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Must be undercover cyclists...commuter catches five drivers jumping red light; Christ on a bike; Thieves raid storage — 15 bikes stolen; No Van Aert at CX Worlds reaction; Pain cave playlist; Infra plans; Tackling cycle crime + more on the live blog

It's Thursday and Dan Alexander is here for the penultimate live blog of the week...
06 January 2022, 17:31
Lachlan Morton stays with EF Education-Nippo
Lachlan Morton - Photo Credit Oliver Grenaa 01

Alternative calendar racer and all-round long-distance extraordinaire Lachlan Morton has been handed a contract extension with EF Education-Nippo. Morton and Alex Howes had initially not been included on the team's registered rider list submitted to the UCI, but have now been confirmed.

"It’s a dynamic, fun, interesting, and very high potential roster of riders. his has the potential to be the strongest roster we’ve ever had," team boss Jonathan Vaughters said. He also asked for suggestions...

Race around Ireland (with a Guinness every few KMs) and crossing the Atlantic on a pedalo are the early front runners...never trust Twitter with a serious question... 

06 January 2022, 16:34
What happened next? Unexpected sight follows textbook pass...

The last thing Mark expected after this textbook pass was to find the driver...well, I'll let you find out...no spoilers... 

06 January 2022, 15:29
Controversial 'no cycling' signs painted on pavement near Kendal school

 'No cycling' signs have been painted on the Shap Road pavement in Kendal over Christmas, prompting a Green Party activist to call for "better, safer options". The move followed complaints from residents using the pavement which, according to the Westmorland Gazette, is "often boxed in by parked cars".

Local resident and Green Party member Jon Owen spoke to the local paper about the problem of putting in obstacles to sustainable travel without providing safe alternatives. Owen explained using the pavement is the "least worst" option for getting children safely to school. He also shared this informative thread outlining the issue...

06 January 2022, 14:48
Who let the dogs (and their grumpy owners) out? Some classic local paper whataboutery
Tilgate Park Crawley (Google Maps Street View)

Dog(ma) news? No, not a new Pinarello model...just some unhappy dog walkers from Crawley...

The Crawley and Horley Observer was on the front line today in Tilgate Park, talking to punters about the proposed restrictions and fixed penalty notices to owners who haven't got their pooch on a lead. I'm sure some of you will point out it's the lead that often causes those on two wheels the most trouble...but, that's not what we're here for...

Cue the whataboutery...

"If dog owners get fined, so should runners and cyclists," one told the local news site.

"It’s ridiculous to be honest with you. We’ve been coming up here since 1973. I’ve been told to put the dog on the lead when the runners have been coming up here. I refuse to do it. I said I’ve been coming up here for a long time, you’ve only been here for 5 years. They say my dog’s lead will trip them over. My dog’s insured, the runners are insured and it’s their problem if they injure themselves." *Chef's kiss* 10/10 ranting...

06 January 2022, 12:36
Pain cave playlist: which bangers help get you through the turbo tedium?

Do your worst...

Just don't go full Chris Froome...last year the four-time Tour winner shared his playlist on Strava and got a fully justified roasting... Call Me Maybe, Jessie J, The Wanted, Uptown Funk, Olly Murs and the Sugababes...that's one way to make your ears hurt more than your legs...

06 January 2022, 12:22
Major extension to west London cycleway planned — consultation running until mid-February
Cycleway 9 (picture credit Simon MacMichael)

An extension to Cycleway 9 has been put forward by Transport for London. The plans would see the existing segregated infrastructure (seen above) extended between Brentford and Hounslow, including new and improved pedestrian crossings.

A consultation is open until Tuesday 16 February and the plans in full include: 4.1km of protected cycleway along Hounslow High Street, London Road and Brentford High Street.

A new signalised junction and improved pedestrian crossings are also part of the plans.

"We’ve seen a massive increase in people walking and cycling in the past few years," London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said.

"We are working closely with boroughs like Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham to help transform roads and make sure there is enough space for people to walk and cycle around the capital safely. If TfL secures a long-term financial deal with the Government which allows this cycleway extension to go ahead, pedestrians and cyclists could see huge benefits."

06 January 2022, 11:37
Tom Pidcock, your time has arrived...reaction to Wout van Aert skipping CX Worlds

Now that meme is out the way we can do the serious business...hyping up Tom Pidcock's rainbow jersey chances...

Wout van Aert, as we told you on the blog yesterday, isn't going to Fayetteville, citing the need to be in top shape for the spring Classics on the road. Mathieu van der Poel is out injured and has pulled the plug on his 'cross season. So...Tom P, it's your time to shine...

06 January 2022, 11:24
Major Cardiff partnership established to tackle cycle crime
Nextbike Cardiff (screenshot via BBC News report)

A partnership involving 19 organisations has been set up to tackle cycle crime in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. South Wales Police, Cardiff Council, Welsh Government, Vale of Glamorgan Council and bike hire provider nextbike are all involved.

The Cardiff Cycle Crime Reduction Partnership (CCCRP) will copy the model from nearby Newport where a 29 per cent reduction in cycle theft was seen in the year following the implementation a similar programme.

> Vandalism and theft force suspension of cycle hire schemes in South Wales

Police will use tactics such as trap bikes and marking bikes with Smartwater to catch offenders.

Last year, nextbike removed its fleet of OVO Bikes from the city following staggering levels of theft and vandalism.

06 January 2022, 10:58
Peterborough thieves raid communal shelters — 15 bikes stolen
St Edmunds Walk Peterborough (Google Maps Street View)

The Peterborough Telegraph reports thieves raided shelters outside a block of flats, unscrewing railings to take 15 bikes. The thefts took place at community bike shelters along St Edmunds Walk and Eagles Way.

One resident said neighbours had chased the culprits and recovered as many bikes as they could before the thieves fled the scene.

Another told the local news website: "There’s not even a working light in the car park, so there definitely won’t be any CCTV of it happening. You really can’t have anything, it’s so unfair."

06 January 2022, 10:18
New waterproof gilet from Ridgecrest Clothing
Ridgecrest gilet

Custom-made fitted frame bags and luggage can be added to Cotic’s subtle steel Escapade gravel bike, and the man behind designing and producing these in the UK, David Turner, has now ventured into cycling clothing with his new Ridgecrest Clothing brand. 

Ridgecrest Clothing has recently released its first apparel product, a waterproof gilet (£44.95) which has been handmade in the UK and looks pretty stylish - there’s the choice between Navy, Yellow, Grey and Red, all with a maroon zipper down the middle.

The gilet uses a PU coated polyester to EN343 grade 3 which is the highest level of breathability for a waterproof material and all seams are top stitched with maroon thread. Across the back there’s a 20cm x 50mm reflective strip for visibility in low light conditions. 

The gilet is available from size small to XL as standard, but Ridgecrest also produces an XXL version (for 48” chest) and XXXL (51 in) for an extra £10.

06 January 2022, 09:37
Christ on a bike

He rode for 40 days and 40 nights to complete the Strava challenge, Everesting Mount Sinai each day...

06 January 2022, 08:42
Must be undercover cyclists...commuter catches five drivers jumping red light

It's one of, if not the most common sentence we hear uttered by people bashing cyclists, normally when we're discussing an issue of road safety completely unrelated..."what about all the cyclists who don't stop at red lights?" 

Well, those pesky cyclists have gone undercover. Five drivers, including a London cabbie, and one person on a bike, are seen rushing through this temporary traffic light on red. 

CyclingMikey got involved suggesting Greg reports the video for a likely prosecution.

Others debated whether the lights had been stuck on red for a while...

Now, we're assuming Greg isn't still stood waiting for the lights to change, and eventually got the green light he was waiting for...but here's what the relevant section of the Highway Code says:

 You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing. Only go forward when the traffic lights are green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely or you are taking up a position to turn right. If the traffic lights are not working, treat the situation as you would an unmarked junction and proceed with great care.

> Highway Code changes aimed at protecting cyclists to become law next month

Greg replied to one driver saying they had stuck to the Highway Code's guidance...

Dan joined road.cc in 2020, and spent most of his first year (hopefully) keeping you entertained on the live blog. At the start of 2022 he took on the role of news editor. Before joining road.cc, Dan wrote about various sports, including football and boxing for the Daily Express, and covered the weird and wonderful world of non-league football for The Non-League Paper. Part of the generation inspired by the 2012 Olympics, Dan has been 'enjoying' life on two wheels ever since and spends his weekends making bonk-induced trips to the petrol stations of the south of England.

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45 comments

Avatar
Geoff Ingram | 2 years ago
2 likes

Bloody car drivers jumping red lights. They don't even pay road tax, you know.

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Captain Badger replied to Geoff Ingram | 2 years ago
1 like

Geoff Ingram wrote:

Bloody car drivers jumping red lights. They don't even pay road tax, you know.

They should get their toys off the road and leave it for the grown-ups to use

Avatar
belugabob | 2 years ago
1 like

As Tilgate park is less than a km from my house, I'm always over there, with my dog.
He runs free, once we're away from the roads, and comes back when I whistle. Generally, he causes fewer issues than when he's on the lead, as he doesn't get tangled round other people and/or their dogs.
As usual, a small amount of problematic people/dogs leads (see what I did, there?) to calls for extreme measures for all.

Now, I need to decide whether I should stick to walks, or partake of bike rides with him.

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IanEdward | 2 years ago
0 likes

CX seems to be a strange beast, the top two are just so much better than the rest that the race for 1st rapidly becomes a bit dull and all the excitement is happening behind (Tom Pidcock vs. Eli Iserbyt in particular).

I would have liked to have seen a fully fit MvdP vs. WvA on his current form though, in past years it had been fairly one sided (I think the world champs was beginning to look interesting until WvA punctured if I recall...).

Re: playlists, I've been mining a rich seam of 90s and early 00s techno, in particular a Japanese artist called Takkyu Ishino. Just the right blend of metronomic, bashy and euphoric in places. The training zones don't stand a chance sometimes when the right tune comes on, FULL GAS!!!  

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mdavidford | 2 years ago
3 likes

Re. Playlist - mostly the Reith Lectures back catalogue at the moment.

 

 

Just me then?

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Rendel Harris replied to mdavidford | 2 years ago
2 likes

mdavidford wrote:

Re. Playlist - mostly the Reith Lectures back catalogue at the moment.

 

 

Just me then?

Nope - that plus the archive of In Our Time fuelled my pre-Christmas 1026 km in 10 days extravganza. I particularly enjoyed the Daniel Barenboim ones.

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brooksby | 2 years ago
6 likes

What is the purpose of a waterproof gilet?  What I mean is, won't your arms still get cold and wet?? 

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SimoninSpalding replied to brooksby | 2 years ago
4 likes

Yeah, but by ensuring that you body is wrapped in plastic it prevents sweat from escaping so your torso is also cold and wet. Oh hang on...

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IanMSpencer | 2 years ago
1 like

I believe temporary traffic lights are not enforceable like permanent ones, however, any incident puts the driver in powerful of a driving without due care or even dangerous driving rather than a red light offence.

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to IanMSpencer | 2 years ago
3 likes

Are you sure? I thought the law changed several years ago although I think it depends on a road order being filled in. Which I would be surpised if this one didn't have due to the length of time it would need to be setup whilst doing the building work.

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SlowOldSteve replied to IanMSpencer | 2 years ago
1 like

Temporary traffic signals are always licensed by the Highway Authority and are enforceable by the police. Any nighttime or weekend emergency works by statutory authorities are retrospectively licensed the next working day and those works recorded in accordance with the New Roads and  Streetworks Act. As you correctly point out many others offences could also be considered. 

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mdavidford | 2 years ago
3 likes

Isn't this the second coming of Christ on a bike on the live blog?

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Captain Badger | 2 years ago
16 likes

I'm just waiting for some racist obnoxious turd of a troll to blame RLJ on Mikey. 

oh

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to Captain Badger | 2 years ago
9 likes

Nah, no one would assume the lights are permanently stuck at all with no evidence and do that. Sounds attention grabbing to me and probably best ignored still.

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mdavidford replied to AlsoSomniloquism | 2 years ago
7 likes

Maybe someone who, by their own admission, only has an ounce of common sense would. Fortunately, most people have a lot more than that.

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to mdavidford | 2 years ago
6 likes

Nah, even an ounce of common sense wouldn't make the assumption they were broken based on 10 seconds and no obvious traffic coming the other way. After all if they were broken, then they would be broken at both ends and traffic would both just be trying to rush through as per pictures from that end. 

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TriTaxMan replied to AlsoSomniloquism | 2 years ago
2 likes

AlsoSomniloquism wrote:

Nah, even an ounce of common sense wouldn't make the assumption they were broken based on 10 seconds and no obvious traffic coming the other way. After all if they were broken, then they would be broken at both ends and traffic would both just be trying to rush through as per pictures from that end. 

Indeed.  I mean the gov.uk traffic light guidance shows that for portable traffic lights at roadworks with a length of between 50m and 100m requires all traffic signals to be red for a minimum of 10 seconds.  Given the length of time it took the taxi to traverse the full length of the road works (at least 8 or 9 seconds) I am confident that the length of the road works in question is at least 50m.

And that is the minimum all red time.  Given the location it is quite likely that the speed limit on that stretch of the road 30mph, if not 20mph.  So there is a good chance that the all red phase will be longer than the 10 second minimum to allow slower road users (such as cyclists) to pass safely through the full length of the road works.

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wycombewheeler replied to TriTaxMan | 2 years ago
2 likes

TriTaxMan wrote:

So there is a good chance that the all red phase will be longer than the 10 second minimum to allow slower road users (such as cyclists) to pass safely through the full length of the road works.

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lesterama replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
18 likes

.

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Clem Fandango replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
23 likes

Early start today then.

You are either a very subtle satirist or a DM journalist.  

Good to see top tier road safety expert CyclingMikey dispense sage advice though

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SimoninSpalding replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
18 likes

Trust our Nigel to try to get people wound up by going through a set of broken, always wrong, baseless opinions. Reveals so much about his personality and lack of common sense.

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SimoninSpalding replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
11 likes

You will let us know when all the material we have helped you workshop is ready and you are touring your one man show, won't you?

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TriTaxMan replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
9 likes

Garage at Large wrote:

Wrong, anyone with an ounce of common sense (i.e. me) can see the traffic lights aren't working, and therefore cyclingmikey is inciting the other Twitter user to waste police time. The lights are stuck on red. How do I know this? "

You don't know this.  You are guessing without any proof.  The OP in their twitter feed advised that the lights were slow and that it was 4 way traffic control.

So the fact that the lights on the other side (1/4 of the lights) were at red doesn't mean the lights are broken.  I mean it is entirely possible that the lights were on a timed sequence and that one of the other sets of lights were at green but no cars were coming out.

So would you like to admit you don't actually know that the lights were broken?

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TriTaxMan replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
6 likes

Garage at Large wrote:

[

I'm not guessing at all. On Twitter, the OP confirmed he bailed by riding the wrong way down the adjacent one-way cycleway after getting stuck at the temporary traffic lights.

Or are you saying he deliberately broke the law by ignoring perfectly functioning traffic lights to ride inconsiderately and dangerously?

I made no judgement as to whether or not the cyclist ignored perfectly functioning lights..... because I don't know if the lights were functioning.  I simply do not have enough evidence either way to make a judgement which is why I was very careful in what I said.

I simply challenged your factually incorrect opinion that you knew the lights were broken.  Which you have not, nor will you be able to prove from the available evidence

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Moist von Lipwig replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
5 likes

Garage at Large wrote:

The lights are stuck on red. How do I know this? Because at the traffic lights, the road goes down to a single lane. If the lights were green on the other side, there would be a coming together with traffic approaching from the other side. Any human being with a functioning brain can work that out.

Or the traffic at the other end is unable to proceed on their green light into the single lane as there is a constant stream of red light jumpers in the signle lane still coming towards them.

Or no traffic appears to be moving as this is 4 way control and there happens to be no traffic needing the green phase at one of the side roads as we are watching. 4 way control is usually pre programmed and doesn't operate on detection.

Any human being with a functioning brain can add that to the list of possibilities before arriving at a certainty.

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Secret_squirrel replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
11 likes

Errrm.  It wasnt even CyclingMikey who posted it!  Must try harder Mr Troll.

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Hirsute replied to Secret_squirrel | 2 years ago
2 likes

the cycling mikey thing is a road.cc comment

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AlsoSomniloquism replied to Hirsute | 2 years ago
9 likes

Yes, Mikey rightly replied to the OP of the video to report apparent flagrant abuse  to see if the Police wanted to take action. 

But unfortunately Boo has got exactly what he wanted again and now has 7 people responding to his deliberately provoking  comments. People just need to ignore him from now on. 

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Clem Fandango replied to AlsoSomniloquism | 2 years ago
14 likes

Agree. Can we just have one "do not feed" reply each time (whoever gets there first can handle it) to the blatant baiting / attention seeking?

I've tried attempting to engage with love and support, but sadly he won't play - it's clearly a one way game you see.

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brooksby replied to Clem Fandango | 2 years ago
7 likes

I've been binging What We Do In The Shadows over the holidays, and there;'s an episode where Colin Robinson has a load of laptops open on his bed and he's winding people up on internet forums to drain their energy "because it is just so easy!".

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