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Live streamer stops brutal bike theft attack; Traffic cops apologise for cyclists avoid busy areas tweet; Reza calls for tougher racism punishments; £18m training boost; Promising pro retires; Ben Foster visits Rapha + more on the live blog

It's Tuesday and Dan Alexander will be rounding up the best bits from the cycling world on the second live blog of the week...
Tue, Apr 13, 2021 09:03
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Live streamer stops brutal bike theft attack; Traffic cops apologise for cyclists avoid busy areas tweet; Reza calls for tougher racism punishments; £18m training boost; Promising pro retires; Ben Foster visits Rapha + more on the live blogLive streamer stops bike theft attack
13 April 2021, 12:54
Live streamer stops cyclist being attacked during attempted bike theft

A live streamer stepped in to stop a bike thief attacking a cyclist in central London. The streamer called Sherwin was live on his YouTube channel when he saw a man lying in the road being attacked. He ran over and got in the way of the attacker who tried a few more times to take the bike.

In the video, the victim is bleeding from the face and repeatedly says to call the police before saying "I almost got murdered man" and describing the attacker as "armed and dangerous".

A group of passers-by also stopped and shouted at the suspect as he ran off. Sherwin has been praised on Reddit, where the video was widely shared, for stepping in.

rgtn0w commented: "Big props to the streamer though, realises what's happening at a glance. Acts upon it immediately, and knows he has to be loud and attract attention as much as possible so people come. I don't think there's even something he could've done better to help that guy there."

Z-Jax added: "Good on him for helping. Hopefully enough people saw his face so he can be identified."

13 April 2021, 16:17
Since you asked so nicely...
Live blog comment

You could have at least given your thoughts on the apology, Captain Badger...

13 April 2021, 16:12
13 April 2021, 15:48
Two from two for Cav

After three years without a win, Cav made it two in as many days at the Tour of Turkey today...A few sprinters could be looking nervously over their shoulder.

13 April 2021, 15:41
Phil Gaimon launches Preem TV
Phil Gaimon (via YouTube)

Former pro rider Phil Gaimon is building on his current YouTube audience by launching Preem TV, a new channel for cyclists. Gaimon will be joined by gravel racer Ali Tetrick, US national crit champion Rahsaan Bahati and former pro Lex Albrecht. Part of the cycling company, Preem, which was created by Zwift co-founder Scott Barger, Preem TV claims to be "all about feeding your passion for the ride". 

The channel officially launched last week and Gaimon says he's keen to see it grow. "Preem TV is all about feeding your passion for the ride and giving that ride new life. That's what we're going to be doing here every week as we grow our roster of presenters and deliver never before seen content," he explained.

13 April 2021, 14:57
Suez Canal blockage delays arrival of middle-aisle cycling gold to Aldi
Suez Canal delays

It's a well-known fact of shopping at Aldi that the middle aisle is the Aladdin's cave of retail. It's the sort of place you pop down for a pint of milk only to arrive home ten minutes later the proud owner of an inflatable hot tub...

They do cycling kit too. Or at least they did until the Suez Canal blockage delayed all their gear arriving. All the Specialbuys scheduled to arrive in store on April 15 have been delayed until May. A bad sign for other cycling goods coming from Asia?

13 April 2021, 14:23
French MPs back cycling with help for e-bike buyers
Paris cyclists on Rue Saint-Antoine (picture credit Simon MacMichael).PNG

French MPs voted unanimously for a series of measures to encourage people to buy bikes as part of the new Climate Bill. The Connexion reports amendments include incentives for people swapping vehicles for an electric bike, similar to the existing incentive for ditching an older car for an electric model.

During the first reading, Minister for the Ecological Transition Barbara Pompili said a "package of aid" for cycling was needed to further boost the "booming" interest and offered a "bicycle bonus" for people buying cargo bikes. 

In March, MPs from all parties put their names to an open letter criticising the absence of cycling policies, leading to their inclusion now.

13 April 2021, 14:18
New bike day
13 April 2021, 12:10
Ben Foster takes a tour of refurbished Rapha Clubhouse

We weren't the only ones to get a sneak peek at the expanded Rapha Clubhouse in London...Our inaugural Drink At Your Desk Live! guest Ben Foster went along for a video too. For all the details as the flagship Clubhouse reopens, completely refurbished and expanded, have a read of our story from yesterday...

13 April 2021, 12:09
He's done it again...
13 April 2021, 12:07
Your thoughts on Northumbria Police apology
Live blog comments 13/4/2021
Live blog comments 13/4/2021
Live blog comments 13/4/2021

 

13 April 2021, 11:35
ICYMI: £18 million announced for cycle training
transport for greater manchester cycle training - via tfgm

The government will invest £18 million in cycle training schemes for children and families. Citing the need to ensure everyone has the confidence to choose active travel, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced at the end of last week that £18 million would be managed via the Bikeability Trust charity. The funding will go towards delivering practical on-road training, similar to the old 'cycling proficiency' scheme.

Bikeability offers five levels of training for kids, starting with developing early cycle handling awareness through to riding on busy streets with complex junctions and roundabouts and has trained over 3.5 million children since 2006.

"The commitment of government to fund Bikeability in this next year is hugely welcomed as we seek to ensure that every child can access cycling as a life skill by 2025," Bikeability Trust's executive director Emily Cherry explained.

"Personally, I know the value of cycle training for both children and their parents, having taken part in family training with my teacher husband and our children. Now, they cycle to school daily using the skills they learned from the training and, as a family, we continue to enjoy cycling together. Bikeability is the first step to ensure that adults and children alike have the confidence and competence to cycle."

13 April 2021, 11:20
13 April 2021, 10:39
Kévin Reza speaks out about being the only black rider at last year's Tour de France and what cycling can do to stamp out racism
kevin reza - via facebook.PNG

Kévin Reza spoke to Sky Sports about the need for cycling to tackle racism. The French lead-out man was the only black rider at the Tour de France last year and in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests, he rode at the head of the peloton next to race winner Tadej Pogačar on the final stage in Paris. Riders also wore masks with #NoToRacism written on the front before the stage too.

However, more can be done and Reza is keen for discussion about the subject of diversity and inclusion in the sport. "It's just something that makes me want to be able to share and interact with people," he said. "Those who may or may not be racist, but at least we can have a proper exchange and I can share my ideas and thoughts. It's a subject that remains taboo and that we aren't used to talking about openly."

In 2017, Ineos Grenadiers rider Gianni Moscon was suspended for six weeks and sent on a diversity training course for racially abusing Reza at the Tour de Romandie. Moscon escaped punishment from the UCI, something which the victim of his slur thinks needs addressing.

"I have reflected and thought for a long, long time about this," Reza continued. "This is the biggest and most important organisation in cycling. They manage to ban cheaters who take drugs. I think that racism and discrimination in general must be on a par with these kinds of acts. 

"As a minimum, you would expect to see a racist get punished like a doper. I think this is one of the best solutions. It would show they're taking a strong stance in terms of supporting action against the various forms of discrimination within sport."

In a statement provided by the UCI, the governing body insisted they "firmly condemn all forms of racism and discrimination".

13 April 2021, 10:07
Promising pro rider retires at 21

Former French junior national champion Théo Nonnez has retired from pro cycling aged 21 in the hope of regaining his mental and physical health. Nonnez was fourth at U23 Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 2019 but says he has suffered from burnout in the pursuit of his goals.

In a statement on FDJ's website Nonnez said: "I made this decision after a long period of reflection. I think we can call it a burnout. I am not sad to make this decision. On the opposite, it gives me hope again. I had entered a vicious cycle and I didn’t dare talking about how I felt.

"I was thinking about cycling when I was breathing, waking up, eating. My whole life was dedicated to it and I deprived myself of a lot of things. I moved away from close people, friends, because I no longer had the opportunity to see them, or even because I put barriers myself.

"My family has invested a lot, financially but also in terms of time. The team trusted me, many people have been there for me. I worked hard myself, struggled, and forbid myself many things to get there. Therefore, it was hard to admit to myself that all that did not excite me anymore. I lied to myself, but in the end, could not escape it."

The 21-year-old went on to explain he knew something was wrong when he broke down in tears on a training ride in December and was looking forward to continuing his life away from the world of pro cycling.

13 April 2021, 09:56
Seven stages of LTN grief
13 April 2021, 09:31
Northumbria Police superintendent responds to criticism

Superintendent Sam Rennison of Northumbria Police took to Twitter to address the criticism about the post from her force's traffic unit which asked cyclists to avoid riding in busy areas during rush hour. Renniston is concerned the backlash will overshadow the positive work her department has done to protect cyclists...

She wrote: "The commitment to road safety and those staff who are working in this area is unwavering. We want cyclist, pedestrians and drivers to be safe. We want to see a reduction in road deaths and serious injury. We are a department of committed officers and staff who want their communities and their families to be safe.

"Our tweets are to keep you informed, we sometimes get a great response...we sometimes get it wrong. There are lots of great excuses on the post. My particular favourite was our phone was stolen by a drink driver... but at the end of the day, we didn't get this tweet right, but it doesn't take away from the great work being done. Roads should be safe for all, and our commitment to roads policing is to try to get there."

13 April 2021, 07:48
Traffic cops apologise for asking cyclists to avoid busy areas during rush hour

Northumbria Police admitted they got this one wrong and apologised for the tweet, which has also been deleted, asking cyclists to avoid busy areas during rush hour and be extra careful as drivers may be out of practice after lockdown...Here it is in all its glory...

The post was deleted after heavy criticism from many on Twitter who said it was a ridiculous request and essentially told cyclists to get out of drivers' way. In an apology, the force's traffic cops said this wasn't intended and they were trying to keep cyclists safe. Some have said the response doesn't go far enough, with one reply calling it a "sorry if you were offended" apology...

Dan Alexander

Dan is the road.cc news editor and has spent the past four years writing stories and features, as well as (hopefully) keeping you entertained on the live blog. Having previously written about nearly every other sport under the sun for the Express, and the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for the Non-League Paper, Dan joined road.cc in 2020. Come the weekend you'll find him labouring up a hill, probably with a mouth full of jelly babies, or making a bonk-induced trip to a south of England petrol station... in search of more jelly babies.

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47 comments

Avatar
mikewood | 3 years ago
5 likes

Two things

1 Cav, absolutely awesome!

2 We need to get this message across to vehicle drivers.

If we take the national average, 4% of journeys are undertaken on a bike. Maybe the mileage average is less as most cycle journeys are relatively short, unless you did over 100 miles like I did today, hence the post!

So, 4% of road users (people) on cycles will encounter the other 96% (of people) in vehicles that could kill/main/injure them.

96% of road users in vehicles will encounter a very small number of other road users on cycles that pose absolutely no threat of physical harm to them whatsoever.

Who should be taking the most care?

Avatar
mdavidford | 3 years ago
2 likes

I'm intrigued by 'Cycling shorts with seat'. Is this an integrated fold-out thing for picnic stops, like a shooting stick?

Avatar
Sheen wheels replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

This could be really useful. One of the few problems on long rides has been that you couldn't sit down at coffee stops - solved with this innovation. 

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wtjs | 3 years ago
10 likes

This Northumbria Police debacle results from what is essentially victim blaming, which they want to place before any incident even occurs- the cyclist was at fault for being on the road when he should have stayed at home and been 'safe'. The statistic we need to know, and won't get, is 'how many people have received a significant penalty after action by Northumbria Police for close passing'. That number would show how sincere they are. I know from Lancashire that they never even respond to very well proven incidents of very close passing, and have never yet prosecuted anyone for the offence, for the simple reason that they don't accept the existence of this offence.

That's why I moved onto well-proven cases of serious red light crashing by motorists (up to 1.9 seconds after they turned red)- no-one has yet appeared in court and many cases have simply been ignored. I have assured them that I will cease reporting these cases to Lancashire Police if they simply declare that passing traffic lights at red is NaOiL- Not an Offence in Lancashire. There hasn't been any response to that either.

Avatar
Sriracha | 3 years ago
11 likes

Once people are seen to be doing something "against Police advice" they are on a sticky wicket. Drivers will decide that the cyclists, in going against official police advice, are contributing to their own endangerment, and so absolve themselves of their own responsibility for creating the danger.

So the well-meaning advice to avoid "dangerous roads" is not just irksome for cyclists, it actually makes the situation worse.

Of course the police want to act for the safety of all. But they must do that by curbing those who create the hazard, not by restricting the liberties of others. "Don't get out of bed" is not valid safety advice.

Avatar
Captain Badger | 3 years ago
3 likes

Re your thoughts on Northumbria.....

I want to get my comment screenshotted and pinned up  as "Your thoughts on Your Thoughts on Northumbria Police Apology"

Go on Dan, waddya say?

Avatar
Captain Badger replied to Captain Badger | 3 years ago
4 likes

Re Since you asked so nicely...

Now you know me Dan, I rarely have strong opinions on anything

Thanks Dude, made my morning

Avatar
brooksby | 3 years ago
11 likes

Like yesterday's velomobile story, it seems the police are very keen to pull over cyclists "just to offer some advice" or "just have a friendly word" for things which aren't actually illegal.

They seem a lot less keen to pull over motorists to do the same, or pull up alongside cars parked in cycle lanes or in ASLs to advise them to move along "for the safety of other road users".

Double standards? Surely not...

Avatar
Awavey replied to brooksby | 3 years ago
2 likes

as I highlighted earlier its a special two wheeled safety campaign by the police at the moment, and Northumbria's police and the copper from yesterdays velomobile story are almost word for word just using the same phrases as contained in the press release about it, they are informing and educating two wheeled road users for their safety...we might & should debate the effectiveness of such a campaign, but thats certainly the source of it.

literally google "two wheel campaign" and all kinds of stuff from around the countrys police forces pops up, and some are proudly informing the public how theyve stopped some riders (mopeds/motorcyclists too) on two wheels to educate them about their safety for their own good of course, meanwhile the road carnage as the 4 wheeled lot ignore all that carries on behind them

Avatar
Mungecrundle replied to brooksby | 3 years ago
0 likes

As a motorcyclist it is quite usual for the Police to engage in a number of ways, especially at the start of the season when silly old sods like me climb back on in an attempt to be young again. From friendly roadside chats by passing motorcyle Officers to increased visibility at popular routes and even small scale events, safety films and display booths at gathering spots, sometimes with a free mug of tea involved which goes a long way to improving the way that the underlying message about being vulnerable road users comes across.

Avatar
Compact Corned Beef | 3 years ago
10 likes

Really nice to see someone dipping their toe into cycling and having a good time courtesy of the LTN system. I was lucky enough to grow up in a succession of quiet cul-de-sacs and if this means kids can play in the street like I did that's enough of a win, regardless of any other factors 1

Avatar
stonojnr replied to Compact Corned Beef | 3 years ago
1 like

Agreed, still feels an exception not the norm though when the reaction they can provoke in local newspapers is like this, the original articles posting on Facebook had 300+ comments from angry motorists https://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/traffic/new-barriers-for-jovian-way-i...

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sparrowlegs | 3 years ago
9 likes

That's not an apology. That's an apology for us feeling that we need an apology.

I'm dreading something like this coming from Wigan council/Police. Poolstock lane is being reduced in width and speed (down to 20 from 30) with what looks like it could be a cycle lane installed. All sounds good news until you take in to account the 'tards in cars that will then be harassing cyclists for not using the cycle lane even though I'll be travelling at the speed limit on my bike.

All done to force drivers in to using the 'road to nowhere'.

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Awavey | 3 years ago
2 likes

Apparently the National police chiefs council (NPCC) along with national roads policing operations intelligence & investigation (NRPOII) started a national two week long "2 wheel campaign" for safety last week,so this is week 2 and might explain yesterday's blog post about the recumbent,as it focuses on officers engaging with vulnerable road users & motorists to offer advice & education on skills, ppe,behaviour to improve road safety and I expect most forces are joining in with something be that posting random advice on social media or stopping people on the roads for a chat.

So usual ignore the elephant in the room and stop cyclists who arent wearing helmets kind of campaign.

Avatar
Hirsute | 3 years ago
4 likes

I don't think the headline is correct as they have not apologised for their crass mistake or appalling mindset.
If there is a 2 wheeled campaign, I hope it reaches Essex as the cops here don't consider close passes worth any action since the start of this year.

Avatar
lbmxj560vr46 | 3 years ago
4 likes

Cops??!! Are we in America now? They're Police. 

Avatar
Hirsute replied to lbmxj560vr46 | 3 years ago
7 likes

Would you prefer the filth? There was a pseudo documentary series on the BBC called The Cops some 30 years ago (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cops_(TV_series)) . Cops is short for coppers which has been in use since around the 1840s

Avatar
eburtthebike replied to Hirsute | 3 years ago
0 likes

hirsute wrote:

Cops is short for coppers which has been in use since around the 1840s

I remember it well.

Avatar
brooksby replied to eburtthebike | 3 years ago
5 likes

eburtthebike wrote:

hirsute wrote:

Cops is short for coppers which has been in use since around the 1840s

I remember it well.

The show or the 1840s? 3

Avatar
eburtthebike replied to brooksby | 3 years ago
1 like

brooksby wrote:

eburtthebike wrote:

hirsute wrote:

Cops is short for coppers which has been in use since around the 1840s

I remember it well.

The show or the 1840s? 3

1840s.

Avatar
brooksby replied to eburtthebike | 3 years ago
1 like

eburtthebike wrote:

brooksby wrote:

eburtthebike wrote:

hirsute wrote:

Cops is short for coppers which has been in use since around the 1840s

I remember it well.

The show or the 1840s? 3

1840s.

4

Avatar
M20MAMIL replied to lbmxj560vr46 | 3 years ago
3 likes

See also:

Bobbies: after Robert Peel

Old Bill: London?

Copper: Constable on Patrol, possibly early police pay

The Filth: London / SE

the Rozzers: Midlands : Report On Summons

the Bizzies : Liverpool- too busy to help

the Dibble: Manchester , Top Cat

the Fuzz: ?

Plod: police constable in Noddy

Seems the Scousers have it right

Avatar
Velophaart_95 | 3 years ago
7 likes

Oh dear, all predictable really. A PR gaff/own goal. They are merely reflecting what the majority of people in the UK think about road use; they are primarily for motor vehicles, especially cars, and that's it. 

It's going to be a long hard battle to change this view; car is king, and driving is a right ( when it's actually a privilege).

It doesn't matter if public transport, walking, cycling, motor cycling, etc is probably better for getting around - the car is still the No 1 choice. Depressing I know....

Avatar
mdavidford | 3 years ago
6 likes

That Northumbria Police tweet is deeply offensive.

'Try to', not 'try and'!

Avatar
Rendel Harris replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
8 likes

mdavidford wrote:

That Northumbria Police tweet is deeply offensive.

'Try to', not 'try and'!

Merriam Webster: When try is used to mean "to make an attempt at" it's often followed by an infinitive phrase, as in "try to explain." A lot of people don't like it when and appears in place of the to: "try and explain." There is, however, nothing wrong with try and, and you should feel free to use it. It's most at home in informal settings, but is not grammatically problematic and is in fact about the same age as (and is very possibly older than) try to.

Fowler's English Usage states that there is no particular preferred form and advises the "and" form can be used where it sounds natural. Dickens, Austen and Twain all used "try and" so if it's good enough for them...

Avatar
mdavidford replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
4 likes

Who is this Mirriam Webster character, and why should we care what they say?

Avatar
brooksby replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
3 likes

mdavidford wrote:

Who is this Mirriam Webster character, and why should we care what they say?

Apparently they are "America's most trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation."

So Rendel's example is based on 'Merican English... 3

 

Avatar
Rendel Harris replied to brooksby | 3 years ago
0 likes

brooksby]</p>

<p>[quote=mdavidford wrote:

So Rendel's example is based on 'Merican English... 3

...and Fowler's English Usage, which is the gold standard guide to English usage.

Avatar
mpdouglas replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
5 likes

Really Mirriam! Switch "try" with "attempt", and then tell me that "attempt and explain...." is a valid use of the English language ! yes

Avatar
belugabob replied to Rendel Harris | 3 years ago
2 likes

It is grammatically problematic, though - if you "try and win" you've won, so the first two words are redundant. 3

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