Interesting recent Streets Ahead podcast on disinformation and how it was used as part of the anti-ULEZ campaign:
https://play.acast.com/s/streets-ahead/ ... vel-part-1
Show notes taken from the website:
Disinformation is seeping from social media into public debate, and even politicians are being sucked in - with real-world consequences for democracy. From 15-minute cities, to ULEZ, active travel has found itself on the frontline of the battle for truth - but what is actually happening, and how does it affect us?
In the first of a two-part miniseries on the topic, Adam, Ned and Laura talk to Amil Khan, founder of Valent, a company that “deals with disinformation by understanding who is behind it, what methods they use and who they seek to manipulate”.
Amil Khan was a Reuters and BBC journalist who first encountered disinformation campaigns around the Arab Spring in the 2010s. He began investigating the topic for Chatham House and the government and, in 2020, with a government COVID loan, he founded his own company, Valent. There, he and his team investigates the mechanics of disinformation, including on social media platforms.
Amil says the company is ‘content agnostic’ - but as well as paid projects it investigates topics of interest to staff… which led to an investigation into anti-ULEZ sentiment online. What it found was one of the most advanced manipulation efforts they have seen in nearly four years of examining such activity in Africa, the Middle East and Europe. An estimated £168,000 had been spent, via ‘spreader accounts’ amplifying genuine anti-ULEZ voices. While against social media company rules, this automated manipulation happens, thanks to a number of companies selling such services under vaguely concealed euphemisms.
Amil talks us through the mechanics of dis- and misinformation online, how it happens, how to tackle it, and the consequences for active travel, and indeed democracy.
Search found 15 matches
- 13 Oct 2023, 11:10pm
- Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
- Topic: The war on motorists.
- Replies: 293
- Views: 63872
- 1 Mar 2023, 10:54pm
- Forum: Does anyone know … ?
- Topic: Lighter Spa Touring build
- Replies: 32
- Views: 5390
Re: Lighter Spa Touring build
Hi, I’m considering a 52cm Elan, would normally look more at a 54cm frame but the Elan seems to come up pretty big. I see from your pics you also have a lot of spacers under the stem - could I ask how tall you are? I’m 178cm. I would go and try one out but I live way too far away.Ianwhitwell wrote: ↑3 Sep 2022, 10:52pm I was looking to buy an 'everyday bike' that I could use for occasional touring and visited SPA to try their Wayfarer. I did like it, but they didn't have my size in stock and after many months of waiting ( covid and Taiwan, from what I can gather). When I rang up the last time the owner suggested I try the 725 Elan, and I could put a steel fork on it for front panniers. This I did ( Spec below) and I've had it a couple of years and have never regretted the purchase. I would def go and try one out if your interested, they had a big range to try.
My spec to cover daily rides and tours with full panniers. I specifically wanted a front triple, but they had some excellent double ring options as well. I liked the fact it was almost like a custom build (frame excepted)
Frame 725 Elan 105 5700 Build 52cm
- 8 Sep 2022, 10:50am
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: November conditions
- Replies: 16
- Views: 6601
Re: November conditions
Start in John O’Groats to maximise the chances of having reasonable weather in Scotland. You’ll also get a bit more daylight earlier in the month.
- 8 Nov 2021, 4:39pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: JoGLE next summer
- Replies: 29
- Views: 2775
Re: JoGLE next summer
I’d also stay on NCN 4 through Bath as it avoids the busiest roads, and whilst the riverside path looks appealing, that section is narrow with lots of pedestrians. Alternatively turn left and follow NCN 4 along the canal path, then Monkton Combe, missing out Bath altogether, it’s a bit bumpy but probably no worse than the Fosse Way.Richard Fairhurst wrote: ↑8 Nov 2021, 12:02pmYou have lots of fun gravel sections awaiting you on the Fosse Way. After Colerne Airfield I'd personally go into Batheaston on the little roads to the west, rather than Bannerdown Road which, again, is a racetrack.
- 8 Jun 2021, 8:28pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: 2021 LEJOG
- Replies: 156
- Views: 16910
Re: 2021 LEJOG
Looking at your route, the Bristol/Bath railway path and the cycle path along the ring road were all good when I rode them a week ago. There’s a handy cafe, the Warmley Waiting Room part way along the path too.
- 22 Jul 2020, 8:42pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: Wigan past Preston to Garstang
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1530
Re: Wigan past Preston to Garstang
reohn2 wrote:My neck o' the woods
Follow Todd Lane until you can pick up route 55 on the left,this will take you to the south bank of the river(there's a bridge known as the old tramway but is blocked off as unsafe),turn right you're now following the river as far as the A6 road bridge but avoiding the A6.Cross the bridge and turning left follow the north bank of the river,there's a cyclepath on the left after about 400m along the riverbank and into the park where there's a nice cafe.
Hi - Is staying on route 55 and using the bridge to the west of the closed Old Tram Road bridge an option and then joining route 62 through Avenham Park to Winckley Square?
- 11 Jul 2020, 9:23pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: LEJOG 14 Day Route
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2203
Re: LEJOG 14 Day Route
Paulatic wrote:Sandhouse wrote:griggsy wrote:Hoping to avoid Carlisle altogether by looping round on the cycle path along the A689 - as advised in an earlier post on here.
I always use the A689 I’m certain it’s a lot quicker than going through the city.
If you’re going that side and through Dalston I’d also take R7 out of Penrith it saves climbing out of Penrith just to loose that height again down to the roundabout.
After the A689 crosses the Eden pick up R7 again to Gretna. Lot more pleasant than the road beside Mway.
Thanks Paulatic, I’ve rerouted onto R7. Adds a hill at Skelton but avoids A6 hill so a good compromise.
- 11 Jul 2020, 2:52pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: LEJOG 14 Day Route
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2203
Re: LEJOG 14 Day Route
griggsy wrote:From Penrith I went out of town on the A6 I think and then left at a roundabout to come into Carlisle from the south west. Carlisle took a while because of diversions.
Went into Scotland on the A7 and across country via the Tibetan Monastery passing LEL coming the other way, not the quickest but loved it, camped on the beach in the Dalmenie Estate with the deer looking at the FRB.
Went Kinross to Perth via Milnathort and Bridge of Earn, recommend this quiet, fairly quick and flat.
From Inverness went up the middle to Lairg, Crask Inn, Altnaharra and across to Forsinard before going through the estate roads to Thurso, scenic, gravelly and fun if you’re happy off-road.
Thanks for the tips. Good to hear you have ridden and can recommend parts of the route. Hoping to avoid Carlisle altogether by looping round on the cycle path along the A689 - as advised in an earlier post on here.
- 27 Jun 2020, 9:29pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: LEJOG 14 Day Route
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2203
Re: LEJOG 14 Day Route
whoof wrote:I've ridden most of the route from LE to Bristol on a number of occasions and have ridden great chunks of it hundreds of times. With the exception that I ride further West towards Blisland. If doing LEJOG start looks OK if going the other way I would not go from Newlyn to Paul.
I've ridden the canal path at Bridgwater on 25 mm and it was a bit bumpy but was OK. However I think someone on here rode it and for some reason they were in agony.
When you get to Portbury go straight on High Street right into the layby and cross A369 on cycle path into Pill and then onto the M5 bridge avoids edge of industrial car storage and takes you right past a COOP of you need some food.
When you get over the M5 go right and follow the NCN 410 to Hallen, Easter Compton, Pilning and joining the A403 at Northwick. You only have to do about 1 km on or next to the A403 which is full of lorries going to Avonmouth and you can ride quiet lanes instead.
Thanks. I’ve rerouted around Portbury. Probably stay with NCN 41 towards Severn Bridge, lots of trucks but lots of cycle paths too - NCN 410 looks nice but adds a few miles.
- 27 Jun 2020, 4:34pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: LEJOG 14 Day Route
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2203
Re: LEJOG 14 Day Route
Paulatic wrote:matt2matt2002 wrote:Nice route. Any day off days planned?
Mileage per day thoughts?
Stopping off points?
It’s 940 miles similar to the Wimps. I personally think taking a day off increases your daily mileage and feel that extra milage on a tough day could be harder to deal with than cycling every day.
Not planning on any rest days so around 70 miles/day. Similar mileage to the Wimps but I think around 10% more climbing.
- 27 Jun 2020, 4:01pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: LEJOG 14 Day Route
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2203
Re: LEJOG 14 Day Route
Paulatic wrote:I'd be tempted to use more of the A6 north of Preston
At Penrith I’d be tempted to go through the middle your cycle route puts in an extra hill. Also when you get through Penrith I wouldn’t take Fair Hill out. There’s enough of a hill out on the A6. Fair Hill is even bigger I did it once heading South and swore never again
At Dunkeld is that route 77 coming out? I wonder what the current situation is with the surface there. I think I’ve read it can be MtB territory.
Thanks. I’ve added in some A6 coming out of Preston and Penrith. Hadn’t really considered using the A6 as Fair Hill was more direct but as you say the A6 saves over 100ft of climbing!
- 22 Jun 2020, 7:34pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: LEJOG 14 Day Route
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2203
LEJOG 14 Day Route
Hi,
Planning on riding LEJOG or maybe JOGLE next year all being well. I’m planning on doing it on a road bike with 28mm tyres (I’ve tentatively included parts of the canal path around Taunton/Bridgewater although unsure how good the surface is).
Have sketched out a route with the priorities being avoiding busy roads and city centres. I don’t mind hills or country lanes as this is where I do 90% of my riding currently. Apologies in advance Mick F, I haven’t followed your route through Cornwall!
Looking to take around 2 weeks so no great rush to get there. Are there super quiet A roads I have avoided unnecessarily or busy roads I haven’t but should avoid, or indeed anything else I’ve missed?
Any comments welcomed!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33100664
The route is... LE - Hayle - St Neot - Okehampton - Tiverton - Bridgwater - Severn Bridge - Symonds Yat - Hereford - Ludlow - Nantwich - Leigh - Preston - Kirkby Lonsdale - Penrith - Gretna Green - Abington - Livingstone - Perth - Aviemore - Inverness - Crask Inn - Bettyhill - JOG.
Thanks.
Planning on riding LEJOG or maybe JOGLE next year all being well. I’m planning on doing it on a road bike with 28mm tyres (I’ve tentatively included parts of the canal path around Taunton/Bridgewater although unsure how good the surface is).
Have sketched out a route with the priorities being avoiding busy roads and city centres. I don’t mind hills or country lanes as this is where I do 90% of my riding currently. Apologies in advance Mick F, I haven’t followed your route through Cornwall!
Looking to take around 2 weeks so no great rush to get there. Are there super quiet A roads I have avoided unnecessarily or busy roads I haven’t but should avoid, or indeed anything else I’ve missed?
Any comments welcomed!
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33100664
The route is... LE - Hayle - St Neot - Okehampton - Tiverton - Bridgwater - Severn Bridge - Symonds Yat - Hereford - Ludlow - Nantwich - Leigh - Preston - Kirkby Lonsdale - Penrith - Gretna Green - Abington - Livingstone - Perth - Aviemore - Inverness - Crask Inn - Bettyhill - JOG.
Thanks.
- 29 Dec 2019, 8:57pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: Route for LEJOG
- Replies: 84
- Views: 8567
Re: Route for LEJOG
puffin wrote:Redvee wrote:I see you're leaving the B2B cyclepath at 229.5 miles then going underneath it 5 miles later. You can stay on the cyclepath and turn right at Mangotsfield Station then pick up the spur that takes you towards Tulip abbotoir but come off at the bridge on Coxgrove Hill.
Thanks Redvee,
that is a great suggestion and I have updated the map, many thanks. I guess the surface is the same all the way?
Best wishes
The path is tarmac all the way from where you join it at Saltford to Coxgrove Hill, where you rejoin the road, generally it’s very good and fine on a road bike.
- 9 Jun 2019, 12:16am
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: John's LEJOG 2019 route
- Replies: 22
- Views: 6934
Re: John's LEJOG 2019 route
honesty wrote:On day 4, you’re going to Bath but missing out the two tunnels route. I’d review that if it were me!
Agree with using the Two Tunnels route into Bath. It not the most direct route but it’s a really nice off road section - lights are a good idea, these are long tunnels! Join it at Midford (or at Wellow if you don’t mind a bit of reasonably smooth gravel - it’s tarmac after Midford). You can then pick up the Bristol - Bath cycle path and NCN 4 along the river. Stay on NCN 4 via a slightly convoluted but reasonably quiet route through the centre. After Sydney Gardens you join the canal path, which is fine as this bit has a very good new surface, but stay on it till Bathampton, then you can either cross the river to join the main road or use the riverside gravel path. You then have a choice of hills to get out of Bath. Steway Lane is a bit more direct than Oakford Lane but even steeper. Both are quiet.
After that, once you cross the M4 much of the Fosse Way is off road and I wouldn’t attempt parts of it on a road bike. Going round on the road via Sherston wouldn’t add much, you might even want to loop via Castle Combe, a really pretty village with a cafe and a pub.
- 27 Apr 2019, 8:58pm
- Forum: Lands End to John O'Groats
- Topic: Lejog for wimps please- or am I on my own? ( merged )
- Replies: 2051
- Views: 189360
Re: Lejog for wimps please- or am I on my own? ( merged )
Great book (France En Velo). If you read it you’ll want to do it. It’s on my to-do list - along with LEJOG.