Central London CTC blog

Bicycle helmets are compulsory in Australia. Visual evidence suggests that the law is obeyed and, apparently, policed. Like anywhere, you see roadies in the latest carbon fibre confections, little kids in barbie pink ones, and teenagers in skateboard helmets. Most of the rest of cyclists appear to have a lump of spare TV packaging balanced on their heads, straps flying in the breeze. You can, and regularly do, buy such pieces of life-saving equipment in charity shops. Of unknown age and provenance, slightly mis-shapen, with no circumferential adjustment and a chin-strap that slips, extra bits of foam super-glued inside in a vain attempt to make it ‘fit’. Ventilation if you’re lucky – but they all have a quality approved sticker inside and they make you legal. I know. My mother has one.

Studies have apparently shown that motorists leave more room for cyclists without helmets, perceiving them as ‘vulnerable’, and one piece of research in Australia suggests compulsory helmet wearing has reduced cycling more than reducing head injuries.

Would it not be safer to let those who choose to, pay for something well-fitting, comfortable and effective, and let those who don’t be given a wide berth?

Ten Central Londoners
by Sue Dorey and Simon Binning

Ten Central Londoners
Went out with Roger Cline
He shouted “Look – a Henry Moore”
Then there were nine more »

Some of you will know that the Warrington Cycle Campaign website is often cited as a source for some of the more innovative and imaginative cycle facilities in this and other countries. I am delighted to say that on a recent trip to Suffolk I was able to provide the November Facility of the Month.

While it is huge fun to name and shame the local authorities responsible for these nonsenses, it also serves a serious purpose. It shows that poorly designed facilities cannot be written off as ‘isolated examples’, and the site also promotes good practice. I am sure that Peter Owens (who runs the website) would be grateful to receive further contributions.

Camille took her camera to see if she could catch an Aussie who managed to stay on his bike. So this is what she got instead.

more »

And so Le Tour came to Central London. No-one knew what to expect – was this to be another rain-sodden anti-climax, a few diehard fans scattered around the streets whilst the world walked by? Were we to expect a repeat of last year’s Tour of Britain, a tribute to British Sports management? The BBC seemed to think so, the Ken Livingstone haters hoped so.

But the hum began on Friday. Course preparations were well under way, with seemingly little impact on transport. Riders had been spotted out training on the route, mingling with the work day traffic. At 6 p.m. Trafalgar Square welcomed the opening ceremony, a good crowd cheering each rider in turn as they stumbled a few words of English to the microphones. more »