Cycling UK Forum

AA to distribute free bicycle helmets in London
by Carlton Reid
20 minutes ago
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IN NEWS

The motoring organisation is to give away 5000 LED-equipped lids on its 'Cycle Safety Day' promotion.

Ostensibly, the 5000 helmets - and 5000 hi-vis vests - are meant to be handed to those hiring Boris bikes, the majority of whom don't use bicycle helmets. However, any cyclist will be given the helmet and vest at two locations in London tomorrow.

The helmets and vests will be handed out by AA president Edmund King and a crew of AA staffers. King is a keen cyclist, riding in cities on his Brompton and at home on his Whyte mountain bike.

The AA 'Cycle Safety Day' is a promotion organised by the AA Charitable Trust and is to highlight new research that shows that motorists want cyclists to wear helmets. Ninety seven per cent of AA members think cyclists should wear helmets, according to an AA Populus poll of almost 16,000 AA members.

The give-away helmets are Raleigh Missiles, which can retail at up to £27.

Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust as well as being AA president, said: "Cycling has always been a part of the AA’s history. The first AA patrols rode bicycles from 1905 – some 40 years before patrol vans – and they were a regular sight on the nation's roads until the outbreak of the Second World War.

“The AA has always had an interest in cycling and safety. Many of our staff, including me, are enthusiastic cyclists and we are keen to do more to promote cycle safety. Bicycles are part of the 'two-wheeled' strategy at the AA, following the reintroduction of motorbikes to tackle congestion and emissions in London. We have harnessed the manoeuvrability of two wheels where this means quicker service to members.

“We welcome the increase in cycling brought about by the cycle hire scheme but we want to ensure that more cyclists don’t lead to more casualties. The use of cycle helmets and vests by all cyclists could significantly reduce the number and severity of injuries that occur each year."

King added: “The AA is also looking to promote more cycle training across the UK as AA Populus figures show that less than one quarter of AA members who cycle have ever taken any cycle training. We hope that AA Cycle Safety Day will help cyclists and motorists, who are often the same people, to coexist in harmony on our roads.

“Eighteen per cent of AA members cycle on a regular basis but we expect to see this number increase as fuel prices continue to escalate.”

Upon hearing of the helmet promotion via leaks on Twitter, many cyclists questioned the legitimacy of a motoring organisation promoting "safety" equipment when bicycle helmets are not designed for smashes into cars.

Mikael Colville-Andersen of Copenhagenize.com is an arch opponent of helmet promotions, especially from motoring organisations. He said:

"While it's great that the AA president is also a cyclist, this is merely another case of placing the responsibility on the vulnerable traffic users instead of tackling the rampant bull in our society - the automobile. It also sends dangerous signals that bicycle helmets are effective in collisions with cars, which they're not. They're not even designed for that kind of impact.

"If the AA wants to be taken seriously, it should consider promoting motoring helmets and, for example, fight for strict liability and back initiatives like the Dutch one of making external airbags on cars to protect pedestrians and cyclists a standard accessory."

King stressed that the AA doesn't want to see a law to make it compulsory for cyclists to wear helmets:

"We don’t think helmets should be compulsory but we think there are benefits. A particular advantage of our helmet is that it is very conspicuous, and visibility is a key safety factor.

"Our view is that helmets do not protect against cars but they may protect against some of the 2.2m potholes which often are the cause of smashes into the ground by cyclists.

"We also hope that AA engaging more with cyclists may help to break down some of the 'them and us' barriers that still exist but shouldn’t."

King said the bright yellow helmets have been sent to PM David Cameron, London Mayor Boris Johnson, and minister for cycling Norman Baker.

When earlier this week Norman Baker said it was his libertarian right not to wear a helmet when cycling, the road safety campaign group Roadpeace applauded his stance.

"Rather than criticising him for not wearing a helmet, we want to congratulate him for being one of the minority of the population who actually gets out on a bike, which is good for his health, and for the health of others and our environment.

"The fact that Norman Baker is a member of the Government and has responsibility for cycling is even better. RoadPeace believes that if more government officials, policy makers, magistrates, local councillors and senior police officers used a bicycle as a way of getting around then we would have a very different and much safer road environment.

"On helmets, we take issue with the claim that the majority of deaths and serious injuries to cyclists involve head injury. Even the Department for Transport is unable to come up with any estimate of the number of deaths that would be prevented if all cyclists wear helmets.

"Wearing a helmet will offer little protection to a cyclist in a collision with a multi-ton lorry."


++++++++


The AA branded helmets and hi-vis vests will be handed out from 7.30am at Waterloo Place, London SW1Y 4BN. A second hand-out will take place at 1pm on the west side of Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3NA (close to Sardinia Street, just off Kingsway, south of Holborn). If other locations are used they will be highlighted on Twitter.

The AA said it will repeat its helmet giveaway in other UK cities later in the year.

Good talk on the absurdity on cycle helmet promotion


http://video.tedxcopenhagen.dk/video/91 ... e-andersen

they are improvment to the grammer

It not the same , there are some sligth changes.

If you have some spare time read it carefuley and comment

UPDATE


CTC AGM 2011

Motion 1

It shall be CTC policy that:

Non-confidential (as defined by vote of the CTC Council) internal documents shall be published and accessible to members on the CTC website as soon as reasonably practicable.

These will include the Councillors' Handbook, policies, agendas and minutes of council meetings, committees, and work groups etc. but not trivial day-to-day working documents. (52 words)

Proposer's note: This motion aims to improve communication between CTC Council and its members and stakeholder. It was previously agreed that non-confidential documents should be placed on the website. This has not been implemented. This motion aims to make this policy a reality. (41 words)

Proposed: Philip Benstead

Seconded: Karen Sutton

CTC AGM 2011

Motion 2

It shall be CTC policy that:

In any contested election of the CTC Council Chair / Vice Chair, the number of votes cast for each candidate and abstaining to be counted recorded and published in the minutes and on the CTC website as soon as reasonably practicable. (41 words)

Proposer's note: The use of a secret ballot in the election of Council Chair / Vice Chair prevents the CTC members knowing the level of support each candidate has among the council; this motion aims to ensure transparency. (36 words)

Proposed: Philip Benstead

Seconded: Karen Sutton

CTC AGM 2011


Motion 3

It shall be CTC policy that:

All contested motions of a financial, policy and regulatory nature at CTC Council meetings and its national committees shall be counted, recorded with identification of those who voted for and against and abstaining: this will be published in the minutes and on the CTC website, as soon as reasonably practicable. (50 words)

Proposers Note: Currently there is no way for members to find out how their CTC councillor votes on major issues affecting the direction of the CTC This motion aims to increase accountability and transparency in the decision-making process. (38 words)

Proposed: Philip Benstead

Seconded: Karen Sutton

CTC AGM 2011 - OPEN GOVERNMENT


Motions to CTC AGM 2011

EACH SECTION TO BE SUBJECTED TO A SEPARATE VOTE AT THE AGM.

It shall be CTC policy that:

1. Non-confidential (as defined by vote of the CTC Council) internal documents shall be published and accessible to members on the CTC website as soon as reasonably practicable.

These will include the Councillors' Handbook, policies, agendas and minutes of council meetings, committees, and work groups etc. but not trivial day-to-day working documents. (52 words)

2. In the election of the CTC Council Chair / Vice Chair, the number of votes cast for each candidate and abstaining to be counted recorded and published in the minutes and on the CTC website as soon as reasonably practicable. (41 words)

3. The votes cast in all motions of financial, policy and regulatory nature at CTC Council meetings and its national committees (not the CTC AGM) shall be counted, recorded and published in the minutes and on the CTC website, with identification of those who voted for and against and those abstaining as soon as reasonably practicable.
If a secret ballot is used, only the numbers of votes will be counted, recorded and published in the minutes and on the CTC website. (81 words)

Proposer's note: This motion aims to increase accountability of the CTC Council and to increase transparency in the decision-making process.

1. Access to non-confidential documents is already permitted, but not implemented; this motion aims to make this policy a reality.

2. The use of a secret ballot in the election of Council Chair / Vice Chair prevents the CTC members knowing the level of support each candidate have among the council; this motion aims to ensure transparency.

3. Currently there is no way for members to find out how their CTC councillor votes on major issues affecting the direction of the CTC; this motion aims to ensure accountability. (108 words)


Proposed: Philip Benstead
Seconded: Karen Sutton

Dear All


This has now been submitted, your support will be welcomed

Motions to CTC AGM 2011

EACH SECTION TO BE SUBJECTED TO A SEPARATE VOTE AT THE AGM.

It shall be CTC policy that:

1. Non-confidential (as defined by vote of the CTC Council) internal documents shall be published and accessible to members on the CTC website as soon as reasonably practicable.

These will include the Councillors' Handbook, policies, agendas and minutes of council meetings, committees, and work groups etc. but not trivial day-to-day working documents. (52 words)

2. In the election of the CTC Council Chair / Vice Chair, the number of votes cast for each candidate and abstaining to be counted recorded and published in the minutes and on the CTC website as soon as reasonably practicable. (41 words)

3. The votes cast in all motions of financial, policy and regulatory nature at CTC Council meetings and its national committees (not the CTC AGM) shall be counted, recorded and published in the minutes and on the CTC website, with identification of those who voted for and against and those abstaining as soon as reasonably practicable.
If a secret ballot is used, only the numbers of votes will be counted, recorded and published in the minutes and on the CTC website. (81 words)

Proposer's note: This motion aims to increase accountability of the CTC Council and to increase transparency in the decision-making process.

1. Access to non-confidential documents is already permitted, but not implemented; this motion aims to make this policy a reality.

2. The use of a secret ballot in the election of Council Chair / Vice Chair prevents the CTC members knowing the level of support each candidate have among the council; this motion aims to ensure transparency.

3. Currently there is no way for members to find out how their CTC councillor votes on major issues affecting the direction of the CTC; this motion aims to ensure accountability. (108 words)


Proposed: Philip Benstead
Seconded: Karen Sutton

horizon wrote


2. Make sure that the internal screw on the mounting is tight otherwise there will be movement.

The movement was in relation to the bit of plastic on which the light was mounted, this bit of plastice itself was fixed tight to the mount. Therefore the fit between the bracket on the light and the fitting was very poor torance.

like I said in the original, message , it was like I had been using the fitting for years.

Cateye Lights – A warning


I brought this light 2 years ago dispirit what it say on the website.

It stop working, I thought it failure was due the ingress of water, I tried to dismantled it but with limited success.

I hope if allow to dry it will, I live in hope.

So I went to the Evan Cycles in Victoria, London.

I purchase a HL-EL530

http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/345

I brought in based upon the recommendation from various cycling magazine.

I was not impressed, the light was poor, and it was subject to vibration due to the poor fitting bracket. The lamp moved on the actual bracket .It was if the bracket had been used for years.

I return it to the shop, and quoted fitness for purpose. The shop was not happy.


I exchanged it for

http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/325

The bracket was a firm fitting and the light was much better.

It is listed in the archived products; does this mean it old stock?

However, the trouble with these lights is that when place in a bag, they can be switched on in error.


I use to like HL-500

http://www.cateye.com/en/product_detail/265

It had a good firm switch, unfortunately Cateye have not made a LED version

Does anybody make lights that last and do not require a mortgage to purchase?

Dear All

Can I say, I have no problem with seal bottom brackets, but as cycle instructor I have seen some sloppy ones.

I been told been told this due the bottom brackets being grounded on pavement etc.

MikewsMITH2 wrote:FSA for one! Sloppy after 1200 miles.
Also the Shimano square taper non-series one on my son's MTB that he used for his paper round. If they are abused and left outside, as the OP said this one was. then the rain gets in and the balls rust and start creaking within weeks. The cheap ones are not very well sealed. They are not sealed well enough to stop water getting in , but are sealed too well for water to escape, whereas your old fashioned type if your ride daily the water that gets in will work its way out.
.

Thank you for all the suggestions.

Just to let you know the situation.

I have removed another of these fixed cups from the same make /Modal of bike with little trouble. It is a left hand thread.

It is Saracen (pre - Halfords take over I think?)

Currently the bike has had new ball bearing inserted and grease.

I know I will need to replace the bearing in say 6-month time. The rider of the is bit of stomper on the pedals and that the bike is exposed to the elements.

A suggestion given not on line was to wrap rage around the bottom bracket and to pour boiling water over it to expand the metal to break the corrosion hold.

PROBLEM

Stuck fixed bottom bracket cup


I been asked to remove a bottom bracket (non-sealed type) and replace with a sealed cartage type.

Unfortunately the fixed cup is stuck.

Before I started, I apply considerable amounts of WD40 to bottom bracket area.

I kept the axel in place, as I need to use a Park Cartridge Bottom Bracket Tool for the removal.

I secured the tool by locking on the axel (not tool tight) with a large washer and a bolt.

I then place a pair of Stillsons and extended their advantage with a 7-foot length of scaffolding pole.

Due to the limitation of the jaw profile of Stillsons slipped.

I still managed to apply considerable advantage to the extractor.


It should be note I have now purchase a socket that fits on the extractor, so I will prevent any slippages of the tools.


QUESTION


Its been suggest from various sources that I should one of the following to loosen binding effects of the corrosion.


Diesel
Coca-Cola
Plus Gaz


Your comments are welcome.

It looks like CTC members/Councillors do not know their own club
the text below come from CTC MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION of the CYCLISTS’ TOURING CLUB
Date May 2000

John Catt wrote:Hi Phil,

Ironically it would appear that your organisation as specified below could qualify as a charity under several headings.

The advancement of amateur sport http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Ch ... sport.aspx
The advancement of health or saving of lives http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Ch ... ealth.aspx
The advancement of citizenship or community development http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Ch ... pment.aspx
The advancement of education http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Ch ... ation.aspx

DRAFT AIMS FOR THE CYCLING ASSOCIATION

1. The name of the Club is the “CYCLING ASSOCIATION”.
2. The Registered office of the Club will be situated in England.
3. The objects for which the Club is established are:
(1) To promote, assist and protect the use of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles on the public roads and public rights of way;
(2) To promote and safeguard the interests of riders of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “cyclists”);
(3) To encourage cycling and cycle touring as a means of adventure, recreation, character training and other forms of education, to stimulate by all possible means interest and participation, and in particular the interest and participation of young persons, in cycling, and to promote cycling competitions, rallies, rides and other events;
(4) To promote and increase appreciation of the countryside and places of public interest, to establish and protect access thereto by cycle and on foot, to preserve and improve amenities, to take appropriate action thereto in Parliament and in and before Government departments, local and other public authorities, bodies and officers, landowners, developers and others, and to establish and support, or aid in the establishment and support of, or join with or help any association, establishment or institution formed wholly or partially for such purposes as aforesaid or any of them;
(5) To educate in road usage, increase road safety and in particular the safety of cyclists, and to promote and assist in the promotion of any plans, measures, schemes or proposals designed to that end;
(6) To provide legal assistance for the riders of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles in the enforcement of their rights to use the public roads and public rights of way;
(7) To cater for the needs of cyclists by collecting and furnishing information for the planning and conduct of cycling tours, publishing and supplying books, routes, guides, brochures, accommodation lists, maps, periodicals and newspapers, badges and emblems, by arranging for insurance and any necessary documentation, and to organise and conduct cycle tours both at home and overseas and make all appropriate arrangements for participants therein, and to promote and safeguard the interests of cyclists in all such ways as the conditions of the times may render desirable.

Regards,

John

New Membership Cycling Organisation
Now it look likely that the CTC is going to become a charity, this may mean with the drain on it income from the charity and possible demise of the CTC.

Is there any interest to set up a new membership organisation called CYCLING ASSOCIATION as company limited by guarantee?

DRAFT AIMS FOR THE CYCLING ASSOCIATION

1. The name of the Club is the “CYCLING ASSOCIATION”.
2. The Registered office of the Club will be situated in England.
3. The objects for which the Club is established are:
(1) To promote, assist and protect the use of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles on the public roads and public rights of way;
(2) To promote and safeguard the interests of riders of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles (hereinafter referred to as “cyclists”);
(3) To encourage cycling and cycle touring as a means of adventure, recreation, character training and other forms of education, to stimulate by all possible means interest and participation, and in particular the interest and participation of young persons, in cycling, and to promote cycling competitions, rallies, rides and other events;
(4) To promote and increase appreciation of the countryside and places of public interest, to establish and protect access thereto by cycle and on foot, to preserve and improve amenities, to take appropriate action thereto in Parliament and in and before Government departments, local and other public authorities, bodies and officers, landowners, developers and others, and to establish and support, or aid in the establishment and support of, or join with or help any association, establishment or institution formed wholly or partially for such purposes as aforesaid or any of them;
(5) To educate in road usage, increase road safety and in particular the safety of cyclists, and to promote and assist in the promotion of any plans, measures, schemes or proposals designed to that end;
(6) To provide legal assistance for the riders of bicycles, tricycles and other similar vehicles in the enforcement of their rights to use the public roads and public rights of way;
(7) To cater for the needs of cyclists by collecting and furnishing information for the planning and conduct of cycling tours, publishing and supplying books, routes, guides, brochures, accommodation lists, maps, periodicals and newspapers, badges and emblems, by arranging for insurance and any necessary documentation, and to organise and conduct cycle tours both at home and overseas and make all appropriate arrangements for participants therein, and to promote and safeguard the interests of cyclists in all such ways as the conditions of the times may render desirable.


CTC MEMBER SINCE 1971, NOW A LIFE MEMBER.