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Cabbie's anti-cycling tweets backfire; Bora-Hansgrohe development rider killed while training; Pimlico Plumbers worker on phone at wheel; 12 hour TT record broken; Orlando Bloom's unorthodox cycling attire; Audi slammed for ad + more on live blog

Welcome to Monday's live blog. Jack Sexty is your blogger-in-chief today, with Simon MacMichael taking over later this evening. ...
UPDATED Mon, Aug 03, 2020 22:48
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Cabbie's anti-cycling tweets backfire; Bora-Hansgrohe development rider killed while training; Pimlico Plumbers worker on phone at wheel; 12 hour TT record broken; Orlando Bloom's unorthodox cycling attire; Audi slammed for ad + more on live blogeuston road congestion screenshot - via Thomas the Taxi on twitter.PNG
03 August 2020, 19:48
Bora-Hansgrohe development rider, 17, killed on training ride

A 17-year-old rider for Bora-Hansgrohe's under-19 development team was killed while training with his team-mates when, according to the team's website, a driver failed to give way to the riders.

Jan Riedmann was taken to hospital in Würzburg by helicopter after the incident in Sugenheim on Saturday but died there yesterday, the team said.

03 August 2020, 14:45
Taxi driver's tweets featuring families cycling and a queue of cars backfire spectacularly

That is exactly what we want, replied almost 3,000 people to the owner of a Twitter account called 'Streets Back, Or Buy Us Out'. 

If that wasn't enough to make the account's owner slightly consider his viewpoint, he's struck again by posting a video of a large queue of cars on Euston Road - with no bicycles in sight - complaining that 'MAMIL's' say extra congestion is caused by car rather than cycle lanes... although the footage appears to clearly demonstrate that the motor vehicles are causing the congestion in this instance. Is @thomasthetaxi a cycle campaigner in disguise?

03 August 2020, 14:14
Cycling Mikey's latest catch: could driver really avoid prosecution despite using a phone at the wheel?

Mike Van Erp - aka Cycling Mikey - claimed that the driver of a Pimlico Plumbers vehicle who he caught using a phone could not be prosecuted, because there isn't actual evidence that he was communicating with the device. 

There is indeed a legal loophole that has been exploited in the past to get drivers off charges relating to mobile phone use. The BBC reported last year that Ramsey Barreto successfully appealed a guilty conviction for using his phone to film a crash in 2017, because his lawyers argued that the 51-year-old "wasn't using it to communicate." A spokesperson for Mr Barreto's law firm commented at the time: "We've been arguing that unless police can prove beyond reasonable doubt that what someone was doing was actually communicating, it wasn't an offence to be using a smartphone." 

High Court judges then complained that the law needed amending to account for the rise of smartphones, which of course do plenty more than communicate while being a dangerous distraction.

Grant Shapps promised an urgent review, saying that the law should also include browsing the internet and searching playlists while driving... but as far as we know, due to other events the changes haven't yet come to fruition. It means that the driver in the footage above would likely escape six penalty points and a £200 fine for "using a hand-held phone when driving" if it couldn't be proved he was communicating by browsing the website; although, on the lesser charge of 'not being in proper control of a motor vehicle' under the Road Traffic Act 1988 this would certainly qualify as an offence, netting anyone found guilty three penalty points and a £100 fine.

Funnily enough, the updated section on the gov.uk website now reads: "Section 41D is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 03 August 2020."

03 August 2020, 14:08
Confirmed: Joe Skipper lands new 12 hour TT record

Cycling Time Trials have confirmed the 32-year-old pro triathlete is the new record holder, with his effort rounded down to a provisional 325.5 miles. On the day he finished 19 miles ahead of Tom Thornely in second place, who covered 306.5 miles. The women's winner was Kim Barfoot-Brace of Bath CC, whose 272.7 mile effort means that Alice Lethbridge's 2018 record of 290 miles remains intact. 

03 August 2020, 13:57
More space for cycling = more space for everyone, says British Cycling

The graphic serves to highlight how giving space to cyclists and pedestrians most definitely doesn't mean reducing space for cars, despite what some service companies and radio presenters would have you believe...

03 August 2020, 13:44
First ever British Gravel Championships to go ahead in September
FFWD Drift Gravel Wheels 1

One of the main hurdles Brits face when jumping on the gravel bandwagon is that we simply don't have much gravel... but we're told there is enough in Suffolk's Kings Forest for the King's Cup Gravel Festival to host the inaugural British Gravel Championships between 25-27 September. 

Promising a "unique event", there will be multiple categories for all abilities as well as the Championships themselves, including a Gravel Fondo, a team relay and family riding events. Director Tom Caldwell commented: "We’re thrilled to be hosting the first-ever British Gravel Championships at the King’s Cup Gravel Festival. This will be a truly exciting event, which will see all abilities of riders taking on various events throughout the weekend. Not only will those riders who like to ride on gravel and off-road terrains be able to ride alongside thousands of other riders but we’ll also get to see some top amateur riders race for the British title and jersey."

To pandemic-proof the event as much as possible, participants simply register for free and pay later if the event goes ahead as planned. If the situation changes and it has to be moved, the organisers say there are contingency plans in place to move the event to October or 2021. 

Pre-registration has just launched today, click here for more details. 

03 August 2020, 14:05
Full story as promised.
03 August 2020, 13:30
Gran Trittico Lombardo: wet

As well as the riders themselves, coverage of the race on Eurosport 2 is also currently being interrupted by the poor weather. Riders in action include Vincenzo Nibali, Greg Van Avermaet and Gianni Moscon. 

03 August 2020, 13:11
Audi score spectacular own goal with latest advert

The post advertising Audi's ​RS 4 has attracted hundreds of (mostly negative) comments, with many noting that the photo of a child leaning on the car's grille is a perfect example of how the car's design is flawed. One commented: "Nice that you show how easily children can be killed by your cars."

Audi have replied to the Twitter thread, saying: "We hear you and let’s get this straight: We care for children. The Audi RS 4 is a family car with more than thirty driver assistance systems including an emergency break system. That’s why we showcased it with various family members for the campaign.

"We hoped we could convey these messages, showing that even for the weakest traffic participants it is possible to relaxingly lean on the RS technology. That was a mistake! Audi never intended to hurt anyone’s feelings. 

"We sincerely apologise for this insensitive image and ensure that it will not be used in future. We will also immediately examine internally, how this campaign has been created and if control mechanisms failed in this case."

03 August 2020, 11:56
Orlando Bloom joins cycling boom: but his attire has raised some eyebrows

The Hollywood star was papped riding around Malibu at the weekend, aboard a bike from boutique Czech brand Festka according to the Daily Mail. 

Cycling Twitter is a little concerned about his choice of outfit, with the 43-year-old opting for (what looks to be) compressive arm sleeves and a tank top instead of the traditional jersey. Bloom has also allegedly committed one of the cardinal cycling snob sins of putting the arms of his shades inside his helmet straps; although he is commended for wearing white socks that appear to be of an acceptable length. 

We'll echo the sentiment of the comment above: he's riding his bike, which is always a good thing. 

03 August 2020, 11:42
Cardiff tops 'unsafe for cycling' list... despite being named 'best cycling city' in another survey last month
Cycle Parking in Cardiff Bay (picture via Visit Cardiff).jpg

Is Cardiff very bad and very good for cycling all at once? Insurance firm Cycleplan have recently found that the Welsh capital is the city where most cyclists feel unsafe, with 71% reporting that they feel Cardiff is unsafe for cycling. This is despite a survey published by Komoot just three weeks ago suggesting that Cardiff is the UK's top city for cycling, scoring an average of 3.12 out of 5 on a range of factors. Furthermore, research compiled by comparison site MoneySupermarket in June found that Cardiff is Britain's bike theft capital, with 183 bikes nicked per 100,000 residents. 

Cardiff: a city of cycling contradictions? 

03 August 2020, 11:17
Breaking: Danish Tour de France Grand Depart moved to 2022

The media in Denmark is reporting that the Grand Depart in Copenhagen that was set for the 2021 edition of the race has been moved back to 2022 - full story to follow. 

03 August 2020, 09:05
Pimlico Plumbers worker caught using phone at the wheel by Cycling Mikey

Charlie Mullins, the boss of one of Britain's largest independent plumbing companies, made cycling headlines last week when he tasked his PR staff with producing a poster saying that cyclists were "taking f**king liberties", including an additional blog post that originally complained about "cycle fascists" and cycle lanes holding up traffic. He's also made other headlines over the weekend for sacking some of his furloughed staff which is another story entirely, but today it's back to cycling as prolific camera cyclist Mike Van Erp - otherwise known as Cycling Mikey - appears to have caught one of Mullins' workers using a phone at the wheel. 

According to Van Erp, the driver in the Pimlico Plumbers vehicle was scrolling through the website of luxury fashion house Balenciaga, and added: "He's very lucky he was scrolling through pictures, rather than browsing online or messaging, so not enough evidence to prosecute under the current and very out of date laws. Otherwise his insurance would likely double at next renewal after a conviction."

This morning Pimlico Plumbers have replied, saying they will hold a disciplinary meeting with the engineer in question. On the question of whether the driver was committing a prosecutable offence? More on that soon...

03 August 2020, 11:04
Cyclist "deliberately" reversed over by driver in Fleetwood
Police tape (CC licensed by freefotouk on Flickr)

Lancashire Police are appealing for information as part of an attempted murder investigation, after a cyclist was left seriously injured after reportedly being deliberately knocked down and then reversed over by a driver in Fleetwood. 

The police appeal says that a man in his 20's was cycling on the pavement at around 1.35pm on 2nd August, when he was hit by a Peugeot 206. The driver then reversed over him and left the scene, leaving the cyclist with serious arm and leg injuries. Following enquiries, a man in his 20's was arrested in connection with the incident. 

Detective Chief Inspector Alisa Wilson of Blackpool Police commented: "We have launched an investigation after a cyclist was seriously injured in Fleetwood today.

"Our enquiries suggest a man was deliberately targeted and we are appealing for information.

"While we have made an arrest we are particularly keen to speak to any witnesses. Furthermore if you have dash cam footage of the incident, or CCTV which shows the area, please come forward and contact us immediately."

03 August 2020, 10:04
Ride Your Socks Off
Join us at 7pm tonight on Zwift!

We're back on Zwift tonight at 7pm for another chance to win some socks! It's a category D week so the pace won't be too hot, and the route is Watopia's Waistband which is pretty flat. Should be well under an hour! Come and join us.

https://www.zwift.com/events/view/983776

 

03 August 2020, 08:45
Joe Skipper breaks 12 hour time trial record, reportedly riding 326 miles

At the British 12 Hour Time Trial Championships yesterday, the triathlete claims to have completed 326 miles (524.5km) over the 12 hour period, which would give a monstrous average speed of 27.1mph (43.7km/h). Data from Wahoo Elemnt Live Track shows a ride of 342 miles, but the duration is 12:39:24, meaning that this presumably includes a warm-up and cool-down. If the effort is confirmed by Cycling Time Trials, this would better the previous mark of 321.44 miles set by Adam Duggleby in 2018 by almost five miles. 

Skipper thought he'd broken the record and won the British title last year with a 325 mile ride, but the effort wasn't recognised after he reportedly made a wrong turn during the ride. 

The women's 12 hour record is held by Alice Lethbridge, who completed 290.07 miles in 2018 to better her 2017 record by almost five miles - the 2017 record came 50 years after the previous mark set by the legendary Beryl Burton. 

Cycling Time Trials have not published the official 2020 results yet, but we'll update when we have the full details. 

03 August 2020, 09:31
A cocktail of improved safety, more comfort and better ventilation, claim Kask of the revamped Mojito lid
03 August 2020, 09:38
Our cycle repair scheme is better than yours, Scotland tells England
03 August 2020, 09:27
£700 to go faster, what would you buy?

It's a no-brainer. 

Jack Sexty

Jack has been writing about cycling and multisport for over a decade, arriving at road.cc via 220 Triathlon Magazine in 2017. He worked across all areas of the website including tech, news and video, and also contributed to eBikeTips before being named Editor of road.cc in 2021 (much to his surprise). Jack has been hooked on cycling since his student days, and currently has a Trek 1.2 for winter riding, a beloved Bickerton folding bike for getting around town and an extra beloved custom Ridley Helium SLX for fantasising about going fast in his stable. Jack has never won a bike race, but does have a master's degree in print journalism and two Guinness World Records for pogo sticking (it's a long story). 

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38 comments

Avatar
Bob's Bikes | 4 years ago
1 like

That car advert is that allowed surely somebody should have "proof read" the ad? using a small child in that way. Why not just get a Jimmy Saville voice over

Avatar
ktache replied to Bob's Bikes | 4 years ago
2 likes

Weird I know, but he did a marvellous job promoting both the wearing of seatbelts (Klunk click every trip) and Intercity Train services (This is the age of the Train) were him.

Both astounding successes advert wise.  Seemingly the british public trusted him, a lot.

Avatar
No Reply replied to Bob's Bikes | 4 years ago
1 like

Not only that, look at Audis response.  '

The Audi RS 4 is a family car with more than thirty driver assistance systems including an emergency break system.' Break? Does the car fall to bits in the event of an emergency stop?

Avatar
eburtthebike | 4 years ago
1 like

Streets back or buy us out.

I've messaged him offering 50p if he'll send me his bank details, PIN and password so I can transfer the money.  He's so stupid it might just work.

Avatar
AlsoSomniloquism replied to eburtthebike | 4 years ago
0 likes

He seems to think MAMIL's mean any cyclist looking at some of his other tweets. He has tweeted about all the "MAMIL's" going through red lights on some Taxi propganda video and of all the examples, there might have been one who was in Lycra of some description and a small percentage who are middle aged.

Avatar
AlsoSomniloquism replied to AlsoSomniloquism | 4 years ago
0 likes

Another classic from him as well. He does seem to be on a roll

https://twitter.com/thomasthetaxi/status/1289136552812130304?s=20

Inappropriate footwear and child strapped in with cable ties apparently......

Avatar
Hirsute replied to AlsoSomniloquism | 4 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for that one !

I would seem, as raised in the tweets, it must be a parody account. I mean, no one could be that stupid surely ?

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ktache replied to Hirsute | 4 years ago
0 likes

Aren't schools closed by 31st of July?

Avatar
AlsoSomniloquism replied to Hirsute | 4 years ago
1 like

Well unless his account has been hacked OR he has finally "come to his senses", it isn't a parody as some of the stuff on his facebook channel and on earlier tweets show he is/was a bit of a taxi gammon. He even allowed someone to post an anti semitic reply to a post about Google allowing workers to stay home until next year.

Avatar
eburtthebike replied to Hirsute | 4 years ago
0 likes

hirsute wrote:

I would seem, as raised in the tweets, it must be a parody account. I mean, no one could be that stupid surely ?

You underestimate the human capacity for stupidity, which is practically infinite.  The briefest examination of history confirms beyond any doubt that humans are both extremely clever and completely stupid; witness our current situation with climate change.

Avatar
Hirsute replied to eburtthebike | 4 years ago
2 likes

My wife sent me this the other day

//i.redd.it/mh1gghyc6g2y.jpg)

 

Avatar
Sriracha replied to Hirsute | 4 years ago
0 likes
hirsute wrote:

My wife sent me this the other day

//i.redd.it/mh1gghyc6g2y.jpg)

 

Strictly speaking only true if you are considering the median, or if the distribution curve is symmetrical.

Avatar
mdavidford replied to Sriracha | 4 years ago
0 likes

Strictly speaking, there's no such thing as an averagely stupid person, because stupidity / intelligence has multiple, non-comparable dimensions.

Avatar
Sriracha replied to mdavidford | 4 years ago
0 likes

Ah, well, you could consider a multidimensional space has a median 'average' at its centre of mass. Easier to comprehend for three dimensions, but mathematicians seem to be happy with more. The problem, however, is to decide whether any deviation from the average is "more" or "less".

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Hirsute replied to Sriracha | 4 years ago
0 likes

I did think about putting a comment about percentiles and lower quartiles but I thought, no, don't need that.

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eburtthebike | 4 years ago
0 likes

"The graphic serves to highlight how giving space to cyclists and pedestrians most definitely doesn't mean reducing space for cars,....."

It doesn't.  Possibly the most anodyne graphic ever; they need to change their advertising agency.  Still, it's nice that BC is catching up with CUK's campaigns which have been running for the past thirty years.

Avatar
Sriracha | 4 years ago
3 likes
Quote:

We will also immediately examine internally, how this campaign has been created and if control mechanisms failed in this case.

Amusing that Audi think that the advert is the problem, rather than that it is advertising the problem.

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zero_trooper replied to Sriracha | 4 years ago
0 likes

Look Sriracha, Audi just want to get things straight!

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iandusud | 4 years ago
5 likes

Hardly surprising that Audi don't know how to spell "brakes" as their drivers clearly don't know how to use them either. 

Avatar
eburtthebike replied to iandusud | 4 years ago
3 likes

iandusud wrote:

Hardly surprising that Audi don't know how to spell "brakes" as their drivers clearly don't know how to use them either. 

A bit like indicators on BMW's.  The guy who fitted them in the factory died but nobody noticed for six months.

Avatar
mdavidford | 4 years ago
1 like

That's not a 'tank top' that Orloondo Bland is wearing, it's a sleeveless base layer (specifically, this sleeveless base layer).

He's obviously just been riding so fast that he rode himself right out of his jersey.

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Organon replied to mdavidford | 4 years ago
0 likes

Well I clicked through expecting some kind of Bloom nakedness, but I wasn't quite expecting that.

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mdavidford | 4 years ago
5 likes

Audi's revelation that their car includes 'an emergency break system' just prompts the question, what is it that it breaks in an emergency?

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David9694 replied to mdavidford | 4 years ago
0 likes

 Consumer confidence?

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Awavey | 4 years ago
0 likes

The Scottish voucher scheme is of course open to far more fraudulent misuse,an unscrupulous cycle shop could claim for 20 voucher repairs whilst not having to prove the people whose bikes they say they repaired ever actually existed...YMMV whether that makes it a 'better' scheme. It might not be perfect south of the border but 25million quid isnt an amount you want to rely on peoples inate honesty not to fraudulently claim for a piece of.

Avatar
mdavidford replied to Awavey | 4 years ago
0 likes

There's not really any information available as to what evidence the cycle shops will need to provide when claiming for the repairs, so we don't know how open to fraud it would be. It does say they will ask you to 'complete two short email surveys after the repairs so we can demonstrate the benefits of the scheme', which might give some indication where there might be something dodgy going on (if the bike owners never existed, the response rate for repairs at that shop is likely to be much lower than normal).

Avatar
eburtthebike | 4 years ago
8 likes

The law on mobile phones should be changed, as any use of a phone, hands-free or scrolling, is a distraction.  I will be commenting thus on the HC consultation and informing my useless MP of my concerns.

Well done Mike, poetic justice.

Avatar
Sriracha replied to eburtthebike | 4 years ago
3 likes

The difficulty might be that most of us use our phones for sat nav, and if it is Google sat nav then it is probably not offline either, so the 'communication' thing still applies. Neither is it as straight forward as saying don't touch a screen, since many cars now have screens as a radio/aircon interface etc (which I hate, but there it is).

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brooksby replied to eburtthebike | 4 years ago
3 likes

You know what - I think the Govt should cover that in a, I don't know, let's call it a "road safety review".  What do you think? 3

Avatar
Hirsute | 4 years ago
2 likes

Didn't follow mikey's comment on scrolling. It is the use of the phone by touch I thought was the specific offence.
Besides which it can still be prosecuted under 'driving without due care and attention'. Obviously with video evidence, it will be easy to bring a charge.
The mobile phone law was just to make it easier to prosecute as so many were using it.

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