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"There isn’t a blind spot out the windscreen — driver didn't look": Surrey traffic cops weigh in on Jeremy Vine's latest video; Viral Kyiv cyclist reportedly national team manager; Strava activity; Council may scrap segregated lane + more on the live blog

The end of the week is just around the corner, Dan Alexander's doing his final live blog week before Ryan's back tomorrow...
03 March 2022, 17:17
How to open a beer: Pro cyclist edition...

Ah go on then, if you insist...guess we should all have a beer then... 

03 March 2022, 16:17
Trek-Segafredo's Tuscan Holiday
03 March 2022, 15:09
Weymouth residents disagree over seafront cycling ban
weymouth.jpg

The Dorset Echo is reporting a host of local public spaces protection orders, including a cycling ban on the promenade between May and September from 10am to 5.30pm. It is a continuation of a current order, however, it will not apply to children under the age of 12.

The local paper reports concerns about a lack of enforcement, dates and timings of restrictions and the areas covered. Others opposed the ban and asked for cycle access all year round, or in a defined area.

03 March 2022, 14:58
Aleksandr Vlasov: "I, like a lot of Russians, just want peace"

Bora-hansgrohe's new GC leader and recent winner of Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana, Aleksandr Vlasov, has spoken out about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In a statement posted on his Instagram, the Russian athlete agreed with compatriot and fellow WorldTour pro Pavel Sivakov, saying: "I, like a lot of Russians, just want peace. I’m not a political person, and normal people like me weren’t asked if we want a war.

> Ineos Grenadiers’ Russian pro Pavel Sivakov denounces invasion of Ukraine

"It has been a shock for everyone and I hope that it will stop as soon as possible. It’s a difficult situation for everybody. I feel sorry for all the people who are suffering, and I hope that there will soon be peace. I am an athlete and my goal should be to unite people across political borders, rather than divide them. I think that should be the role of sports.

03 March 2022, 14:30
Time trial farce: A cinematic trilogy

The good, the bad and the ugly? More like the bad, the bad and the ugly...

The opening time trial of the EasyToys Bloeizone Fryslân Tour (catchy name) was overshadowed by some...let's say less than ideal marshalling and event management. Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Looking less like a professional bike race but more like when you're late for work on the local bike path...(just kidding, the UK doesn't have bike paths like that)...

Just when you though it couldn't get any worse...

Exhibit C:

After all the ridiculousness, Ellen van Dijk won the stage from compatriot Riejanne Markus. A certain Katie Archibald was fourth, that return to road racing seems to be going alright for the three-time Olympic medallist on the track... 

03 March 2022, 14:23
UCI President David Lappartient's "Ukrainian situation" tribute doesn't go down well

Anyone heard about what's happening over in Ukraine? Apparently it's not a war or invasion, just a "situation"...

I'll shut up and let the reaction speak for itself...

03 March 2022, 12:02
Is this the end of the Snake Pass fun?

That's a lot of weekend rides which will need changing... 

> Snake Pass now “belongs to cyclists” as Peak District climb closed to motorists for at least a month

03 March 2022, 11:57
More new kit from Pas Normal Studios
2022 Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Collection

The 2022 Mechanism Collection is Danish brand Pas Normal Studios’ updated performance line for fast-paced spring and summer rides, with second-skin tight cut and highly breathable fabrics used throughout the range which includes men’s and women’s specific versions.

The Mechanism Jersey (£155) comes in an aerodynamic race fit and uses a lightweight fabric, but also includes practical features including a zippered side pocket with a protected insert. Available in 13 men’s and 12 women’s colour options, it’ll be hard not to find one that’ll match your style. 

This is paired with the Mechanism Bibs (£220) which feature a four-layer foam chamois and low-profile shoulder straps along with a second-skin fit.

2022 Pas Normal Studios Mechanism Collection

Designed for the most unpredictable weather, the Mechanism Long Sleeve Jersey (£170) has a soft fleece lining and an additional lightweight mesh panel is fitted to the lower back panel of the jersey to prevent the build-up of moisture in your back pockets.

The Stow Away Gilet (£120) is a lightweight option made from a DWR- treated Japanese fabric technology, and is said to easily pack away in a back pocket so you’re well equipped and prepared for a sudden shower. 

03 March 2022, 11:53
Cycling UK calls on cyclists to tell East Renfrewshire Council not to remove segregated cycle lane
03 March 2022, 11:31
The REAL most wonderful time of the year

Fun fact: Andy Williams' hit 'It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year' is actually about the seven-week Classics run from Omloop to Roubaix...(or it should be)...

Strade Bianche men's and women's races this Saturday, as if you needed any reason to sit in front of the telly watching bike racing all day...also Wout's giving it a miss to give everyone else a chance. How kind of him...

Want some gravel inspiration for a Saturday morning ride to get you in the mood for some white road action?

> Want to ride some US-style gravel in the UK? Check out this guide with some epic UK gravel routes

03 March 2022, 10:46
"There isn’t a blind spot out the windscreen — driver didn't look": Surrey traffic cops weigh in on Jeremy Vine's latest video

Jeremy Vine was back sharing footage of a near miss in London yesterday...this time a Land Rover driver not seeing the presenter in the bike lane until he shouted 'No!' at the top of his lungs.

Vine shared the video, asking: "Could I not have ONE journey home where I don’t have to shout at the top of my voice?"

Maybe there's a business idea in the Jeremy Vine shouts 'no' alarm clock? Good luck snoozing through that...

In a way that only Twitter can, when faced with the clip, one reply was more concerned with the cyclist's cry than the driver almost knocking him off his bike...

Who you gonna call? Surrey Roads Policing Unit's Twitter admin, obviously...

However, that wasn't the only one...

03 March 2022, 09:15
If it isn't on Strava...
Kyiv Strava

Yep, that's a rider taking a KOM as Russian forces up their attack on the Ukrainian capital...full activity here...

The Strava traffic on popular segments is right down, but there are still a few brave souls getting out on the roads...

Kyiv Strava

Link to this activity here...

03 March 2022, 08:59
Kyiv cyclists continue riding — viral photo reportedly of Ukranian cycling team manager

We're still not over the spirit of the Ukranian cyclists still getting out for their two-wheeled dose of exercise even with the terror of a Russian invasion just metres away. This first photo, snapped by Economist correspondent, Oliver Carroll shows the emptiness of the city's capital just a few days ago, sadly the situation has worsened since then.

Then there's this clip of the rider who went viral on Monday after being spotted training riding towards military vehicles. The video shows the cyclist, probably very wisely, turning back.

Social media whispers suggest the rider has been identified as Ukrainian cycling team manager Roman Yefimov who oversaw Olena Starikova's silver in the women's sprint at last summer's Olympic Games.

As per the translation below: "Hi, everything is ok, I’ve enlisted in the Territorial Defence Forces in Kyiv. We are on it! Thank you for your help and concerns. We will win!"

Dan is the road.cc news editor and joined in 2020 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 has been at road.cc for four years and mainly writes news and tech articles as well as the occasional feature. He has hopefully kept you entertained on the live blog too.

Never fast enough to take things on the bike too seriously, when he's not working you'll find him exploring the south of England by two wheels at a leisurely weekend pace, or enjoying his favourite Scottish roads when visiting family. Sometimes he'll even load up the bags and ride up the whole way, he's a bit strange like that.

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21 comments

Avatar
Billsmiles | 2 years ago
7 likes

I think this article should be compulsory reading and questions on it asked in the theory test for motorists. As a driver/cyclist it certainly did change how I observed the world.
Https://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/raf-pilot-teach-cyclists/

Avatar
ERC Resident | 2 years ago
2 likes

Here's the link for all those who wish to add comments in support of retaining the A77 cycle path. This scheme has been attacked by a very small vocal group locals from the start, and the council seem frightened to allow the scheme to continue as elections get closer....

https://erspacesforpeople.commonplace.is/en-GB/proposals/views-on-early-...?

 

please take time to add your views on why segregation shouldn't be removed 

 

Avatar
ERC Resident replied to ERC Resident | 2 years ago
1 like

Thanks to those who have added their voice. 

Avatar
Awavey | 2 years ago
4 likes

On the Vine video, and no clearly the driver didnt look so its debateable if this makes a difference at all and I suspect target fixation crept in got to turn in the gap between vehicles,oh look theres a cyclist, but look how visually cluttered that street & cycle lane is, is anyone in that cycle lane going to stand out at a mere glance and register as traffic ?

Avatar
GMBasix replied to Awavey | 2 years ago
4 likes

Street clutter is a real problem, but I don't think people are trained how to be aware on the roads.  We have stopped looking for movement (which is the awareness to the sides of our focal vision) and now simply look for shiny things.  If we don't have our lights or hi-viz on, it's now "our fault" to many people. Cars increasingly use DRLs (in fact I see many with 3 pairs of bright lamps on), so even a 1.5t hatchback isn't really there if it isn't lit.

We seem to have lost the ability to look into a space and assess the traffic in it, and especially to assess paths of conflict.  When I say, "we", of course I mean other drivers(!)

Avatar
Daveyraveygravey replied to Awavey | 2 years ago
7 likes

Awavey wrote:

On the Vine video, and no clearly the driver didnt look so its debateable if this makes a difference at all and I suspect target fixation crept in got to turn in the gap between vehicles,oh look theres a cyclist, but look how visually cluttered that street & cycle lane is, is anyone in that cycle lane going to stand out at a mere glance and register as traffic ?

 

I noticed JV was passed by another Discovery, just before the lazy/criminal act of driving.  Maybe if people were happy to pootle about in normal cars instead of over-sized over-engineered tractors, the driver would have had mor time to look properly to see JV?

Avatar
Jetmans Dad replied to Awavey | 2 years ago
9 likes

Awavey wrote:

On the Vine video, and no clearly the driver didnt look so its debateable if this makes a difference at all and I suspect target fixation crept in got to turn in the gap between vehicles,oh look theres a cyclist, but look how visually cluttered that street & cycle lane is, is anyone in that cycle lane going to stand out at a mere glance and register as traffic ?

That's true, but when I learned to drive (36 years ago) I still clearly remember one of the very first things my instructor told me, before we even set out on our first lesson, was that a "glance" is never enough. Look properly, and if everything is happening too fast to look properly, slow down and give yourself time to do so before doing anything. 

The fundamental problem with drivers these days is that they are so cossetted, so protected from what it really means to be on the road that they assume everything is always going to be fine, so they don't take the time, and make the effort, to do things properly. 

Avatar
Hirsute replied to Awavey | 2 years ago
3 likes

Although the number of wands present should indicate to any driver that they will be crossing a cycle lane and need to take care. But I'm sure the driver in his expensive rental, equipped for off roading in london is a very important person on a very urgent trip.

Avatar
Richard D replied to Awavey | 2 years ago
5 likes

What is it with drivers taking umbrage at a shout?  I don't have a horn (just a little bell), so if something happens and I need to get the attention of another road user (usually because they're about to kill me thru inattention) I yell.  Usually "Oi!"  But more than one driver has just lost it completely as a result.

Presumably they also lose it when another driver sounds their horn.  No, I thought not.

And if they complain that my shouting scares them, that's nothing compared to the scare I get when someone drives a tonne of metal at me.

Avatar
IanMSpencer replied to Richard D | 2 years ago
1 like
Richard D wrote:

What is it with drivers taking umbrage at a shout?  I don't have a horn (just a little bell), so if something happens and I need to get the attention of another road user (usually because they're about to kill me thru inattention) I yell.  Usually "Oi!"  But more than one driver has just lost it completely as a result.

Presumably they also lose it when another driver sounds their horn.  No, I thought not.

And if they complain that my shouting scares them, that's nothing compared to the scare I get when someone drives a tonne of metal at me.

The latest Range Rovers need to use light weight materials because there is now so much kit in them that they are worried about hitting the 3 tonne mark, which makes them subject to van rules - Range Rover kerb weight is over 2.5 tonnes for some current models.

Avatar
Rome73 replied to Awavey | 2 years ago
0 likes

It's the waving, the dismissive 'go away, get out of the way' that makes me go all Hulk. But I'm working on it. 

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Miller | 2 years ago
4 likes

Total admiration (and worry) for anyone cycling in Kyiv right now. The Cinelli in that short clip, I think it's a Pro Estrada like I used to have - lovely bike.

//live.staticflickr.com/5255/5520730560_c84f2f07d7_b.jpg)

Avatar
IanMSpencer | 2 years ago
10 likes

Heads up to a Guardian article:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2022/mar/03/anti-cycli...

I think we all can identify with Andrew unless you are an IAM director.

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Flintshire Boy replied to IanMSpencer | 2 years ago
1 like

.

Yup, think I can identify him. He's the guy in the photo in the article, no?

.

Avatar
brooksby replied to Flintshire Boy | 2 years ago
10 likes

Flintshire Boy wrote:

Yup, think I can identify him. He's the guy in the photo in the article, no?

Except that the caption for the photo says

"A cyclist – not Tierney – wearing a helmet camera. Tierney’s takedowns include contacting those spouting hate against cyclists online. Photograph: Matthew Horwood/Alamy"

Avatar
JustTryingToGet... replied to IanMSpencer | 2 years ago
9 likes

Interesting that when internet dickwads think they are responding to a woman they get more condescending. Interesting but sadly not surprising.

How on earth does that conversation go:

Andrew: Dude, not cool to say you're gonna kill someone.
Internet dickwad: yeah, that looks shit, better delete.

Andrea: dude, not cool to say you're gonna kill someone.
Internet dickwad: fuck you bitch, I do want I want. Fix me a sandwich.

Avatar
mdavidford replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
12 likes

.

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chrisonabike replied to mdavidford | 2 years ago
2 likes

A nice addition to the canon. For some reason I'm hearing that in my mother's voice.

 

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

*tries (and fails) to keep a straight face*

 

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Seventyone replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
10 likes

No one wants to "supress" you Nigel, we are just very bored of your trolling

Avatar
IanMSpencer replied to Lance ꜱtrongarm | 2 years ago
0 likes

I think you'll find you're wrong.

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