Some cyclists abuse the Eclipse priority bus lane

I'll start this blog post by saying I am a big supporter of cycling. The only personal transport vehicle I own is a bicycle, if I don't use that, then it's walking, bus or train.

Sadly some selfish cyclists abuse the facilities that are provided for public use and this is the case I witnessed recently on the Eclipse bus route.

I posted about this service before:

http://lovelywaterlooville.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/eclipse-bus-ride-to-hovercraft-museum.html

There are some cyclists that are using the long straight section of the Eclipse route as a cycle race/training track. I witnessed two cyclists on racing bikes and (yes you guessed it) lycra basically racing up and down the stretch of special road at least 3 times whilst I was waiting for a bus.
I witnessed them reaching the end of the road (Hutfield Link) and turning around to head back towards Fareham for another circuit.

On top of that they broke the highway code by overtaking the bus parked at the bus stop and forced an oncoming bus to slow to a stop, something the highway code specifically warns against because it is dangerous. The bus driver in the oncoming bus threw his arms up in the air in despair.

Imagine if two car drivers decided to use a stretch of road to charge up and down in preparation for a motor race?

The fact is it would be an illegal use of the road and the police would at least give both the drivers fines. Isn't this cyclist behaviour just as bad?

There are a lot of cyclists that use the Eclipse route to transport them to work and shops, they use it for the purpose it was designed for. Cyclists that want to race on a track (because that is what these cyclists were using the road for, they didn't have a destination) should find a dedicated track just like motor racing enthusiasts do.

I don't think it would be unreasonable to ban this type of use on this special road. There are already restrictions on vehicle types, it wouldn't be unfair to ban these fanatics and make sure other cyclists that use the road are protected.

Pompous anti-cycling columnist

Ugh.

Just listening to Radio 4 and a pompous anti-road cycling journalist who is happy that her husband cycles off-road but hates cyclists getting in her way on the road. She also claims cycling is a religion.

Hmm.

So driving a car isn't a religion?
We get bombarded every day with 'religious' car related advertising and like all religions, driving a vehicle has strict rules! It's a bit like an established religion (car driving) being challenged by a new religion (cycling).
Frankly I get bombarded every day with information about roads and motor vehicles, rarely do I hear much about cycling unless I mention.

But really extremists like this journalist are the problem. They don't have the brains or skills to do anything useful, like making cars or bicycles.

A real path at Wellington Retail Park??

After years of battling with cars trying to find a parking space at Wellington Retail Park, it looks like
pedestrians and cyclists trying to cross the numerous car park entrances and exists are going to get a proper path, with curbs??

At least I think this is going to be a path??
Feel free to post a comment if you know better.

Related blog posts:
http://lovelywaterlooville.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/chaos-at-retail-park.html
http://lovelywaterlooville.blogspot.co.uk/2009/02/waterloovile-pedestrian-access.html
http://lovelywaterlooville.blogspot.co.uk/2008/12/salvador-caetano.html
http://lovelywaterlooville.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/paints-and-belligerent-car-drivers.html

Electric bike association

Yep, the electric bike industry is so big now that it has it's own association:

www.beba.info

Looking at buying one myself in the not to distant future.

Cycle Carcass

Locked up cycle carcass in Waterlooville. A few weeks ago (or months?) it had wheels, saddle and handle bars, but not a lot remaining now. When I first saw it, the frame was bent. I guess the nocturnal scavengers have been at it, communicating with their mobile antena and nibbling at the remains when the opportunity arises.

I assume the owner wasn't bothered as the frame was damaged, but how did the frame get bent like that? Why lock it to the cycle parking bar, knowing the frame is bent? Why not take it to the recycling centre instead?

Moronic British spectators watching Olympics cycling road races

I was getting agitated yesterday watching the Olympics road cycling on TV as moronic British spectators were standing in the road just a few metres ahead of the cycling competitors, trying to take photos. Why are Brits so dumb and stupid??
They only had to trip up whilst stepping back to the pavement/verge and they could have had dozens of cyclists crash into them.

Today the Swiss cyclist who crashed into the barrier, tweeted and asked spectators to move back. I am surprised that more competitors havenb't said something about this and I think the Olympic officials should also do more to stop the inconsiderate behaviour.

Basically as a spectator, yes it is great that it is taking place in the UK, but you have a responsibility to allow the cyclists to get on with the race without interfering with their performance and tactics.

Cyclepath Signs

Sometimes there is some confusion about cyclepaths. In particular some motorists seem to think that it is compulsory for cyclists to use cycle paths. I think such attitudes are in some cases based on prejudice and self centred attitudes, but not always. Hence getting cyclists off the road maybe a political goal for them.

The reality is that there is no legal requirement at all for cyclists to use cycle paths. The quality of cyclepaths in the UK is often not high enough to be used other than for short journeys or short sections of longer journeys. Like car users, cyclists want to get from A to B in the shortest time or distance and of course cyclists have every right to want this. So it is impractical to always use cyclepaths.

Two signs are quite common along cyclepaths, they are not instructions or demands, they are put up for information purposes.

This sign indicates that a path can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
This type of path in particular can cause confusion. Unless you have seen the sign at the start or at the end of the path, it will look like an ordinary pedestrian path. I am also sure that some pedestrians and motorists probably believe cyclists are breaking the law when they see them using the path.
Who could blame them, if the path is not clearly marked, accept at the start and end?

The sign is usually used on paths that are wide enough for pedestrians and
cyclists to avoid each other.

This sign indicates a segregated path. A line will be marked on the ground all the way along the path showing that pedestrians and cyclists should use different parts of the path.

This is less confusing because if you join the path between the signs, it is clear that the section is for dual use.

Have your say about cycling

Havant Borough Council are wanting contributions to the consultation about the boroughs cycling policy. The deadline for submissions has been extended to 16th Sept so there is still time to contribute.

The council are developing a policy to get more people cycling and they want peoples views about how they can achieve this.

More info and the consultation form at  http://www.havant.gov.uk/havant-9660

Hover and Cycle

Hovertravel have a new scheme now that lets you book a hovercraft trip across to the Isle of Wight, which includes the hire of electric bikes to get around the island. Charging points are available at various pubs and cafes.

Hovertravel Hover Cycle

Cycling news

The London cycle hire scheme has started up and here is a video that explains how it works:
(The original video that I embedded has been removed by London Transport, this AlJazeera report is probably the best alternative):



I think it would be good to have a scheme like it in Portsmouth. I think a big issue might be vandalism we'll have to see how it goes. Watching the video suggests they have thought about everything and even the design of the bikes take into account the sort of use/abuse they might have.

Also this week, news that Velocity cycle shop in Portsmouth are moving to Cosham to bigger premises. That's good for Waterlooville folk since it is closer to home.
Also more cycle paths are cropping up around Waterlooville, I am losing track of them now!
Given the limited space, I guess the council are doing a good job, but it would be nice to see some real dedicated cycle paths in any new developments, with priority to cyclists.

Summer of Cycling 2010

There are a lot of cycling events across Hampshire this summer.

Some events include:

Big Bike Celebration - June, Eastleigh
Cycle Cavalcade - June, Southampton and Winchester
Introductory off road cycle - June, Winchester
Urban Rides Southampton - June, Southampton
Portsmouth Bike2Work day - June, Portsmouth
Back to Biking for Adults - June, Winchester
Cut Throats and Cut Thru's - June, Portsmouth
New Forest On and Off Shore - August, Lymington

For details of these events and rides and many others, go to the Summer Cycling 2010 web site.

Love Your Bike Day, Portsmouth 2010

Just got back from the Love Your Bike Day at the Southsea skate park. Here are a lot of photos of the event.

Someone relaxing on their recliner:

The Gocycle electric bike, but unfortunately the company didn't show up with some batteries and other units, I would have liked to have a go:

A custom chopper:

A customised paint job on this childs wooden bike, I think local schools had a go at painting these:

A bamboo bike. This is imported, the frame is made out of bamboo:

Close ups of the bamboo frame:

Actually this trike wasn't being exhibited, it was someone's everyday bike, I liked it because of the child's seat facing backwards at the rear:

Some action shots in the park:

And finally a bike harp. Yep it has strings on the frame with pick-ups that feed into an amp:

New Cycle Path from Denmead

The new cycle path from Denmead up to the new Dukes Meadow development is almost complete. Work is being done to finish it off. Sustrans have been involved in the development, although I am not sure if they provided any funding. I understood they were providing matched funding, although this isn't clear.

The original path to Denmead has been widened. The original curb remains, the darker tarmac will be for cyclists, the older light coloured tarmac will be for pedestrians. This is a shot looking towards Denmead, the work on the path is causing congestion, but that's OK!:

Entrance to the path at 'South Downs View', a few bits to finish off:

Love Your Bike

Recently visited Palmerston Road in Portsmouth for a meeting, the first time in a few years. Turned up a bit early, so had a look around.

First thing I noticed was an interesting display of cycles in a Debenhams window. It was for the Portsmouth Love Your Bike event later this month. They seem to have a lot of sponsors this year and the web site is professionally designed. Quite impressive. You can check out custom bikes and stalls on 30th May at various locations, including Southsea Skatepark, Ian Parmiters Antiques and Little Johnny Russell’s.

Actually the main thing that caught my attention in the Debenhams window was the Go Cycle electric bike. Wow! An electric bike that has been designed from scratch and looks the part. The battery is integrated into the frame, but is easily replaceable. The frame is a light magnesium moulded structure, with a built in kick stand. According to the company web site, a shop in Winchester allows test rides.

Whilst waiting for the meeting, I popped into 'Heidi's Swiss Patisserie'.  I thought I was going to experience some continental pastries etc. But was confronted with Chelsea buns, Cornish pasties, iced buns, jacket potatoes, steak pies and donuts. There is a section called Continental breads, but other than standard British tin loaves, the only continental bread I could see was 'Greek' and ciabatta bread. People seem to spend a lot of time thinking up names for their businesses these days,  it's a pity that they can't also put some effort into a business plan that actually matches the name!

If small businesses want to compete, then at least be honest and straight forward, don't pretend to be something your not. Or maybe that is what society is about today, being flash with no substance?

Electric bikes

Time for another video or two. Here we have an Australian electric bike called the Stealth Fighter doing an impressive performance:



I'm not sure it is road legal in the UK though. Electric bikes are getting far more robust and powerful now, I think it must be about time that legislation in the UK started recognising these alternatives. Although the Stealth Fighter is designed for off road use, it does demonstrate that electric transport doesn't have to be flimsy. Another interesting vehicle is the Bike Board, which recently appeared on the Gadget Show.

Here's another video of the Stealth bike:

Cycle Hampshire '10 this Saturday

There will be a cycling event at Gunwharf Quays this Saturday to start Cycle Hampshire '10. You will be able to try out weird bikes and trikes. There will also mountain bike stunt riding by MAD and Cycle Experience.

Event Details:

Date: Sat 24th April
Time: 10am to 3pm
Location: Gunwharf Quays
Link: Cycle Hampshire

New Borough Cycling Maps

Havant Borough Council have published new cycling maps indicating the areas cycling routes and paths. The maps are available from the borough libraries, cycling shops, civic offices and web site.

Waterloovile pedestrian access

Over the years, access to Waterlooville by pedestrians and cyclists approaching via the Hambledon Road route have gradually eroded. Havant council are largely to blame by putting car drivers first and neglecting the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. This is typified by the retail park that now spreads across the main route for all pedestrians and cyclists that want to enter Waterlooville via the dual carriageway underpass.

Before the dual carriageway was built, we had a public road (Hambledon Road) that ran straight into Waterlooville, but the council through its incompetence decided to sell the land to private investors a number of years ago and the dual carriageway/bypass was built for motor vehicle traffic.



In this photo I have drawn the path of the original Hambledon Road, which was long and straight for most of its length. The kink in the red line indicates the steep hill the old road climbed to get into Waterlooville.

To the right of the old road there were fields and a hedgerow once defined the border between road and fields. So basically Halfords and other retail units on that side are where the fields were located.

What can be seen from the photo is the horrendous situation we have today for pedestrians and cyclists. Remember what you see is the main highway into Waterlooville for anyone that wants to cycle or walk. Car drivers have their own dual carriageway and the cars can park here as well. Pedestrians have to negotiate about 7 'junctions' in the car park all within a few metres of each other.



Here we can see the new Zebra crossing markings being abused by a typical driver. There are about 7 of these crossings and vehicles regularly stop across the cycle and pedestrian path.

If a pedestrian or cyclist did this in the middle of a busy road, they would get a lot of abusive language aimed at them from arrogant drivers.

Note that another van is also stopped on a Zebra crossing further up.



On the day that these photos were taken, about 5 vehicles (within a 5 minute period) abused the highway code by stopping on the Zebra crossings. More vehicles stopped on the path than they did before the markings went down!

The highway code 192 states:

"In queuing traffic, you should keep the crossing clear"

Also 191 states:

"You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines."

Clearly we have queueing traffic here and the code is being abused.