Rory Stewart's Hammersmith Bridge gaffe; More people cycling to avoid coronavirus; Paris-Nice officially cut short (and technically banned); Local Bike Shop Day to double in 2020; Crazy Berlin Frankenbike; Man really wants to get son to school + more

It is essential that we break the Hammersmith Bridge deadlock. As Mayor, I would underwrite the full cost of repairing the bridge in my first week in City Hall. My plan in @CityAM 👇https://t.co/6dOg6PixeF

— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) March 12, 2020

Recently the ex-Tory MP - who is now running for London Mayor as an independent candidate - has been vocal in his support for the repairing of Hammersmith Bridge to open it up to motor traffic once more. This is at odds with what numerous Londoners who get about by bike or on foot are reporting, commenting on the temporary pleasantness in the area due to the lack of heavy traffic. 

Stewart told City A.M that the “paralysis and uncertainty surrounding (the bridge’s) closure” is “causing misery for Londoners”, and pledged £95 million to repair it plus the building of a temporary bridge for emergency vehicles while repairs are taking place - TfL is reportedly in favour of a temporary bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, but not for motor traffic. 

Needless to say, Stewart's tweets haven't gone down majorly well in the last couple of days... 

So in a city with illegal levels of pollution, most residents without a car, excellent public transport and high level of obesity you want to invest in expensive motor vehicle infrastructure as mayor,despite the smartest cities in Europe going the opposite direction? Shortsighted

— Daniel Demmel (@daaain) March 12, 2020

This is at risk of becoming an example of smug insular complacency, refusing to pay any attention to what any other country is doing or the successful public health approach in 🇩🇰. We should show some humility, learn from others and act now.

Keep the bridge for 🚲🚶‍♂️🚒🚑 only.

— :q! (@SMarr311) March 12, 2020

I never used to use the bridge because it was clogged with motor vehicles. I've cycled across it several times since they prioritised walking and cycling on it, even though I live in Brixton, a fair distance away. Its current state is a big improvement.

— Robert Wright (@RKWinvisibleman) March 12, 2020

You're on the wrong side of this. We need to stop driving around London and stop now. Now. Not soon, or in a bit, or when it's easier, or when we can. Now.

— Elisabeth Anderson (@velobetty) March 13, 2020

Shame on you Rory. As you speak you can clearly see people walking and cycling on the bridge, so it isn't closed, as you vehemently day it is. The bridge doesn't need to have ICE vehicles in it to be open. I have to say, based on this, I hope you don't win.

— Gabriel (@Ezy_Ryder) March 12, 2020

...although his comments on coronavirus have proved more popular, with Stewart criticising the government's lack of urgency on the matter 

The events affected are:

Omloop Van Vlaanderen
Danilith Nokere Koerse Cyclo
Dwars door Vlaanderen Cyclo
Gent-Wevelgem Cyclo
E3 Cyclo - Johan Museeuw Classic
Tour of Flanders Business Pelotons
We Ride Flanders - RVV Cyclo
Scheldeprijs Cyclo
Peter Van Petegem Classic
Brabantse Pijl Cyclo

Organisers Peloton said in a statement: "Peloton would like to take its responsibility by limiting the risks of a further spread of the coronavirus Covid-19.

"Even though Peloton had already taken plenty of extra health measures at previous events and was also all set to do so at the forthcoming Cyclo races, we cannot ignore the fact that a lot of people gather around the start and finish of such events. We, as organisers, therefore want to exclude any triggers that could lead to a rapid spread and are moving our events to a later date.

"As soon as a new date is known, we will communicate it immediately." 

It looks like the odd positive thing (apart from positive tests) might have come out of all this after all, with reports of cycling on the increase in cities around the globe as poeple try to avoid public transport/any sort of confined space. 

The London Cycling Campaign has published tips for people getting back onto the bike after a long hiatus; checking bikes are roadworthy, booking a service if neccessary and investing in decent locks are some of the handy suggestions. 

In Germany the health minister has appealed for more people to cycle and walk and avoid public transport, while in New York many are cycling to avoid the subways for the first time. Jen Ewald told the New York Post: “I feel better taking the bike.

“There are fewer hands touching these handlebars than the subway poles.”

21,300 people were reported to have rode over New Yorks's four East River bridges on Monday, up 52% compared to an average day in March last year. 

Will people change their travel habits for good when all this has blown over? We've got a few quid riding on it... 

RCS Sport 2020 #Giro d’Italia date postponed >>> https://t.co/oh3EiLkE2t | @rcssport posticipa la data del #Giro d’Italia 2020 >>> https://t.co/5PXcHbpXWd pic.twitter.com/G0Q0hhdOGo

— Giro d'Italia (@giroditalia) March 13, 2020

Full story now here. 

Spot this Frankenstein today in Berlin from r/bicycling

This madness was spotted in the German capital by a Redditor yesterday, and appears to have its front suspension bolted onto two rusty poles. Things don't get much better or safer at the back, with what look to be inner tubes tied all over the front triangle with another bike frame (we think?) acting as seatstays of sorts. We'll have whatever it's creator is smoking... 

When you need to get your kid to school 😂 pic.twitter.com/x2BjUdi0TJ

— Awesome Cycling 🚵‍♀️🚵‍♂️ (@AwesomeCycling) March 12, 2020

In the current state of affairs he might have to keep him home for the coming weeks, but you can't fault the determination... 

@ParisNice will be the last race you’ll see in a while. We are the last man standing. Enjoy it while you can.

— Thomas De Gendt (@DeGendtThomas) March 12, 2020

Whether the Belgian has more info or is simply predicting the state of things to come we don't know, but it's very likely true with pretty much all pro races including spring classics in Belgium and Italy called off until further notice. 

It’s Lyme.... oh my goodness, did I just correct the spelling of Mr. Dowsett? That’s a first!

— Ian Boswell (@theboz91) March 12, 2020

The former Katusha rider - who recently signed a contract with Wahoo to race gravel races exclusively, failed to realise that Mr Dowsett intentionally got his limes mixed up in this instance. Doh!