7d7j
— Kendall Baker (@TheKendallBaker) December 10, 2019
The only cyclist to make the highest paid athletes list between 1990-2019 is... a certain Lance Armstrong of course.
11/12/2019, 13:06
Cyclist close passed by bus driver in high winds - West Yorkshire Police won't investigate because "no one was hurt" (strong language warning)
With heavy #crosswinds this #closepass shook me#cyclecommute#Huddersfield#kirklees@wymetrotravelpic.twitter.com/HI3HcZIezg
— CJ Knight (@CeeJKnight) December 10, 2019
Footage of the incident posted by CJ Knight shows the bus passing him with barely a few inches to spare. Some observers noted that the painted cycle lane failed to serve its purpose in this instance, as the bus driver didn't appear to take the conditions and the width of his vehicle into account.
This is dangerous driving and shows a complete lack of awareness as they passed as the road narrowed and should leave more room even with the cycle lanes - this needs reporting - remember next time this driver could kill somebody!
— Kevin (@TheCyclistsTale) December 10, 2019
Despite the cycle lane, there is not room to share, there. I would be at least 1, and maybe 1.5 metres further out. Make them wait until after the pinch point & junction to overtake. You might get some resentment, but it's far safer.
— Linda (@linkcott18) December 10, 2019
Mr Knight says West Yorkshire Police won't be taking further action because no one was hurt, and recommended he report the incident to the bus company. We'll update if and when West Yorkshire Police might decide to reconsider their position...
11/12/2019, 12:45
New Cycleway 4 section opens past Tower Bridge
I'm delighted to announce that the first section of Cycleway 4 on Tooley St is now open! No more weaving between cars, buses, vans and lorries trying to get across Tower Bridge. @TfL@MayorofLondonpic.twitter.com/AeUwaMeWKi
— Will Norman (@willnorman) December 11, 2019
Will Norman broke the news on his Twitter account, with cyclists now able to safely navigate the section without having to share space with motor traffic.
11/12/2019, 12:38
Jeremy vs Boris - cycling edition
Of course we like to stay politically neutral at road.cc, but we're just letting you know that eBikeTips have done a take on the widely-circulated 'Jeremy vs Boris' meme...
11/12/2019, 11:56
Women 'more likely to cycle and run in groups due to safety concerns', according to Strava stats
Strava's annual Year in Sport report from 48 million people in 195 countries revealed the gender divide in cycling is worse in the UK, and that women are more likely to run and cycle in groups due to safety concerns. Full story here.
11/12/2019, 11:03
Beryl offering free rides to polling stations tomorrow
The British bike share company Beryl have announced voters will be able to get rides for free tomorrow to get to their polling station for the UK's general election. Beryl operate in the City of London, Hereford, Bournemoth and Poole, and say they’re running the complimentary rides to "encourage riders to choose sustainable transport to and from their local polling stations."
The promotion will be automatically applied to everyone with a Beryl account tomorrow, and voters can make use of two rides with a free unlock and ride of up to 30 minutes each. Beryl bikes have dedicated bays which are displayed on the Beryl app, so make sure you drop yours off in a bay to get your rides completely free. Polling stations are open from 7am-10pm, in case you weren't aware...
11/12/2019, 11:47
Seen our latest mega compo?
Someone's going to have one hell of a good Christmas, as our pals at Orro are giving away a whole Terra C gravel bike worth £2,099! The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve, and although we haven't quite managed to book Santa to get it to the winner the next morning, they can certainly look forward to riding it in the new year.
Entries HERE.
11/12/2019, 11:30
Don't forget your high-vis...
Cyclists, wear fluorescent clothing so that drivers have a chance to see you #Elypic.twitter.com/6EMuLtKU4r
— 60bpm (@willbramhill) December 10, 2019
11/12/2019, 10:56
Muddy good fun...
Can riding rollers ever be this much fun?
pic.twitter.com/wsg2YB950j
— Ed Festival Cycling (@edfoc) December 9, 2019
11/12/2019, 09:25
Sustrans disappointed in Wales' Clean Air Plan delay - and repeat calls for '20 minute planning principle'
Sustrans 20 minute planing principle forms a key part of their manifesto, and calls for town and city planners to design neighbourhoods so people live within a 20 minute walk/even shorter bike ride away from everyday services so they aren't reliant on a car.
Sustrans also released a statement on Wales' Clean Air Plan which was announced yesterday, calling on them to prioritise a shift away from cars to more sustainable transport - they also expressed disapointment that it won't be heard until the next assembly, which may be "too late". Sustrans Cymru Director, Steve Brooks said: “The Clean Air Plan is a promising step towards cleaning up the air in which we breathe.
“We are pleased that sustainable places are at the heart of the plan and welcome infrastructure and service investment across Wales to support the reduction in air pollution. A modal shift from cars to more sustainable transport will go a long way to cleaning up our air. Sustrans is calling for a 20-minute neighbourhood planning principle for all cities and towns, where people live within a 20-minute walk of everyday services and are not reliant on the car.
“It is disappointing to see our calls for a Clean Air Act will not be heard until the next assembly term, which in light of the climate emergency, may be too late.”
11/12/2019, 08:52
The world's happiest traffic controller
You know you have a mainstream cycling culture when this is how helmets and h-viz are used around young children.
Meet the worlds happiest traffic controller: Johan Zandvliet from Zwolle pic.twitter.com/QpThADhkgg
— Cycling Professor (@fietsprofessor) December 10, 2019
11/12/2019, 08:47
Away day for Sir Wiggo
Sir Bradley went to cheer on Liverpool away at Salzburg, in which the reds won 2-0 and topped their Champions League group to progress to the next round. He was accompanied by his son and budding pro cyclist Ben, and the recently retired scouse cycling legend Steve Cummings. Wiggo's snazzy Adidas x Colnago kicks didn't go unnoticed...
Cool shoes
— Colnago (@Colnagoworld) December 11, 2019
11/12/2019, 08:54
I've bonked...
What's something you can say during sex but also when you're riding your bike?#cyclingpic.twitter.com/fDqfPhIAZe
— Sara Claus (@SaMcDuff) December 10, 2019