Cycling UK Forum

Hi There, A few things have kept up with the "Obesity Crisis"? Cloths, Sofas, Umbrellas and of course CARS !
Roads are suddenly too small for current vehicles? My last car, a Morris Minor, was 50cm narrower than my neighbour's Vauxhall Astra!
The Astra is skinny in comparison with the current must have models, but still a waste of valuable road space. TTFN MM

Hi Vorpal, Now that is taking pedantry a bit too far! In countries that stipulate a minimum clearance the intention to fix such a distance was to ensure that if a controller of a vehicle in an attempt to overtake another road user actually hit the other party then the case was proven! Giving a bit of "Wobble Leeway" made lawful sense, but having struck the other party they where "Banged to rights".
Sadly although all who receive powered vehicle training get it drummed into them that they have a duty of care during overtakes, it is often the first thing they choose to ignore once they pass the obligatory test!
"Might is Right" should not prevail! With so little active policing actually taking place on our roads, it falls to us all to strive for best practise, not just go about with fingers crossed being our safety planning method?
When glib tongues can get the negligent a "Free Ride" we all suffer! TTFN MM

Hello there, It troubles me greatly when people throw out the statement - "The Highway Code states that cyclst's should wear a helmet, so one should"! Why?
Far more knowledgeable folk than I would point out the fact that the "Highway Code" is in the main an advisory document, choosing to show what they think is best practise. It carries no lawful weight unless the area also specifies the correct Lawful Statute which applies to signify that it would be an offence should the person not comply. Examples such as "Helmet Use" on a motorcycle, "Correct Lighting" where regulated, "Speed Limits", "Drink driving", et al. If it doesn't stipulate the appropriate Statute it isn't mandatory! Merely a "Serving Suggestion" as is often stated with that indigestible rubbish such as the "Vesta Curry"!
As a notable Military worthy said years ago - "I have to obey orders, I don't have to take advice"!, too true. TTFN MM

Hi again, Clarkson pressed the "Self Destruct" button, his work at the BBC is over! He only has himself to blame. If you try to abuse others, using them as doormats, that is what you should expect as a consequence.
Maybe now we can address "Road Safety Issues" without his inane drivel getting in the way.
Maybe bodies such as the BBC will employ "Talent" with an operation moral compass, or at least a working appreciation of right & wrong? TTFN MM

Hi Again, Most of the 19th century stuff was Place to Place, especially in this country. On the continent they have always done things better, they quite happily close a village off for a cycle race, here? won't let you close a street, in case it upsets the followers of JC et al! We know all about Biddy, and of course the founder of the T-de-F, both active tricyclists!
That Crimes & Arnold Ride Time is still on the books, no one has got near it, especially so as they turned around at J-o-G to continue on for the 1000 Record, also still on the books!
But that would mean nothing to Eroica Britannia mob? TTFN MM

Hi again, Cycle Historians they are not! More interested in "Real Ale" than "Real Cycling"!!!! As they don't realize that massed start racing is quite a recent development in the scheme of things, before then it was track, place to place records & time-trialing. Many competitors where riding tricycles to a very high standard. Their knowledge is as shallow as a puddle. TTFN MM

Hi there, There is definitely something wrong with their machine criteria rules! When I enquired about using one of my 1953 Higgins Tricycles they made it clear, I could ride around the camp site, but they where "Reserving the longer routes for proper period racing machines"! their words not mine.
So tricycle are not proper "Racing Machines"? Tell that to David Duffield, Albert Crimes, John Arnold, Syd Parker, George Lawrie, Eric Tremaine et al? Check them out in the annals!
So a "Replica" is fine but an original 1953 Higgins running on 27" wheels, 5/6 speed block, TA Criterium Chainset, Mafac Brakes is "Not in the Spirit of the event"! I think not! TTFN MM

Hi Mick F, Since when has the debate over compulsory helmet wearing been a "War"? As a non-combatant, who rarely wears a helmet I have yet to see a rational case properly made for them. The real issue for most of us that we shouldn't have to pander to the wishes of people who whilst being law breakers expect me and others like me to act as they dictate. Almost all of the issues that create road casualties are caused by people who fail to comply with existing Law, so if they travel in a Lawful fashion we won't get hit in the first place! Assault through negligence using a car as a weapon is still an assault. MM

Hi There, Yes, Risk Compensation may increase the actual chance of having an incident, not provable, but Risk Transference is far too often used by careless folk to minimize the outcome of risks that they pose!
They scream "You Should Wear A Helmet" is some belief that when they actually hit you through their negligence that they won't have your death on the suspect conscience? Why don't they simply modify their own behaviour to reduce or remove the danger they pose to others around about them?
Stop making the victim of careless driving into the guilty party! Also one thing which might make the roads a safer place might be the outlawing of "Protected No Claim Bonus", if you're to Blame, take the hit of increased premiums! TTFN MM

Hi All, Yes, Silly Money! But it will of course get worse? Wait till the Import Duty & handling charges kick in, based on the TOTAL MONEY paid, inc. P&P, then it will really hurt! TTFN MM

Hi again, "Petrol Fueled Clip-On Motors", Ah, the "Stinkwheel" Returns! . The down side is that all of the Moped or Motor-cycle laws apply, VED, Insurance, Helmet, MOT et al. Not as "Free as Air" which the lowly pedal cycle provides? TTFN MM

Hi there, I do believe that JC has certainly reinforced the opinion many have that he is a bully! Sadly the other ego idiot, Noel Edmunds has added his two penneth in support of bad manners & insensitivity! When he states that the BBC don't know how to "Support Talent", he really means they don't toady up to their over inflated egos? Throwing Jonathon Ross into the mix shows where we're heading.
Bring back Jon Bentley. TTFN MM

Hi there, The magazine I really miss is the original Cycling World. Early issues came in folded newspaper form. But what made it special was the writing talent? Arnold Robinson, Albert Winstanley both spring to mind. They inspired one to get out and about on your cycle, with suggestions of watering holes along the route. These days it is rubbish, appearing on the news stands later than any closing dates for offers! Chiefly a promotional vehicle for over priced charity rides. They no longer get my money! TTFN MM

Hi There, How about a "Tricycle" coming apart to go in a standard bike bag? It exists, indeed it was used to complete P-B-P ! Very neat, it was made to defeat Arriva Trains Wales. TTFN MM

Hi again, With the actuality of driver-less cars will come a benefit for the increasingly indolent? A complete transformation of the "School Run"! The lazy, oop's meant "Time Pressed" group will just point the offspring at the car, dispatch them, then return to watching breakfast TV. . TTFN MM