Cycling UK Forum

arthondawes wrote:There's a companion bit of computer software which will create 'atlases' using Google Maps, Open Street Map etc.
I found that these did not have enough detail so I spent an afternoon scanning OS maps and adding them to the 'atlas'.

Hmm I believe that OS are rather strict on copyright !

I remember dealing with the Hammersmith Gyratory prior to signalisation by sticking tight to a group of motorcyclists - just an aid to visibility.

We have just returned from an organised trip along the northern end. (Bents) Had a day in Wurzburg where everything is in walking range. Then cycled Volkach, Frickenhausen, Weikersheim, Rothenburg and Dinkesbuhl. The rides from Weikesheim to past Rothenburg is very scenic and mostly on 3m wide traffic free (apart from lots of bikes) tarmac. Otherwise pleasant enough. Main interest is medieval towns and palaces at Wurzburg and Weikersheim.
The south around Fussen is more scenic with mountains around you.

cjchambers wrote: On rural A roads and the like (where I accept there could definitely be a safety benefit) it's impossible to see how the authorities could justify spending the huge amounts of money that would be required to build high quality paths.

Just back from Bavaria where 3m wide paths along rural roads shared by cyclists and light agricultural vehicles seem to be standard. Far enough away from road for any crossing side roads to have give way markings a car' length from those of the main road . There are some roads in Sussex where this system would be heaven. Mind you the 2m clearance where vehicles overtake cyclists on the road is very non-Sussex.

If they can make systems like this why is it impossible to have a device that alerts lorry drivers that they are about to squash a cyclist ?

Mick F wrote:

tali42 wrote: ............The pleasure of cycling increases significantly,...........

Not for me, it doesn't!

Keep cyclists on the road. That's where they belong. The more cyclists there are on the road, the better for everyone.
If we hide away, we will be forgotten.

Sorry Mick are you really saying that you enjoy a few tonnes of metal shooting past you inches away every few minutes - that is the situation on some roads and it is not pleasurable. For such roads either speed restriction or a high quality alternative route look like acceptable solutions but at least the coroner is not shrugging his shoulders and saying that accidents happen.

Chiltern Railways 2 bikes 19th July Marylebone-Banbury, 22nd July Warwick-Marylebone. No specific bike space but no hassle even on a quite full train. (on way back the guard didn't even ask to see our tickets as he recognised us from the way out !). At least 2 other bikes on each train. Chiltern have a very extensive definition of peak times though during which no bikes are taken anywhere.

I usually say "passing on your right" or whatever. How you persuade those pedestrians that do respond that is is not necessary to cower in the ditch rather than just leaving a foot or so of space I don't know.

What it seem to show are major design faults in large lorries and not only from the cyclist point of view. Whilst trying to use a pedestrian crossing ( while walking) recently I needed to walk in front of the lorry as it was stopped across the crossing and first gave the cab a good thwack to alert the driver.
Ideally goods should be transshipped to vehicles with lower cabs when leaving the motorway that these monsters are designed for.

wrangler_rover wrote:Pardon my ignorance but whats is an ASL?

Advanced Stop LIne - box in front of the standard stop line to enable bicycles to position themselves in good view.

With toe clips and straps the pedal is guaranteed to be the wrong way up. (and will rub on the ground if you have to corner before you twist them). Even with flat/SPD combination pedals you have a 50% chance and no rubbing even if the wrong way up. Not convinced that I go faster but it is a neater system.

If someone is prepared to act as tail marker and keep behind everybody else then the leader has only to check that that person is present - quicker than counting.

Somewhere where I don't know what will be round the next corner but will possibly be an old castle or church, a river or mountain ... Back to Bavaria this summer.

If you go for the "combination" M324 ( SPD one side flat the other) you have the option of using normal shoes sometimes and get the Multirelease cleats as standard. (as they are angled at beginners). Not IMHO a problem to rotate to select the right side.

[quote="AndyK"

I'd write to SW Trains to compliment the staff, but I'm afraid I'd get them into trouble...[/quote]

That seems to be not far from the truth. I have found the actual staff running SW Trains trains usually helpful. The Public Relations people are invariably shirty.