Lifestyle
Road Safety Authority produce advert promoting safe passing distances for cyclists
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland have produced a new advert which calls on motorists to keep a safe distance when overtaking cyclists on urban and rural roads. The campaign aims to educate motorists on recommended minimum passing distances. The message is clear, give a 1 metre clearance when over taking a cyclist in areas of 50km/h and under...
Minimum Passing Distance Legislation passed in Ireland
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross T.D. today announced that he will legislate for Minimum Passing Distance (MPD) in order to make Irish roads safer for cyclists. In line with best international practice, this will entail a MPD of 1 metre on roads with a speed limit not exceeding 50 km/h and 1.5 metres on all...
Custom bike designed for drifting on ice and snow (VIDEO)
If it's icy where you live and you can't get out training, maybe this bike is what you need. ideas2cycles designed a custom bicycle specifically for drifting on ice and snow. The frame is welded from lightweight aluminium alloy tubing and the unique frame geometry gives an optimal weight distribution and handling on slippery surfaces. The bike is paired with...
How you can support the Minimum Passing Distance Legislation campaign in Ireland
In February, a bill will be voted on by members of the Dáil and Seanad (the lower and upper houses of the Irish legislature) that would make a minimum passing distance enforceable by law, when motorists are overtaking cyclists. The Road Traffic Bill will be considered by the Oireachtas Transport Committee on Wednesday 7th February 2018. The MPDL (Minimum Passing Distance...
4×4 Close pass on cyclist followed by a brake check – NSFW Language
While approaching roadworks this cyclist checked over his shoulder to make sure it was clear behind him and then pulled into the right lane to safely pass the roadworks. He wasn't counting on the 4x4 behind passing at speed and within inches of hitting him. The vehicle was so close the cyclist was able to hit the side of...
Garda Twitter poll criticised by cycling advocacy groups
A poll posted on Twitter today by An Garda Síochana has been heavily criticised by cycling advocacy groups in Ireland for amongst other reasons creating an 'us versus them' divide between cyclists and motorists. The poll was posted on the @gardatraffic account which is described as the official Garda Síochána account with info on traffic & major events. The poll...
Wike Salamander Cycle Stroller – The bike that converts into a stroller
The Salamander Cycle/Stroller operates as both a Dutch style cargo bicycle or a child stroller and transitions between the two instantly and with little effort. The patented product was launched recently by Wike after five years of development. The bicycle frame is high gloss black on 4130 alloy steel with the ability to upgrade from roller brakes to disc...
Alex Dowsett posts details of a frightening near miss
Former World Hour Record holder Alex Dowsett has posted details on Twitter of a frightening near-miss he had this week, which he has asked to be shared. The Essex rider was training on Sunday when the driver of a red Porsche Cayenne overtook another oncoming car on Dowsett's side of the road. "Needless to say, had I not reacted with...
Dutch study shows that use of bait bikes results in large reduction in bike thefts
The use of bait bikes with GPS fitted results in a large reduction in bike theft, a study in the Netherlands has shown. In places where this preventative measure was used, the number of thefts dropped by almost half within a few months. The research was conducted by Ben Vollaard of Tilburg University. "A total of fourteen municipalities - including...
Surrey Police produce video showing how to overtake cyclists safely (VIDEO)
The Road Policing Unit of Surrey Police have produced a video to help motorists overtake cyclists safely. The video shows a motorist approaching a cyclist in a residential area and provides guidance on what motorists need to consider such as zebra crossings, junctions and pedestrians in addition to the cyclist. They also outline that the motorist must provide at least...
Protest rides to take place across Australia against mandatory helmet laws
Bicycle rides are set to take place across Australia to protest against bike helmet laws. The rides will take place on 17 March in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. A ride is also taking place in Wellington, New Zealand. The first 'Stop Fining Healthy Transport' ride which is looking to make helmet wearing optional took place in Victoria this...
The World’s First Gritter Bicycle (VIDEO)
Earlier this year, a British inventor produced what was described as “the world’s first pedal-powered gritter bicycle.” The bicycle was invented by Yannick Read, who undertook the project in collaboration with bike insurer ETA. The company said that they developed the bicycle because there is no statutory requirement for councils to grit the cycle network. They provided a demonstration of the...
How the Dutch got their cycle paths (VIDEO)
The Netherlands is well known for its great cycling infrastructure and also the high number of people who cycle in the country. However, it wasn’t always this way. The film ‘How the Dutch got their cycle paths’ from a few years ago explains how the country faced the same problems in the 1960s and 1970s that other countries currently face,...
Manta5 set to launch Hydrofoiler XE-1 E-Bike (VIDEO)
A company from New Zealand is in the final stages of developing a revolutionary Hydrofoil Bike, known as the Hydrofoiler XE-1, that allows riders to plane across the surface of the water. Manta5 have developed the prototype bike known as the 'Proto6' and are looking to begin pre-sales of their production model over the 2017/2018 New Zealand summer. The...
Victory Chimp to donate 100% of Give Back Friday proceeds to Marie Curie Nurses
Last year cycling apparel brand Victory Chimp decided to skip Black Friday and give something back instead. The #VCGiveBackFriday campaign raised funds for charity through sales of a new art print, available only over the Black Friday sales weekend, and happily selling out before it ended. As a result 10 bikes were sent to Malawi via World Bicycle Relief....
Stop Killing Cyclists – Vigil and Demonstration to take place in Dublin this week
A vigil and demonstration is taking place in Dublin this week to highlight the issue of cyclists' safety to the Irish Government. It follows on from the deaths in the past week of two more cyclists. 'Stop Killing Cyclists - Vigil & Demonstration' is being organised by the Dublin Cycling Campaign and takes place on Tuesday (November 21) from 17:30–18:00...