Charlie Cycles - a Cycling Blog

Our industry Laid Bare

2012-10-23T20:27:00.001+01:00

As part of our aim to set up a new Cycling website we carried out some research into the state of the cycling industry along with the trends

We found the following interesting bits:

UK Market Description:

The retail sector is now worth an estimated £2.6billion

There are currently over 2000 cycle stores in the UK (Evans being the largest independent store)

3.7 million Bikes were sold in 2010. Cycle retail sales were valued at £1.6billion. There has been 28% increase in the volume of cycle sales in 2012

Cycle accessory sales were around £853 million

23,000 people are employed directly in the sector

£500m in wages are over £100m in tax are generated annually from the 23,000 employed in the industry

The number of events increased by 15% in 2010 with figures hitting upwards of 5000 participants

It is believed there are 13 million active cyclists in the UK (27% of the population). Regular Cyclists account for £5.4 million of these

40% of households own a bike

The number of latent cyclists (potential’s) was seen as 2,25million – economic value of £700million

Market potential £141 million over the next 2 years

Cycling in London has increased 52% since 2007 and the introduction of a cohesive transport policy

Currently only 2% of journeys are taken by bicycle. In many Northern European countries this is over 25% and in the Netherlands it is 50%

In the early 1950’s cycling accounted for 15 Billion miles, in 2010 this was only 3 billion but growing annually. 15% more miles were covered in 2010 versus 2007. 208million Journeys were taken by bike in 2010

Net addition of 1.3m new cyclists in 2010 of whom 500,000 are

Men make up 70% of all cycle journeys in the UK

There is a prediction of a 20% increase in current cycling levels by 2015

The greatest users are aged 40-49, with 30-39 being the second highest

Men completed 3 times as many miles as women

54,000 more women took up cycling in the first 6 months of 2012

2/5ths of all journeys were for commuting purposes

The average distance travelled per person has increase 6% since 1998

The LSE study found 3 key potential markets:

Women between 35-44

The busy dad

The young active lifestyler

The recession and the squeeze on household incomes and expenditure. The average grocery shop has gone up 15% since 2008

Fuel prices continue to increase. They have gone up by a staggering £0.29 per litre since 2008 and 52% in the past 5 years. The estimate to be at a rate of £1.45 per litre by 2014

A Mori poll commissioned for integrated transports carried out in 2000 amidst the backdrop of the fuel crisis found 80% of the public wanted improvements for cycling provision

Focus in the press and mind set as regards healthy living and lifestyle. Health and fitness sectors continue to grow despite the recession with health club number up 2% from 2010.

Team GB and Team Sky Success – what is known as the Chris Hoy affect after the Beijing Olympics (Bradley Wiggins success in the Tour de France and the huge success of not only the cycling team but the whole Team GB and Paralympics teams in London will compound the impact)

Success of events such as the SKY Rides and Evans sportive. Sky estimated and additional 400,000 cyclists tried the sport off the back of their events alone

Increase in car free zones especially in major city areas.

Lower speed limits with safety groups now calling for a 20mp limit in built up area’s

Higher emissions taxes on vehicles

Tax incentives to take up cycling (cycling to work schemes).

By 2011 400,000 employees had taken advantage of the scheme and is the UK’s second most popular salary sacrifice scheme. Some statistics of the scheme

133,442 tonnes of CO2 are saved annual by the scheme

84% of those taking part showed an increase in fitness

61% of those cycling did not cycle before taking part

76% said they would not have bought a bike without the scheme

70% of users classified themselves as novices

73% are men

64% had reduced their car travel by 50miles a week

98% say they would encourage others to take part

901,000 miles were ridden by cycle to work scheme users. An average of 29 miles/week

Bike rental schemes such as the Barclays London scheme. The success of London is helping the set up of many other such initiatives around the country

Improved safety and accessibility with there now being over 12,000 miles of cycle specific networks.

Increase in women taking part in cycling. Women’s only races (cycletta’s) becoming more popular. In Europe women lead the way in participation with 55% of al trips being undertaken by women.

The cost of treating obesity to the UK business and NHS being in the region of £4billion per year and is forecast to double by 2050, giving rise to healthy lifestyle debates and initiatives.

The huge cost savings available to businesses as a result of reduced absenteeism could equate to as much as £1.6 billion to the British economy over the next 10 years

Emissions reduction targets will increase the focus. This could save the economy £71 million in lower pollution levels

A public desire to see a change in transport policy and willingness since the mid 1990s for government to listen and invest. Most recently a fund of £560 million has been put aside by the government for investment in transport systems that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many local authorities are looking at cycling as a way of achieving their goals.

Specific schemes the government set out in their coalition white paper were

Cycling demonstration towns, Bikeability, the links to school programme, Bike Club, Bike it and walk it to school and the cycle journey planner.

The government announce d in February 2012 £8million for Sutrans to develop cycle routes and £7 million to the cycle rail working group to improve cycle/train integration

Tax incentives for business miles up to 20p a mile is also now in place

Bikeability training is helping to encourage higher proficiency and thus safer riding and the bike hub scheme continues to encourage the development of clubs.

The return on investment for cycling schemes has been calculated at 20:1 versus other transport models of 3:1

The London Cycle Hire scheme and the pledge by successive London mayors to make London Cycle friendly

European wide schemes have shown to be tremendously successful giving confidence that investment will lead to greater participation in the UK. In Holland the rates have increased to almost ¼ of all journeys now being completed by bike

Scenes watching the recent Tour of Britain where thousands have turned up each day to watch the race show the vast increase in the sports popularity. Scenes mirrored those seen in the Tour de France.

Trends in the current market:

Frequent or Regular Cyclists

What will further increase the trend towards cycling?

Resources:

LSE – The British Cycling Economy, Mintel, Sport England

Internet articles including those from the BBC, Guardian, Director.co.uk. The Times, Sustrans, British Cycling, The fredcast, (European cyclist federation)

Sport England

Road cycling: statistics, house of commons library

Cycling policy in the UK – University of East Anglia

Cycle to Work Alliance – behavioural impact analysis

New Website - Cycletribe.co.uk

2012-10-23T19:57:00.001+01:00

CYCLETRIBE.CO.UK

We are looking to create a new website for commuter cyclists. It is partly the reason for the lack of recent action on this blog. However we are now at the point where you come in

As we would like the content to be based around you the reader we are asking for your thoughts and feedback as to what you would like to see

As we don't want to guide anyone creative spirits we would like your feedback without our interference

If you have any suggestions please either click on the comments link below or feel free to e-mail them direct to me at ryan.charlesworth76@gmail.com

The website will try and bring together the best bits of cycling in a fun and funky way. However what information we decide to include is down to you

We are also looking for future contributors and investors so if you are interested in getting involved let us know. It’s an exciting project with some great ideas. Why would you no want to be part of an exciting new project??

Thanks and get in touch

Thanks

Ryan

Lance Armstrong Admits defeat

2012-08-25T12:51:00.001+01:00

Whilst Lance Armstrong has not admitted anything wrong. His failure to fight the allegations against him has condemned him to history as a drugs cheat. The UCI is yet to confirm whether they will follow suit with the ban imposed on him in the US as well as them stripping him of his 7 Tour de France Tour victories.

This has been a long running campaign to catch Armstrong and it finally seems to have caught its man. What I cannot help feeling is what good it will now do? An interesting point was made on Channel 4 news, that out of 7 years he won the Tour de France only 8 other riders appeared on the podium with Armstrong and of those only one has not be subsequently caught up in a doping scandal.

The question needs to be asked, rightly or wrongly is. If the sport was never clean is it wrong to condemn history. Yes we need a clean sport now, but that was then, Team Sky have proven that hard work, planning an team work can win out so going forward we are in good shape. Do we really need to drag it all up and ruin the reputation of a sport in full flight?

You also get a sense of witch hunt? When most riders seem to have been taking drugs at the time why has Lance been singled out in such a way? The answer is it makes news! High profile enough to make the Anti drugs campaign feel important.

I have never been a lover of Lance Armstrong as regards to the way he went about his business of riding. He has however, despite the incredible pressures on him managed to amass a huge charity now worth over $450million. Now in risk of losing substantial support unless his name drops to the background for a while.

The UCI may yet decide that the USADA has no right to strip Armstrong of any titles so the story may yet rumble on and what seems to be a calculated risk by Armstrong may well pay off. It will however end his recent attempts to take over the Iron man world. But hey maybe that’s a small price to pay for him to have the matter put to bed? For now anyway.

Can we now get back to the real cycling? Drugs will never really disappear in cycling especially as the potential rewards are likely to become even greater.

Bradley Wiggins - What will the winning impact be

2012-07-23T07:55:00.000+01:00

Bradley Wiggins and Team Sky may still be celebrating his ground breaking victory in the Tour de France but once this and the Olympic victories that are to come are over what will be the impact of this historic year for Britain.

We need to put into context what Wiggo has achieved. The Tour is the single biggest annual sporting event in the world. Only the football World cup and the Olympics beat it for spectator numbers and they take place every 4 years. A British cyclist has never won; in fact a British cyclist has never been on the podium! What is even more important is that we had 2 Brits in the winner’s enclosure and all done drug free. The only drugs Team Sky seems to be on are enthusiasm, grit and the Brailsford effect.

This victory has been coming for some time but no-one in this country had believed it would happen. We have had over the years many track cycling successes but never the sustained success we have had since the National Lottery and then Sky put their money behind the sport. Add the money to the intensity, the planning and the sheer brilliance of Brailsford and his coaching team and you have the formidable cycling outfits you see today. Not only in the professional sporting arena but on the track as well. You look forward to the next 3 weeks at the Olympics and you cannot see a single cycling event that we don't have a chance of medalling in. From Cav and Wiggo on the road to Kenny, Pendleton & Hoy (the list is too long to name them all) on the track.

The impact of the success will be far reaching and we need to take advantage while the excitement is where it is. Last year it was reported that cycling number grew by 7%. With success like this there is no reason why it will not grow by double figures. I myself only took the sport up 2 years ago and since then have seen the number commuting to work explode.

As a country we need to embrace the sport. Football for years has hogged the limelight and why? Cycling offers so much more. It provides discipline through the required training, it improves fitness and lifestyle, provides and intense spirit of competition and achievement. Not only this and as the Tour in 2012 has proven it is a spectacle full of intrigue, passion and skill. The fact ITV showed the last 2 days on ITV shows the desire for it to be on TV. Sponsorship and advertisers want to be a part of cycling. If Team sky have done anything this year they have proven that drugs are not a pre-requisite for success and maybe now other teams will follow and start to clean up professional cycling.

At this point I believe it is only right and proper to praise the Sponsors, Sky. Without whom none of this success would be possible. Yes the British track team receive huge funding and quite rightly from UK sport and thus the National lottery. Sky however has backed not only the track team but also the professional road team. Whilst they are not the most heavily funded team on the tour, from recent reports this would be the BMC team and Cadel Evans et al, they are now the most feared. Sky have allowed David Brailsford almost free reign on the spending and what Brailsford has done best is to assemble not only a brilliant riding outfit but also the best back up team in the sport. "MARGINAL GAINS" is Brailsford's buzz phrase. By taking small steps in every area give big gains overall. They are the only team to have individual coaches for every rider; they have technical advisors not only from their bike supplier but from experts such as Chris Boardman who in the 90's took cycling to a new level with his bike design innovations (as well as his world record breaking skills).

There are few rare occasions in a generation when your fellow countrymen achieve something spectacular. The Football world cup in 1966, the Rugby world cup in 2003 and now Bradley Wiggins Tour de France. It is that big and mainly because this was not one man's victory, it is team victory and a cultural changing success. Cycling can only get bigger off the back of this, My 7 year son will not be the only youngster who is buzzing off the back of it and who cannot wait for the "Manx Missile" and "Wiggo" to win again. He has already asked for a road bike for Christmas in exchange for his mountain bike and who am I to get in the way.

This is defiantly no isolated victory for team Sky and British cycling. Next stop Olympic gold’s, followed by

Spain

and then who knows where. If you don't already commute to work by bike, get out there and start. If you already ride but don't compete then get out there and have a go. The number of Sportiv's available has doubled in 5 years; the number of "friendly" riding events has increased with many national cycling events taking place. To start look at the Sky rides http://www.goskyride.com/, these are by no means the only ones. If you have really caught the buzz why not pop down to your local track.

Well done Wiggins and Co, the Country solutes you.

Buying a New bike

2012-07-18T22:15:00.001+01:00

My company offers the cycle to work scheme so I am very lucky that I can chose a new bike every year and take advantage of the great tax savings that come with it. So this year was no different. I received my voucher and went along to my local Halfords. This year due to previous experiences I chose a new branch to see whether the service would be any better.

I picked up my bike last week and have nothing but issues with it. I must add, Halfords staff was excellent as regards customer service, their bike building skills are almost nonexistent however. That's my moan over, but the experience did get me thinking about the quality of service delivery within the cycle industry and my experience over the past few years.

As a manager in the hotel hospitality industry I spend much of my time working on service improvements. We look at ways of improving the product as well as the staff training to deliver that product effectively. We have to create our product as our service is our product. From an outsider the cycle industry seems to see it differently. I will point out at this point that I have not visited every cycle shop and that my experiences vary significantly.

However, what seems to be very much an overriding feeling is that cycling expects the products to sell and that the technology and the standards in equipment to dazzle their clients. Customer service seems to be distinctly lacking or not geared the large majority of those shopping.

Many independent shops whose owners are very passionate cyclists tend to expect the clients entering their shops to be of the same ilk with the same understanding of bikes and equipment. Often simply walking into these shops can give a very real intimidating feeling. Not really a conducive environment to buy. In the large chains you often have the opposite where young ill trained staff provide no or poor advice. My first bike was bought with an answer to the question of what size bike should I buy being "whatever one you feel most comfortable on". The fact I had already told him I had no idea how to choose the bike did not stop this ridiculous response?

There are some fantastic independent as well as chains of shops. Evans for instance has always given me reason to return, despite their relatively high costs their service levels and customer focus is excellent.

I do feel though as an industry cycling needs to look at the way its sells bikes and equipment. Not everyone is a techi and people need to be encouraged to enter cycle shops. Independent shops want to steal clients from the bigger stores. To do so they need to attract the average Joe, the families and the commuter. To do that they need to make the experience softer and the service stronger. They have the product, they have the expertise, add the customer service skills from industries like hospitality and restaurants and not only will more people be attracted to the sport but the industry will increase sales.

Cycling is a technical sport and this leads many shops scare and intimidate. It’s not done on purpose but shop owners need to take this on board. Those that do will find their profits increase and their reputations get a much wider scope.

National Bike Week

2012-06-18T10:23:00.000+01:00

Samsung Bike Week is here

Samsung Bike Week, the UK’s biggest mass participation cycling event, is taking place across the UK 16th - 24th June 2012. Almost half a million people are taking part and you can join in too. Find an event near you by using our Event Search tools. Samsung Bike Week events offer something for everyone; from families, schools and companies, to seasoned cyclists and those who have never cycled before.

Ensure you have downloaded the Samsung Hope Relay app before the event! The Samsung Hope Relay app is FREE to download and for every mile you cycle, they will donate £1 to charity. Text 'Hope Relay' to 61116 for free to download the app or visit www.samsung.com/uk/bikeweek. You don't have to pay for anything (free text, free app, NO donations required - Samsung will do this)

donations required - Samsung will do this)

Organising an event!

Event organisers are the lifeblood of Samsung Bike Week, without whom we could not provide such a great range of events throughout the UK. You can still register your event today and receive FREE: public liability insurance, promotional material, and website tools. The insurance is vaild until end of July.
.

Samsung Hope Relay

You get cycling, we get giving
Samsung will donate £1 to charity for each mile cycled.
Download the FREE Samsung Hope Relay app now at
www.samsung.com/uk/bikeweek

Samsung Bike Week Blog

Cycling makes you laugh

2012-06-18T08:19:00.000+01:00

There are many occasions over the last two and a half years that I have had to smile at something I have either seen whilst cycling or has happened to me.

Take for instance the morning I saw a chap driving on the A52 in Nottingham with the Sun Newspaper on his steering wheel and the Dustbin man (refuge engineer I think they are referred to as now) reading porn he had obviously found in the rubbish that morning. I have had races with people, people who have battered me so badly I have had to laugh.

However, nothing has been as funny as what happened this weekend. My wife has recently signed up to take part in the Great Notts Bike ride in July and whilst fit is not that confident on a bike. She is a runner really and only just getting into cycling. Anyway, she asked me to take her out after work on Saturday to teach her how and when to change gears properly and so I happily agreed.

That day I had been to work so by the time I arrived home had already completed 36 miles commuting for the day. None the less I still felt quite fresh, I picked her up and we set off. Just as you leave our estate you cross over an old railway bridge. My wife went on the cycletrack/pavement and I as normal was on the road. As I started to come down the slope on the other side I was talking to my wife accross the road as well as keeping a keen eye on the car pulling up to a junction at the bottom of the hill to my left. At no time however was I watching the road!

As I come near a grassy section towards the bottom of the hill travelling about 25 miles an hour I realise my wheel is in a rut at the side of the road and I am running out of room to get back on the road. I apply my breaks and turn, this is where the fun starts!!

My wheel slips on the wet tarmac and onto the grass verge, causing my bike (and me as I am still attached via the cleats) to complete a full 360 spin (360 I mean head over heals rather than sideways) and land smack the back wheel with a crash, flip and wallop.

There are a couple of things that make this such a funny crash. One it took place on grass so I was not hurt and neither was the bike, secondly I was supposed to be teaching my wife some cycle skills and road safety tips (she is a little nervous in traffic) and finally there was a couple stood at their front gate on 10 yards away who now have a fantastic story to tell at their next dinner party.

Note to self - when falling off always find a grassy patch first!

Lance Armstrong Charged

2012-06-17T22:01:00.001+01:00

I read this week that the US anti doping team have finally brought charges against Lance Armstrong. Lance has obviously denied all the charges and said he will fight the claims.

What makes this case not quite sit right with me is not the fact they have charged him or whether he actually did take performance inhancing drugs but to question, why now?

I appreciate that many of the authorties have tried to to pin the drug charge on Lance and now it looks like they believe they have enough data and evidence to actually get a conviction. What though will they achieve by following this through?

Its now 5 years since Lance last won a Grand Tour. He retired 2 years ago from cycling and whilst he still competes in iron man race he is unlikley to win given his age. You have to remember that he does a huge amount of work for charity through his Livestrong campaign. He still now creates a desire for others to take up the sport and acts as a huge role model for many would be professionals and young cyclists.

Should he have got away with it if he did take drugs to win, no he should not. But to attempt to convict him after all these years seems a bitter and very delayed attempt to ruin a reputation that even if created unfairly still has a huge positive role to play in the sport. Great role models are difficult to find and ones that do great things outside of their sport even harder.

Lance armstrong competed at a time when if you believe some almost all of the top level cyclists were involved in some level of performance enhancement. It seems too late and wrong to seek a conviction now. What would happen to all the results, do we have 7 tour results with a star next to them like Alberto Contidors scrubbed result. Forr most Alberto is still seen as the winner and Andy Schlek as a loser?

Lance Armstrongs victories were often iconic, devilish and dominant results. Lets remember them for that and allow the sport to move on. It has aired enough dirty laundry recently and the sport genuinly seems to have taken huge strides foward and it genuinely appears to be a drug free sport for the most part. Let the old be the old and lets look forward. It will hardly affect Lance Armstrongs bank account, in fact a conviction would allow him to sell a book, maybe with a different angle. What a conviction would do is destroy an awesome Charity and have a gigantic impact again on the reputation of cycling. The sort simple does not need it. If he did get results unfairly he can atleast in his heart sy he has used that wealth and influence positivly for others.

Cheats should be punished, but lets do it at the time not afterwards in what is looking more and more like a witch hunt!

A Great time time to Cycle

2012-05-23T13:20:00.000+01:00

England has finally started to see the British summer and what a great time to be a commuter on a cycle.

I have had to put up with rain, snow, sleet, hail. You name it I have had to along with my fellow hardcore buddies cycle through it all to get to work. Now finally it is starting to pay off. So why is the experience so more enjoyable?

Well, the sunshine is out which means I am happier from the start, all that serotonin in the brain. But you also have the great benefits of being able to look up when you cycle without having rain and ice flicking in your eyes. Granted there is more chance of getting a fly or 2 in your mouth though! You get to wear shorts and t-shirts and the work on the golden tan begins.

To add to it all the fair weather cyclists appear which gives you the great satisfaction of not being alone on the road but also the great smugness that they only come out when the weather is nice. The reality is though is fantastic to see how many people are willing to bin the cars and get on their bikes. I appreciate not many people are lucky to be in a position like me where I can shower and change at work.

This does bring me to another point and that is. If we are going to encourage an environment policy where car usage is to be discouraged and other forms of transport and especially the likes of running, walking and cycling are to be encouraged we need to encourage companies to invest in facilities

As a country we are right to offer tax relief on bikes, but surely we should be doing so to companies willing to offer facilities such as showers, changing rooms and lockers. Some companies believe in the value of investing in their employees other may need a little more encouragement. Everyone would benefit.

Cycling is really a summer sport, only the mad and insane would do so in the winter. I would encourage anyone thinking about commuting to have a go. Just once a week. What we also need though is for everyone who is a keen cyclists to follow the examples set out in America and flash the benefits of cycling all over the web, on twitter, on the blogs and on other social networking sites. We have a real opportunity with the Olympics and with a success cycling team to really start to get people out of their cars and onto the roads, the pavements if they are runners and generally into a healthier fitter way of life!

Back to what I was writing about which is summer Cycling and the reasons it is such a treat

1) More cyclists on the roads
2) More sunshine, less rain and snow
3) One layer of clothes. After 6 months of having to remove4 or 5 layers after a long cycle it’s nice to just have shorts and top
4) Fewer punctures! With less rain and wind it means less rubbish on the roads to damage the tyres
5) Slick tyres - never under estimate the benefits of thin slick tyres when you are looking at increasing times and speed
6) Friendlier cyclists. I have had more people chat and say hello this week alone than in the whole winter. No wonder us Brits have a reputation for being moody?? Not enough sunshine!
7) Glorious scenery - obviously depending on the route - I am quite lucky with open fields
8) Getting back to some serious training rather than the winter slog
9) Thoughts of new bikes and new kit!
10) Planning the summer excursions - where are we going

Get out on the roads while you can. Especially if you live in the UK. The weather is bound to last for a couple of weeks! Happy cycling

Endomondo's National Bike Challenge

2012-05-14T17:16:00.001+01:00

I read about this and thought, what a great Idea!

They are looking to get 50,000 cyclists riding 10million Milese - get on board and get cycling

Click the link and check it out

http://www.endomondo.com/campaign/national

Who is cyclings voice?

2012-05-11T20:46:00.001+01:00

Who is fighting the sensible corner when it comes to cycling in Britain? I read loads of blogs and website from other countries about ingenious cycling initiatives that have been brought about by effective lobbying of local government and regional parliaments. America and Holland seem to spring to mind

Maybe it helps by having likeminded people in government? Or is it that those lobbying have a less aggressive approach to lobbying. I don't know but it appears we have it wrong in the UK.

We seem far too sensitive in the UK to have a reasonable debate. Everyone is skirting around the subject talking about "respect" campaigns, "cross parliamentary committees" and heated debates via twitter. All of which have no decision making power, potentially alienate a large number of people and are often run or headed up by people who don't truly understand the need of the average cyclist and their concerns.

Why is it we have the second best men’s road team in the world in Team Sky, we have one of the best if not the best track GB cycling team, and we have participate in one and if not the fastest participation sports/activities in the country. Why is it then that we cannot seem to create an effective "VOICE" for everyone? Do we need one central body campaigning for the rights and safety of all commuters based on the opinion of its members.

From what I see those who are often are the forefront of the lobbying have a single minded campaign and whilst their heart may seem to be in the right place they look to push cycling single minded and end up alienating the sport by not putting the case across for inclusion as part of the network system but instead push as an alternative to the current system

We will always have cars, trucks, vans, motorbikes and for a while still the old Robin reliant (yes it’s still legal despite its ability to role at corners - (Top gear video) ). So we need to an inclusive road network system that allows all road users to do so safely, effectively and with the maximum amount of safeguards in place. This will only be achieved by creating an environment where all interested parties feel there is a fair playing field, that all sign up to the same set of rules and all are willing to make the necessary change.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15156336

Some of these points include:

- Drivers receiving training during their driver training about cycling and what to look out for

- Cyclist to all receive proficiency training

- All road users to pay towards the system and if cyclist want specific cycling improvements we need to agree to some form of funding process

- Government need to agree to review their transport policy to include all road users

- Government need to make it law that local authorities have to provide options for all road users and not to syphon the fund for other projects

- Cycling insurance should become mandatory the same as car insurance as a way of protecting all parties involved.

- Laws should be in place as to what are the expected standards for a road worthy bike. Lights at night, high visibility clothing etc.

- All parties need to review the true reasons for accidents and top blaming each other

- Police need to be given greater powers for on the spot fine for cyclists who believe it is their right to break the Highway Code and the law. Red lights are for everyone includes us cyclists for example.

- We need to review the rules governing cycling. From previous posts you may have noted there are no real laws governing cycling specifically on the road. There are a few guidelines, but as you may notice, guidelines that are not laws do not get followed as they can't be enforced. For instance:

- Is in not now time to stop cycling on dual carriageways? Is neither safe nor sensible to mix a bike going 15-20 miles an hour with a bunch of cars and trucks hitting 70? The turbulence from a truck alone is enough to suck you into the traffic. The blame often gets past to the driver but let’s all be honest it’s the cyclist for being on such a busy road

I love the sport of Cycling, its fast, it’s a fantastic way to exercise and get fit, it’s got so many facets to it and it’s accessible to everyone. What we now need is a real voice in government. With so many of us cycling and by the looks of it so many people already in positions that can make a difference how do we create this force for change and who should drive it? At some point we need to change tact, change our focus and look to manoeuvre change for the whole of the UK and not just London or small pockets around the country.

Let’s create a revolution of our on and stop looking at Holland or America or anywhere else. Britain’s road system is unique, our culture is unique and we are unique so our cycling legacy needs to be unique!

Cyclist are a unique bunch

2012-05-03T09:16:00.000+01:00

I have come to realise over the last 2 years that whilst the wider sport of cycling attracts a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, abilities, genders, races and economic status. For those who have been a part of the sport from any serious nature either as a long term commuter, an employee in the cycling industry, a keen enthusiast attending sportive etc. or a pro cyclists there are a few distinct similarities that make them stand apart from the norm.

Granted there are a few generalisations amongst my thoughts but think for a moment and you will notice quite a few traits I mention. The question is, does the sport attract these likeminded people, gradually moulding them over time and its spits them out at the end fully fledged as a "cyclist".

Phil Malone

From what I see a true cyclist is:
1) Overly competitive - commuters chase rabbits, professionals chase each other and they all chase personal bests. We compete against hills, downhills, wind, rain, ourselves, and others, cars. If it moves, can talk or presents a challenge they will fight against to beat, overcome or set at time against. If you don't believe me just check out the app store and see the volume of aps that allow friends, enemies and complete strangers to compete against each other.
2) They love their kit - a whole multi million if not billion pound industry has been established on the basis that cyclists love new bikes, kit, clothing and gadgets. Having played football, cricket and even golf (which by the way attract a very similar strain of gadget wielding individuals!) I have never seen such a gadget and technology driven sport. 2 years in I am still learning many of the finer tech points and find the volume of similar but different bikes part amazing? That’s just the bikes! Add clothing, shoes, repairs kits and tools. It’s an amazing sport to get into for the sheer learning experience let alone the riding. There is always something new!
3) They are a hardy bunch - I believe I am mad doing some of the commuting I have done in the last 2 years. Ice like glass, snow 6 inches deep, slush, hail, 60 mile and hour winds, you can keep going with the horrid conditions that some people will cycle in. (yes I too have been dragged head first into this point!). Amazingly though I am not alone, I thought I was just stupid or even naive but no, every morning I will see my compatriots slugging away throughout the winter months. In my mind you have to experience the harsh side of commuting to really enjoy the summer sunshine months. It does still make me smile though seeing the faces of the car drivers as they pass you as the rain hammers don and the temperature drops below zero. It’s a look of combined amazement and sheer disbelief that you could even dare get on your bike let alone enjoy the experience.
4) They have some fight! - Have seen this a few times since writing this blog and most recently with the Jon Griffin comments. Cyclists are a community that appears together and strong. If someone appears to wound the sport or the activity they join together on mass and defend themselves. This is a vital and admirable quality from a sport. Harnessed correctly this can only help the sport to become more and more successful. I do believe though there are many people will a voice but not once voice to drive the sport forward.
In addition to the above there are a few aspects of the sport that from the outset you would never know. It’s a male dominated sport, both at the elite level but also the amateur and daily commuting. The pro sport is driven by the European events and whilst the American and Australian scene is growing it still appears be dominate by the big European tours and classics. This can surely only be down to historical factors and there must be huge opportunities in Asia, India & China. Simply based on the volume of cyclists.
For some reason it is a white dominated sport. There is no logical reason for this other than socio economic reasons which I am not looking to explore now as it’s a massive and potentially explosive topic. There are many sports dominate by particular races based purely on location, history and the socio economic climate within which the sport is played. In the same way there are few Asian footballers in Britain and white wide receivers in American football. It did surprise me though as I would have thought due to the very nature of accessibility of cycling its spread would be far wider
Cycling is a wonderful sport and mode of transport. It’s growing and with it so is its popularity and it will be interesting to see how its influence grows alongside this.

Victoria Pendleton

2012-04-22T21:45:00.000+01:00

With all the news about Taxi companies, protests and the like I thought we should finish the week withs some bighter thoughts

Mainly, How Great are we to be British and

1- Have an awesome cycling team that tan the Ausie backsides in the recent world champs and are likely to do even better at the Olympics

2- We have Victoria Pendleton who is not only a cycling icon but damn fit to go with it! Lets just hope she beats Mears good and proper in London

Rule Britania!!

Were Jon Griffin's (Addison lee) comments Wrong?

2012-04-20T22:06:00.000+01:00

There are a number of aspects to this whole battle that has kicked off between the Chairman of Addison Lee Taxi's, Jon Griffin and the whole of the cycling world in the UK.

1 - It is obvious that despite owning a multimillion pound business he is not the brightest as regards public relations

2- The cycling world is very easy angered and able to very quickly mobilise a huge internet and political campaign.

3 - It’s amazing how economically and politically powerful the cycling Jungle is. There are more big players on their bikes these days than we thought. It’s not just Sir Alan Sugar.

4 - Finally, if you remove the arrogance and his attitude to road awareness and the law for his drivers are his comments actually that far off the mark?

You can make up you own mind reading his comments courtesy of the Guardian

Jon Griffins Original Comments:

This summer the roads will be thick with bicycles," Griffin wrote. "These cyclists are throwing themselves on to some of the most congested spaces in the world. They leap on to a vehicle which offers them no protection except a padded plastic hat. Should a motorist fail to observe a granny wobbling to avoid a pothole or a rain drain, then he is guilty of failing to anticipate that this was somebody on her maiden voyage into the abyss. The fact is he just didn't see her and however cautious, caring or alert he is, the influx of beginner cyclists is going to lead to an overall increase in accidents involving cyclists.

"The rest of us occupying this road space have had to undergo extensive training. We are sitting inside a protected space with impact bars and air bags and paying extortionate amounts of taxes on our vehicle purchase, parking, servicing, insurance and road tax."

He concluded: "It is time for us to say to cyclists, 'You want to join our gang, get trained and pay up'."

After the row Mr Griffin followed up with the following:

I argue for compulsory training and insurance for London's bicycle owners and I still stand by my contention.

"About one cyclist is killed on London's roads every month and countless others horribly injured. If the article causes a debate around cycle safety, and perhaps saves some lives, bring it on.

"Cycling is a deadly serious issue and lives are at stake. There have been huge campaigns recently to encourage cycling, but not so much in terms of improving safety and awareness for cyclists.

"I'm glad that the issue is being debated. If anyone has more ideas for improving safety for cyclists, I would be delighted to hear them. In the meantime, I will continue calling for compulsory training and compulsory insurance for bicycle users."

Let’s look at the objectively for a moment. Take out the fact Mr Griffin is Taxi Company Chairman and has probably disliked bikes from the moment he started driving out of the equation for a moment. Also ignore his highly inaccurate statistics about cycling accidents and consider the following:

1) Does he not have a point that anyone, without formal training on cycling safely and the laws of the road can cycle anywhere and anyhow. The challenge is that the perceived damage a cyclist can cause on his own or to others in minimal. That's the perception but cyclists have killed pedestrians and only last year a civil case was brought against a cycling courier. We may not be as deadly but we can cause accidents and we can kill!

The reduced risk of damage unlike like motor vehicles should not mean we should not know and abide by the laws of the road. I think some form of cycle training should be encouraged if not enforced to ensure all road users are able and capable individuals.

Mrs Griffin made the mistake here though by blaming cyclists. The large majority of adults cyclists are far safer that the majority of cab drivers and white van drivers on our roads. I'll admit though this is as a result of personal experience and not statistical data. It’s true however to say cars cause more deaths every year than bikes.

2) Was he really wrong to state we should all be ensured? Definitely not, it should be compulsory to be insured for a cyclist to be on the road. Insurance is a standard part of modern day life and is required for driving, holidays, a number of jobs, companies hold public liability insurance to be able to practice in many fields. It protects the rider as well as provides the support and funds in the event an accident is proven to be the cyclists fault. Any cyclist riding any serious miles should not step outside without insurance. If you do you are mad! Making this compulsory should be a serious consideration in the conversations going forward.

3) He did go a tad too far asking cyclists to contribute to the "Road Tax". If he had taken time to think about it, the tax is based on emissions and hence the reason a 2.0l BMW can get away with paying £35? A bike unless powered by a diesel engine is unlikely to register a request for payment??

I have said before though that if as a group we want improved cycling facilities we should consider paying a "Cycling Tax". We cannot in today’s financial climate expect huge levels of investment simply by shouting loudly. We need to offer up a funding solution. The obvious caveat would be guarantees that the funds are spent on dedicated cycling project such as road improvements, cycle training and improved cycle safety projects. The huge array of advantages unfortunately to do create a political will to add the extra's we want. Whilst not all the road tax funds are used for roads it does give the motoring lobby group a much bigger voice when it shouts for improved infrastructures etc.

Jon Griffin made a huge mistake thinking he could tackle what is I feel a genuine problem with a sledge hammer. The cycling community is a strong unit and will happily and effectively rally the troops to protect itself and its reputation. I think we need to however take a step back from the Car vs. Bike argument and look at what is best for the safety of all users. It’s not about what is fair and what is not. Some cyclists are fantastically safe and no issue to cars, as there are some drivers who are brilliantly safe and considerate yet fast and able at the same time. It’s about ensuring a standard for all and not the few that are excellent to say we are good so it’s not required?

We all know a few people despite the training and passing their driving test that should never be on the road. I also know some cyclists that sit in the same category and should not be trusted on 2 wheels. Putting safeguards in place raises the standards and ensures fewer and fewer of these people on the roads. As our numbers grow we need to seriously consider our impact and stop whining when someone stops to say, hang on we need greater controls on what is the fastest growing form of transport in the UK if not the world

Surely everyone wants that? Don't we?

Ghost Bikes madness

2012-04-19T20:03:00.000+01:00

If you are unaware of what Ghost bikes are? They are old bikes painted white and chained to the side of the road where a cyclist has been killed whilst riding. A little bit like the flowers you see on the side of a road where a car accident has ended in fatality.

In Nottingham where I live it’s not become a craze but in some of the bigger cities such as London and New York it’s an ever growing phenomenon. Now here comes the challenge in my mind. What really are they for?

Are we really looking to highlight an issue with road safety? Or remember a loved one’s passing? I am not sure!

My challenge with the whole practice is that even if we are looking to highlight that a certain junction or road crossing is a challenge for cyclists, making a morbid reminder is unlikely to slow down traffic, unlikely to get cyclists to take more care ad simply act as reminder to the risks of cycling in a city environment.

Do we want to highlight risks and scare people from participating I what is essential a safe and hugely beneficial both physically and mentality to those who take part in the activity/sport. Add to the fact it makes the streets look a mess as these bikes tend to live there for months and years on end, often surrounded by flowers and messages of condolence.

I am not being disrespectful in the sense that the passing of human life is always a tragedy but do we have to highlight it in such a fashion that it actually gives a bad taste and a bad feeling to our activity. Can you imagine if we did the same for all car accidents by placing an old white car or a mannequin on the spot where pedestrians were killed? It looks wrong, feels wrong and creates a bad image.

They are wrong for so many reasons and I think as a cycling community we should respect the dead through the same channels we would anyone else. Why is there a need for such a depressing public display? The point often made by those not even related to the families. What is worse is many know the councils will not remove from due to fear of public outcry.

believe it or not there are official websites dedicated to the practice?
ghostbikes.org/
London remembers

Am I missing something? By all means explain to me why you feel they are significant and why I am out of tune?

Some articles on the subject:

christina patterson what are these memorials to dead cyclists really trying to tell us
Ghost bikes memorials cycling victims

National Bike Month - USA

2012-04-16T20:25:00.000+01:00

If you needed an excuse to start back on that bike well here it is!

National Bike Month is the perfect time to ride! New and returning riders are encouraged to get back on the saddle and ride their bike to work. If you're a veteran bike commuter, you will be enjoying a lot of extra company on the roads!

To find or post an event in your a...rea, click here: http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/events.php

General Schedule of Events:
May 1: Bike Month and the National Bike Challenge (www.nationalbikechallege.org

begin!
May 9: Bike to School Day (http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bikemonth/biketoschoolday.php

May 14 - 18: Bike Week
May 18: Bike to Work Day
May 31: Conclusion of National Bike Month, but the National Bike Challenge (www.nationalbikechallege.org)

Bike Vs Car

2012-04-16T19:29:00.004+01:00

Couldn't have said this better myself

This should be on a T-shirt!

Cycling Politcs - Have your say

2012-04-16T19:13:00.002+01:00

There is an open forum on Twitter regarding having your say as regads Cycling needs in the UK

Get onto twitter and have your Say!

https://twitter.com/#!/UKParliament/statuses/191886370707476480

Is Cycling sexy? - Update

2012-04-16T09:35:00.000+01:00

Last year I wrote a post regarding cycling advertising and how our sport seems to be one of the only sports were Lycra wearing and shaving legs by our male athletes is acceptable yet when it comes to marketing the sport we shy away from using "lifestyle" or "sexy" images to sell bikes and even the sport itself.

This week that point has been made all the more clear when an advert (seen below - Courtesy of the Sun on Sunday) by the Bike manufacture Triuk was banned by the advertising standards authority for because it is "likely to cause offence". The advert was investigated after a Reader of the Cycling plus Magazine took offence.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/

Judge for yourself as to whether you feel the advert is offensive. Are we really that bad as group of enthusiast that we get offended by what is hardly grotesque images. Triuk explained the advert was tongue in cheek and in all fairness I think the wider world would agree. It takes a sad, lonely individual to make such a complaint and says more about him/her that the advert

Amazingly the company is now likely to get more coverage for the advert from sites like this and the national press having the advert banned than it ever would have by the advert itself. This is only likely to fuel an increase in type of marketing. So I guess instead of castigating the individual who complained, maybe we should be thanking them

Do we need loads of half naked men and women to sell more bikes? NO! Does it make the adverts more interesting, more exciting and more readable, yes I believe it does? Not for the naked women itself but for the tongue in cheek thought, the play on word and the desire to try a new approach. Selling in whatever field you work is all about creating appeal for a product, cycling still remains about the only Sport that fails to use the athlete’s body image as sales weapon!

Ask Victoria Pendleton whether she uses her great physique and good looks to sell her new range? Of course she does and why not.

Come on cycling lets move into the 21st century. There is no room for fuddy duddies any more, it’s a modern sport so let’s roll with it and make the sport bigger and better!

Great rides

2012-04-13T21:57:00.000+01:00

Last year I visited the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend with friends and was amazed by the long rolling hills and potential for glorious riding.

This week I was in North Devon. Normally we will stay as close to the coat as possible to enjoy the sea, sand and where possible (not so often these days) the surf. I love Devon and would move there in a flash were the circumstances right.

The pace of life, the friendly people (most people say that about their own spots but believe me, the whole of North Devon seem to be on happy pills, coming from Nottingham it’s amazing!)

As you can tell it does not take much for me to rave about the place but a realised even more how brilliant the place was. The cycling must be awesome and yet another tick in the box. The rolling hills, the long down hills, the windy turns, great climbs (the steepest of which was 25%). Add to that the huge array of accommodation from cheap campsites, B&B as well as some decent hotels closer to the coast our have all you can want.

I and my wife are lovers of the VW camper and I started thinking how awesome it would be to pack the camper, bikes in the back, surf board on the roof and to tour the north Devon coast. That’s the new plan for a surprise 40th! (Lets hop she don’t read my blog!! ha ha)

By the way my wife is a runner and the hills and terrain has started the cycling spark in her mind, won't be long befor she is guest wriing - Mark this space

If you have never been get down to North Devon - Stay Around South Molton, Barnstable, Bideford area. Also be brave and try a bit of surfing, I reckon its the perfect second sport for any cyclist.

One wierd fact - There is a town called Clovelly that you have to pay to enter. There is not even anything in the town? bizaar

Cycling Accidents and Injuries

2012-04-02T21:53:00.000+01:00

In 2010 the number of cyclist killed on Britain’s roads increased for the 3rd consecutive year. This is despite the fact the number of overall deaths dropped to below 2,000, a substantial drop from the 2009 figure of 2,222.

The number of cycling deaths was an increase of 7% and the total number seriously injured rose by 2%. We must be careful when analysing statistics as with everything they can look rather skewed when missing all the data. It must also be pointed out that the number of cycle journeys also increased by 7% and so there is a sort of direct correlation. However what must also be pointed out is there are more cars on the roads but car accidents are decreasing year on year.

There have been numerous calls over the years for laws to enforce cyclists to wear helmets. There are big lobbies on either side of the argument. I read recently that in New Zealand the introduced the law and within 5 years the levels of cycle journeys dropped by over 50%. Why? A number of reasons could be the cause. An increased fear brought about by increasing the perceived risk of cycling. People not willing to wear a helmet and just giving it up along with many more subtle reasons.

Last year Annette Brooke, Lib Dem MP brought a private members bill forward to protect children from head injuries. The basic plan was to not criminalise it but to force the parent to provide evidence of helmet purchase within 28 days or face a fine

We do need to tread carefully on this and the government are right to not throw its weight around and start adding more laws to the statute books. We do however need to highlight the risks more of the potential damage caused when involved in an accident. I have posted James Cracknels video on my blog before, his story alone should be a reason to wear a helmet.

My wife works for Headway, the brain injury charity and if people could see the life changing impact a brain injury has on an individual, a family and the community that person lives they would do everything in their power to ensure their risks were minimised.

I do believe it should be law for children to wear helmets, everyone else can fend for themselves, and it is their life in the end of the day. In November 2010 the in dependent transport research Laboratory published an evaluation of all the evidence - both for and against and the report clearly showed that helmets saved lives

Use your Head wear a helmet

Support headway

Cycling beats driving any day!

2012-04-01T19:58:00.003+01:00

If the past week and all the huge ques at petrol pumps has not proven yet another point as to why comutting to work by bike has to be the better form of transport then I don't know what will!

I drive a car, like almost all other cyclists out there. However, on Thursday this week I arrived at work having past 3 petrol stations will CLOSED signs on the forecourt and another 2 with huge Ques of cars desperate to get some petrol and just thought, "this is madness"

I quickly realised the benefits of cycling as:

- The numerous health benefits (healthy heart and lungs, increased fitness and wellbeing)
- Improved sleep
- Reduced stress
- Enjoyable commute rather than being sat on my backside getting stressd with other riders
- I could delve into another sport
- Killing 2 birds with one stone by getting excercise and getting to work
- Finding a new hobby and soon to be business
- New Skills (cycle maintenance)

The above are just a few of the benefits that I initially saw. I then, after 2 years descovered I had saved over £5000 on petrol, insurance, maintenance and car payments. Happy days I thought

The arrives the potential petrol tanker strikes and I suddenly realise that one of the biggest benefits is not the savings, the health benefits or even the reduces stress but the increased freedom. I don't rely on other people to get me anywhere. I know if push come to shove I can always get to work whatever the weather, whatever the econic issues. I happily commute 36 miles a day and I have made myslef somewhat bullet proof from the idiots that are the British Unions!

Fuel strikes, train strikes, air baggae handlers. None of them affect my abilty to work. Whilst i feel sorry for those caught up in it as like all families we need a car too. I think almost everyone has the ability to change things and benefit from cycling.

I would urge anyone who has found this week tough, anyone who sat on a forecourt for hours and anyone who is fed up with unions dictating and scaring us in our daily lives to buy a bike and commute. Even if you only do it once or twice a week you are adding a valuable asset to you weekly survival of life.

In the process you will get healthy, save a shed load of cash and you never know, fall in love with cycling just like me!

bike lesson learnt

2012-04-01T19:23:00.000+01:00

I have over the past 5 months encouraged, persuaded and voacalised my belief that if you are gonna spend some serious amount of time on your bike you should look after your trusted machine, and quite right. If only for the fact that most of you reading this have spend almost as much on your bike as you did on your car or atleast your second car.

I regularly clean my bike and give it the attention neede. However, I don't alway have the funds to keep buying new bits. So last December after noticing the bottom bracket was passed its sell by date I decided that I would clean it up, pack it full of greese and and emake sure I go through the worst of winter before doing the necessarya nd replacing what is after all a £30 part

Now the last 3-4 months have bene hard work, I have been putting it down to a bit of poor diet, tiredness brought on by lack of sleep (3 kids under 6 can have that affect) and a bit of fatigue due to the hundreds of miles my legs have been doing.

I tried suppliments, changed my diet, got my wife to give me a weekly sports massage to see if I could overcome the sore legs, and back. I spent money of new pedals, cleats and shoes (I still had the starp pedals). Still I continued to sruggle and get more and more tired.

I finally decided that the weather was getting better and said "now is the time to fix that that bottom bracket". Well, if I was to say I knocked 10 minutes of my average winet ride and was only 5 minutes short of my homeward journey PB you probably wouldn't believe me. hhowever is the truth.

The difference in the feel of the bike, the power I could generate and the increase in speed in comparison from before was huge.

I look back thinking what an idiot! I guess though i have learnt a few lessons and surpisring gained a few benefits

1 - I will never leave for tomorrow waht should be done today.
2 - Never kid myslef that it won't make much difference
3 - Treat the machine with more respect. In the end of the day that beautiful beast has got me over 13000 miles. It deserves some love and attention

I did find one benefit from all this however. The fact the bike added huge amount of resistance to my body whilst cycling must have added addional levels of power and endurance. I am looking forwrad to testing that theroy of the net few months and when theweather permits breaking a few personal bests!

Get your bike ot, clean it, greese it and love it like it deserves!

Help me chose my new bike

2012-03-22T19:58:00.003+00:00

I am about to purchase a new bike on my cycle to work scheme. I have a little while as the decision needs to be made in May but I would like to trial a few before I do.

Does anyone have any suggestions, need to stay within £1250 or $1750 dollars

I have a few thoughts but would love to here anyone suggestions

Cheers

A silent race - no real winner

2012-03-22T19:53:00.000+00:00

Now the weather is getting better and the sun is staying up later it has slowly become a far more enjoyable experience on the bike. The daily battle is now becoming fun again rather than a means to an end. Like most sports I am really a summer participant.

Well Last night was the culmination of the better weather and the legs starting to feel good.

After a mile my music was playing up so I stopped to fix it. Just as I was about to set off a fellow commuter passes me at a decent speed. Challenge on. I mount the bike and give chase. Looking back he spots my efforts and there begins the race. I am not naive to believe I am the fastest but I average about 18-20 mile an hour so I can usually give most people on the road a decent hiding!

On this occasion I found my match, not my better but my math. For the next 10 miles we played cat and mouse, up and down some good hills. He stayed roughly 100m in front of me the whole time. Agonisingly close! By the end of was glad I couldn’t catch him an I have no idea what I would have done as regards overtaking had I caught him up. By the time he turned off Of was done in. Scarily I still had 6 miles to go!

Out of all of it though I loved it and have given me the renewed excitement for the summer ahead.

I love the cat and mouse that the increase number of fair weather cycling brings! Bring it on and welcome back Mr Sunshine