Virgin Media van driver muscles in front...blames cyclist; Larry Warbasse photobombs Polish wedding pic; Bike change skills; Bahrain Victorious' eye-catching Vuelta kit; LTN positivity; G risks Friday 13th spin; Pidcock's 2022 plan + more on the live blog

At the end of a live blog week dominated by two abreast arguments and social media squabbling we got this email from a reader from the Netherlands who was over in the UK recently...we thought we'd share it for some Friday positivity...

"I am a loyal follower of you channel and can be amused by the 'close pass' videos and ensuing debate in the comments. But it seems there is a war on and the cyclist is under attack, whilst I also observe inconsiderate behaviour from cyclists. Like many I had a great laugh about Angela Epstein on the Jeremy Vine show, and found out later she portrays herself as a serious journalist. Really?

"Anyway, whilst visiting the in-laws in Mid-Wales I cycle and must say I am impressed with the patience and courtesy extended to me as a cyclist. Solid wide passes, not always 100% on the other side of the road, but spacious enough to make me feel safe. From my side, I help a bit by slowing in a passing place or at a busstop. It takes two to tango and in Mid-Wales there is no shortage of car and lorry drivers who understand this. That's why I would like to share a big appreciation to those drivers around Llandrindod Wells who enable me to cycle and enjoy the scenery without being scared stiff."

That's a nicer way to end the week...

Transport for London will begin construction on south east London's first major protected cycle route on Monday. Cycleway 4 will build upon earlier sections completed between Tower Bridge Road and Rotherhithe, with the finished route connecting local communities in the Greenwich area and Central London via accessible active travel.

Once created, the route will include 1.4km of two-way protected cycle tracks as well as pedestrian crossings at Gosterwood Street and Grinstead Road. The works also include upgrades to existing pedestrian crossings and wider footways and a new public space at New King Street, with new trees and seating. 

Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “Thousands of people are already benefiting from new and upgraded cycle routes across London, and the next phase of Cycleway 4 will make a huge difference to those cycling around Deptford. Making it easier to walk and cycle in the capital is key to a green and sustainable recovery from the pandemic, and it’s really exciting that this key route between central London and Greenwich is going to be improved.”

Tom Pidcock will not be rushed into Ineos Grenadiers' Tour de France plans next year and will target the classics and more success on the mountain bike scene instead. A Giro d'Italia debut is also a possibility for the 22-year-old sensation who won gold in Tokyo.

"For the moment, the goal is the classics but I certainly do want to transition to riding GC at some point," Pidcock said ahead of his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a España this weekend. "I’m not riding it [the Tour de France] next year. Maybe I’ll ride it in 2023. It takes more time and energy and is a much more high-pressure environment. There’s no rush to go that way soon."

As for this season, Pidcock's big goal is the road race World Championships in Belgium in September as well as a first crack at Paris-Roubaix, a race he won as a junior and U23.

I'm torn: do i love it or do I hate it? I can't tell...Bahrain Victorious has released pics of its new limited edition Vuelta a España kit. Along the same lines as EF Education-Nippo avoiding clashing with the pink jersey at the Giro, Bahrain have switched out their usual reddish orange jersey to respect the race leader's red. The kit has been designed by Alé and promotes awareness about obesity and diabetes. It features the quote, "exercising 30 minutes a day reduces your risk of diabetes by 25 per cent".

Elsewhere on the jersey, as news editor Simon pointed out, there's a hint of TikTok to that TBV colour scheme...and just below the noble healthy lifestyle messaging is a Bapco sponsorship. That would be *checks notes* the Bahrain Petroleum Company...

This is the BEST NEWS! So many times I’ve felt in danger on my bike from drivers on Church Street. It is not suited to heavy traffic at all. Although I am concerned about where this traffic diverted traffic will to go on the already congested Hackney streets. https://t.co/UbDJBMsz3u

— Seán McGovern (@SeanMcGovernX) August 12, 2021

After a week of two abreast noise and social media spats, let's start Friday on a positive. Labour MP Diane Abbott shared the news that in her Hackney constituency, cars, vans and lorries are to be banned from the high street during the day to encourage cycling and walking. Only buses, emergency vehicles and blue badge holders will be able to access the street between 7am-7pm from September 20 as part of a plan to improve air quality and road safety.

Transport for London has funded the 18-month scheme and there is hope from some that the high street can copy others nearby, such as Orford Road and Francis Road in neighbouring "mini Holland" Waltham Forest.

What's more, the reaction was pretty positive...even taking into account the abuse and opposition that Abbott gets as standard under every tweet. 

I used to live on Church Street, one of my favourite London neighbourhoods. A Church St without the speeding cars would have been wonderful!

— Anton Chiron (@AntrimChicane) August 12, 2021

24 years too late for me but pleased for the current locals. Hat tipped.

— Andy in the Peaks (@Andymo444) August 12, 2021

And although most of the top replies feature the usual anti-LTN arguments: traffic displacement, what about those who need access etc. but even the pockets of negativity were weighed out by sensible replies...

Yes. Walking and wheeling will be easier and more pleasant. Blue badge holders will still be allowed 24/7

— Ben Collier (@benjyminty) August 12, 2021

There is a car park on Church street. It is not being closed down.

— Hackney LCC (@hackney_cycling) August 12, 2021

Citation needed.

— Frank Adorno (@lidf2014) August 12, 2021