It's quite depressing to look at our Twitter feed first thing to be made aware of more outrageous behaviour towards cyclists including assaults and a young girl being injured in a park. Hopefully everyone is ok and getting the support they need. This has got to stop.Stay safe all
— Cycle Safety Team (@MetCycleCops) August 19, 2020
We believe the Met's Cycle Safety Team were referring to the incident we reported on this morning, and also another incident in which a mother claimed her daughter was knocked off her bike by a driver who left the scene - the latter happened in Richmond Park, which has been controversially reopened to rat-running drivers.
To the woman driver who an hour ago drove her car into my daughter on her bike in Richmond park - and who drove off without leaving your details - you need to contact the police.
— Dr Helen J Williams 🇪🇺#rightfromthestart (@helenjwc) August 18, 2020
Dr Helen Williams left further comments explaining that she was "very relieved" that her daughter hadn't broken any bones after having X-rays in hospital. She also added: "The driver has been traced. But after 3 hrs of statement taking, the police won’t do anything as she doesn’t have the contact details of the (quite a few) witnesses."
Others have recommended that Dr Williams should try to trace witnesses and launch an appeal. One replied: "I was there yesterday and saw how the cars have zero patience with cyclists and sit behind their wheels getting twitchy and impatient about trying to over take. Hope the parks come to their senses and ban cars ASAP! It was so peaceful without them during lockdown!"
That's absolutely disgusting. @theroyalparks seriously need to reconsider their decision to allow motorised traffic in the park. Hope you daughter makes a swift recovery & the police find the woman responsible 😡
— Merv Charles (@mervcharles) August 18, 2020
A park . With a road . With car traffic . Only in UK would this even be a thing . Disgusting really . Hope she gets well soon
— leicestercyclist (@leicestercylist) August 18, 2020
Sorry to hear about what happened to your daughter. It's a real shame that @theroyalparks created a safe place for adults and children to walk, run, cycle and scoot and then allowed motor traffic back through again. This was sadly bound to happen.
— Richard Edwards (@Rich_Rocks) August 19, 2020
Are the Royal Parks partially to blame for these shocking incidents by allowing motor traffic back into Richmond Park?
Next level guerilla bike lane action here. https://t.co/sAbiWZOzhm
— Leonard Bonarek 🚎 (@LenniBug) August 19, 2020
Those responsible for the new guerilla bike lane believed there was previously no space to accommodate wider pedal-powered vehicles such as tricycles, so they took matter into their own hands. They say: "It is necessary that the design of the streets guarantee space and safety for all people, tricycles cannot be left out."
Similar action was taken way back in 2011, when activists painted a 5km guerrilla cycle lane in the heart of Mexico City to highlight the lack of progress in building a promised cycle network. Meanwhile in Wandsworth...
This has just been sent to me of drivers on Beechcroft rd.
Hope there will be some suitable adjustments to stop them doing this. #DriverEntitlement
FYI @wandbc@WandsLS@Wandscyclistpic.twitter.com/RBnw38mZqW
— Jon Irwin 🔶️ (@JonIrwinLD) August 17, 2020
Cars are like EasyJet Speedy Boarding: great until everyone has the same idea. So the sensible thing for car users to actually do is encourage other drivers to switch to bikes and use those cycle lanes. Fewer Speedy Boarders means faster boarding for Speedy Boarders.
— Rob Tweed (@rtweed) August 19, 2020
Do you agree with the easyJet theory?
St Mark's Road - famous for its annual street party and ethnic food stores - has been earmarked for pedestrianisation by Bristol City Council, which has faced criticism from a business on the street and a group representing shops and restaurants in the city.
Pak Butchers founder Abdul Malik told the Bristol Post: “We are very passionate about walking and cycling. To launch this scheme without talking to us makes it seem like we are against those things.
"This petition is nothing to do with being anti-cycling. This is about sustaining business after Covid. We are so adamant this will close the doors of our shop on St Marks Road.
“It’s too early for this. There may be a time when a lot more people are on bikes and walking, but the educational process takes time.”
The Bristol Association of Restaurants, Bars and Independent Establishments (BARBIE) have started a petition against the plans, saying: “That would be the end of St Marks Road.
"The shops would become rented flats, and pedestrianised space would be useless.”
Would it really be "the end" of St Mark's Road if it was closed to through-traffic from motor vehicles? There are stats that would suggest otherwise, and plenty of locals seem to disagree if this counter-petition is anything to go by. It says: “The Mayor and Bristol City Council have brought forward proposals for St Marks Road, Easton, Bristol, that would greatly benefit both businesses and the community as a whole by opening up St Marks Road for increased footfall, greater revenues and a more liveable neighbourhood less dominated by motorised traffic."
Over the weekend, BCP Council unveiled plans to introduce "experimental traffic measures" at Boscombe Overcliff Drive and Southbourne Overcliff Drive to provide more space for cycling and walking. Beginning on Monday 24th August, motor traffic will no longer be able to use the roads as a through-route, which BCP say "will create a safer environment for those travelling by bike and on foot". The
The Bournemouth Echo reports that the scheme was brought forward using cash from the government’s emergency active travel fund; however a local councillor and a body representing hospitality businesses in the area strongly disagree with the plans. Boscombe East & Pokesdown ward member Andy Jones said: “I was inundated by residents over the weekend who are absolutely livid about this scheme.
“I’ve had people on the phone and numerous emails questioning where was the consultation. Why are we having something thrust upon us?
“The concerns have been raised about where traffic is going to be diverted up some of the residential roads north of the clifftop area and the resulting congestion along roads such as Beechwood Avenue, Wentworth Avenue and onto Southbourne Grove because clearly traffic has got to go somewhere.
“Bearing in mind how busy those roads are already and this is just going to make it worse.
“With most schemes you tend to find people for and against but I have not come across anybody that thinks this is a good idea.”
The BH Area Hospitality Association said in a statement: “BCP Council (with) another crazy ridiculous scheme which also needs scrapping.
“Tourism and hospitality brings much needed income into this town and these crazy thought-up schemes are causing headaches for a number of hotel business owners across the conurbation who are trying to focus on keeping their business afloat during these times. Are you aware by closing this road you will also put a negative impact on people arriving for your Bournemouth Beach Lodges.”
Boscombe East & Pokesdown ward councillor George Farquhar admitted there had been a "fair amount of opposition" but defended the trial, saying: “I am not opposed to the scheme itself because it is experimental and I think it will quite quickly show what is actually something we might want to invest in.
“We have these experimental orders. It is not just us in the country, it is all local authorities.
“Depending on the evidence that comes out of these experimental traffic control orders, such as the one on the overcliff at Southbourne and Boscombe, we can actually unlock £1.2million.
“I can understand the concerns by residents that it may be that traffic will start occupying local residential roads but I think that this is only a short-term pain because the nature of the scheme is to prevent through traffic and encourage active travel.”
The thing is, cycling infrastructure just doesn’t exist in the UK. This is Finsbury Park. It’s relatively long, but cars park in it, people walk in it and it stops abruptly. Therefore it’s safer to cycle in the road. Until lanes are normalised and extensive, this’ll happen. pic.twitter.com/PqvsedaVgA
— Michael SW (@msolwilliams) August 19, 2020
While the idiot in the video from Priory Lane should know better, it's perhaps yet another example of how bad cycling infrastructure can cause conflict, creating the feeling amongst some drivers that cyclists are not using the space allocated to them for no real reason other than to 'hold up the traffic'. It's clear in the clip above that this cycle lane would be pretty much impossible to use efficiently while having to dodge cars, pedestrians and broken sections of path.
The organisers of the popular two-day gravel event have finally come to the decision to postpone this year's edition to 19th-20th June 2021.
They said in a statement: "While restrictions are starting to be eased in Wales that are allowing us to host smaller events, we do not think it will be possible to host Gritfest in the style that riders will be happy with and to a standard we would be happy with. Difficult areas include the facilities and 2 day festival style of event, which simply would not be replicated. Plus of course the glorious weather that riders have been lucky enough to have enjoyed in previous years!"
Entries for 2020 will be deferred to the 2021 date by default, but Gritfest are also offering refunds to those who email requesting one by 30th September. They also added: "If you are unable to attend in 2021 but do not want a refund and would like to gift your entry, or a percentage of it to us then please also reply to let us know. Whilst we do not expect riders to do this, we will be extremely grateful to anyone who does so and it will help us to continue organising events in years to come.
"As a tiny company relying purely on a small number of events this is an incredibly difficult time for us and it is almost certain that entry fees for the rescheduled event will be significantly higher. Please keep this in mind should you request a refund now, but plan to re-enter nearer the 2021 date. For any rider who does gift their entry we will guarantee a 2021 race entry and also hold the 2020 event pricing."
But if you still enjoy a bit of the old golf, why not do it while reminding yourself where your priorities lie? Alternatively you could gently troll your golfing friends that haven't yet discovered the joy of two wheels...
On yesterday’s ride I was passed 3 times by lorries from the same company (Farrell Transport) and each one was textbook and safe👌🏼
I dropped them an email to say it was noticed and appreciated as it doesn’t happen much these days 😊 pic.twitter.com/OwjHebRcXw— Mel Sykes (@nuddypants) August 18, 2020
More of this, please.
Ineos TDF Team Announcement @laflammerouge16pic.twitter.com/hzbrofC1M2
— Belinda (@reallyspoketome) August 19, 2020
“Fancy going wild camping next week then?” pic.twitter.com/QdqD4OcBP5
— Rob Whittle (@PolkaDotRob) August 19, 2020
Plus a suggestion of what the dropped pair could get up to instead.
After reporting that hundreds of people had voiced their displeasure at the offensive t-shirt on our Monday live blog, it appears it is no longer for sale on the Where The Trail Begins e-commerce store.
An email sent to road.cc said: "He (Where The Trail Begins) got a few hours out of that before a well placed email to his shopping platform provider was opened, read, and the product quickly removed. It seems their terms of service were being violated by the sale of hateful, offensive and sexist merchandise. Rules are rules."
The road has long proved a source of conflict between drivers and cyclists, with a number of incidents happening over the yearsin which riders have been subjected to abuse by motorists who believe they should be using the cycle path on the adjacent footway (see above). We reported back in 2018 that Wandsworth Borough Council were consulting on proposals to improve the road for cyclists and pedestrians, but to our knowledge that hasn't happened yet.
Often because the cycle lanes are rubbish. Shared with pedestrians, obstacles, end suddenly, make you give way at every side road etc. No good for fitter cyclists who could otherwise be getting a shift on down the road
— Rob Butterworth (@rob_butterworth) August 18, 2020
Priory Lane wasn’t narrowed and a cycle lane wasn’t built. They took half the pavement away from pedestrians, painted a line, and called it a cycle lane. It used to be a nice route to stroll to the park, and now you can’t even walk side by side!
— bobby ‘bob’ bannerman (@bobbybbannerman) August 18, 2020
Many cyclists object to using the lane, as it's narrow with numerous points that could put them into conflict with pedestrians. If you're a driver like the one in the footage below who thinks it's mandatory to use cycle lanes, see our Monday Moaning feature on the subject.
Got punched in head and quite a few others were also physically assaulted. Was too shaken up at the time to do anything but he drove away in the white car in the video pic.twitter.com/N0S6PIsSLn
— Anthony Chau 🇭🇰 (@krebscycling) August 18, 2020
I was comfortably cruising at 20mph which was the speed limit of that road and was not holding up traffic by any stretch, unlike the person in the video. It's disgraceful you are on the side of the individual who was physically assaulting cyclists.
— Anthony Chau 🇭🇰 (@krebscycling) August 18, 2020
In the footage, a man appears to have left his vehicle (thus causing congestion, but that's another story) and is shouting and pointing at cyclists to tell them to use the cycle lane rather than the road. The driver of the black car also appears to be encouraging him.
Totally unacceptable and sorry to see this. It needs a Police intervention. Has this been reported? If not please contact @MetCC or via 101. Thank you!
— Andy Cox (@SuptAndyCox) August 18, 2020
Some claim the man was assaulting cyclists, with the person who uploaded the footage claiming that he was punched in the head. Police Superintendent Andy Cox urged those assaulted to come forward so police could intervene.
The very best work from Wandsworth's highway engineers. Top notch stuff. pic.twitter.com/7wW331y5h6
— Lord Bikebot (@LordBikebot) August 18, 2020
The section of road on Priory Lane, which is popular with cyclists heading to and from Richmond Park, features a cycle lane that is troublesome to use according to many cyclists, which is the reason many feel it's necessary to (legally) use the road. A source who lives nearby told road.cc: "Unless you live on Priory Lane, the only reason you are using it in a motor vehicle is to rat-run Richmond Park."
Due to the cycle lane?
For the last five years you've failed to announce "due to the road works along the sea front", or "due to the congestion and busses unable to pass on North Street" or "due to idiots parking along Western Road" there's very heavy traffic. Why "due to" now?— Chris Holden (@blinky465) August 18, 2020
@roadcc@Chris_Boardman Cycle lanes causing traffic? Do bus lanes cause traffic too? Or maybe it’s too many cars?
— Paul Windust (@TriathlonNewb) August 18, 2020
I think you'll find that heavy traffic is due to the number of people driving
— Chris Todd #BuildBackBetter (@ecochris_todd) August 18, 2020
Brighton’s new cycle lane: installed last week.
Brighton’s traffic congestion: constant fixture for more than than the 20 years I’ve lived in/near the city.
Yet guess what’s getting the blame? 🤦♂️— Clive Andrews (@CliveAndrews) August 19, 2020
The announcement from B&H Buses hasn't gone down very well on social media, with a number of people pointing out that congestion on the road existed long before a new cycle lane was installed on Brighton's seafront.
Clive Andrews commented: "That’s guesswork and opinion. Stick to facts and information"; while Large Al says: "I think you mean 'due to excessive traffic'. Pillocks."
Swindon Police say the male cyclist was struck by a passing van, then walked away pushing his bike. They've asked the cyclist or anyone who knows him to get in touch to "check on his welfare."
With three exciting targets in 2020 – let’s hear from @Eganbernal@GeraintThomas86 and @chrisfroome📽️ pic.twitter.com/8KSMHlpXyi
— Team INEOS (@TeamINEOS) August 19, 2020
Thomas commented on his job to target the Giro d'Italia: "I enjoy the racing there. I’ve always loved Italy, the roads, the fans, the food obviously.
“It’s a race I’ve always enjoyed anyway... a country I love to race in. I’m certainly looking forward to going back.”
And Froome said: "It’s definitely a readjustment for me moving goalposts from the Tour de France to the Vuelta a España.
"...I think given where I’ve come from through the last year, I’ve had an incredible recovery from the big crash I had last year; but I’m not confident I can really fulfil the necessary job that would be needed of me at this year’s Tour de France. I think it’s a lot more realistic targeting the and get stuck into something that’s deliverable.
"It’s great for me now to have that clarity that that will be my big goal for the season. And I really do just wish the team all the very best of luck for the month ahead. The racing;s going to be brutal but I have every faith in Egan and the team around him that they can deliver the result.”
wow ... brutally decisive leadership from Brailsford here #tdf2020https://t.co/038mtoxjwl
— Adam Partridge (@adamskip77) August 19, 2020
Sir Froome and Thomas Geraint both left out of the starting line-up for the Le Tour!!! You won’t hear this in the mainstream media but I gather it’s because they don’t want to have to ride the new two-week Tour de Quarantine straight afterwards.
— UK Cycling Expert (@ukcyclingexpert) August 19, 2020
No Froome AND Thomas in the 2020 Tour de France. 😳 What a morning. pic.twitter.com/LLeI2jQiYO
— Mihai Simion (@faustocoppi60) August 19, 2020
It's certainly taken us by surprise, and poking around our social media feeds it appears a lot of you aren't best pleased by the decision. To remind you, here are the eight riders the Ineos Grenadiers (we still can't get used to that name) have selected for the Tour de France:
Andrey Amador
Egan Bernal
Richard Carapaz
Jonathan Castroviejo
Michal Kwiatkowski
Luke Rowe
Pavel Sivakov
Dylan van Baarle