From 1st June, residents of England will be allowed to meet up to five others outside while observing social distancing - which means that technically, it would appear that socially distanced group rides are permissible (though as has become customary, we're not exactly sure yet). In Scotland riding in a group could be possible if that group is made up of two households, with eight allowed to meet outside at once. In Wales things are more restricted still, with two households allowed to meet but only within a five mile radius of their homes. British Cycling are yet to provide clarity in light of the new rules, with their latest guidance updated on the 27th May still recommending no organised activity.
As it's widely thought that a safe distance to keep from other cyclists during the pandemic is far greater than two metres, do you think group riding is a good idea or not in this phase of the lockdown? Take part in our poll.
Police Scotland are appealing for witnesses after two cyclists were attacked, with one stabbed, in what appeared to be an unprovoked attack.
Renfrewshire24 report that on the 27th May two men on bikes were approached by eight other men, resulting in an altercation. A 37-year-old man suffered a number of 'serious injuries' including stab wounds, while a 29-year-old suffered facial injuries.
Detective Inspector Ian Ross of Renfrewshire CID commented: “This attack appears to have been unprovoked and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify those responsible.
“Anyone who was in the area on Wednesday evening and may have seen or heard a disturbance or who has any other information is urged to come forward.
“Anyone who can help our enquiries can call 101, quoting incident 4285 of 27 May, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Here are nine cyclists on Finnish TV putting 2km of charge into a Tesla Model X, a record apparently. Who needs actual chargers?
#SlowDownSaveLivespic.twitter.com/XqK7w3RNcS
— Chapman Crispfield (@isersmalone) May 29, 2020
I love that the council are using the photo on the left to talk about their new cycling infra, but let's zoom out a bit shall we 😂 pic.twitter.com/2jwEBkcyAw
— Dan Hett (@danhett) May 28, 2020
Posted side-by-side by artist and tech expert Dan Hett, the image on the left shows an image frequently used by Transport for Greater Manchester to promote new cycling infrastructure in the city... and on the right is what this cycle lane actually is, a short stretch of green paint in the Deansgate area of the city that appears to serve little purpose.
@lostinmanc Hi there. Greater Manchester local authorities have launched the Safe Streets Save Lives campaign. This will see new measures implemented to give pedestrians & cyclists more space to keep them safe when travelling. More info can be found here: https://t.co/N7jEwUZ3TA
— TfGM #StaySafeSaveLives (@OfficialTfGM) May 28, 2020
On their Twitter account, TfGM have been replying to some of the negative comments by claiming that their Safe Streets Saves Lives campaign "will see new measures implemented to give pedestrians & cyclists more space to keep them safe when travelling" - which begs the question, why are they using an example that will arguably do little to improve safety?
They’re leading the way, more to follow 👏👏 https://t.co/QV5hUptvJ7
— Chris Boardman (@Chris_Boardman) May 28, 2020
Manchester's Walking and Cycling Commissioner Chris Boardman has been instrumental in implementing the good parts of Manchester's new cycling infrastructure, including the design of the extensive Bee Network and pushing for temporary cycle lanes during the pandemic. He said of the Safe Streets Saves Lives campaign: “Like any successful response to a crisis, people must be the priority. And fortunately, the data is unambiguous; during lockdown more and more residents across Greater Manchester are turning to walking and cycling for essential journeys and exercise. So, in order give people the space they need to keep safe, the only real question was ‘how soon can we act?’
“If we don’t take steps to enable people to keep travelling actively, we risk a huge spike in car use as measures are eased. Not only is it the right thing to do to protect people now, but it’s vital to meet our clean air goals and protect our NHS long term.”
To coincide with Bike Week between 6th-14th June, 'Back on your bike' is a six month package which includes £10m third-party insurance, legal assistance and one month’s cycle insurance, as well as expert cycling advice. There are also discounts to be had from the likes of Halfords, Raleigh and Cotswold Outdoor.
Cycling UK say: "With lockdown restrictions easing and workplaces and schools reopening, the government is advising people to get on their bikes for essential journeys. The ‘Back on your bike’ package offers advice and practical assistance for new cycle commuters as well as those who have taken up recreational cycling."
The 'Back on your bike' package priced at £15, more info here.