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Whether it's five miles or five hundred miles, riding a bicycle is more fun than anyone ever told me! My New Year's Resolution to cycle 10 miles a day or 40 minutes on a spin bike has meant that by the end of May I have cycled 2,600 miles! Because of my cycling wardrobe the weather has not stopped me from cycling (unless it really is -5 degrees or with wind gusts of 25 mph). Cycling in style and in comfort is really important to me as I don't really want to be covered in logos looking like a Ninja as I buy groceries or attend meetings. I have found some things that work for me but am always looking for new pieces. For me, Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery for the basics. My two favourite brands for my wardrobe are www.velorution.com and www.velovixen.com but I am always looking for new pieces. I would love to know what works for you and why. Happy cycling!

Friday 15 March 2013

A Mice Seeks a King (Edmund King, Chairman of the AA)


Mice Log 74. 10.5 miles across London.  The day that started with a Video

Edmund King who in my opinion is a perfect example of a road user because as well as being a keen cyclist he is also chairman of the AA, tweeted this today:

"Worcestershire Source of Road Repairs" I highly recommend a watch of this - it's fun!

Whilst we can't all live in Worcestershire it shows at least a creative way of putting their message across.  Wouldn't it be great if we could start a competition and awareness on road hazards - how potholes, wet paint, glass, litter and unclear cycle lanes (ie that just end for no good reason) can really be bad for cyclists as they cause punctures and slippery surfaces which result in falls and injuries.
 
These things are why drivers overtaking cyclists really need to stay at least a metre not a centimetre  away as they pass.  Not forgetting the Door Zone ie the space taken up by an open door which is why no-one should cycle that close to a parked vehicle.

                       (This cycle lane cannot have been designed by someone who rides a bicycle.)

If we could start an awareness campaign to encourage these things it would be fantastic.  I wrote a poem to try and capture some of these issues. If I could find a way for it to be turned into a competition across the country to start a campaign or slogan and awareness of things for us all to think about on the road.... 

It's here and any feedback, amendments, add remove or change a part would be great


Ode to the Road by Lucy Frith
Lights at amber, it's our turn next
The car is in gear and I've sent that text
"What's for dinner?" "Are we late?"
"Did you send an email to confirm that date?"
"What 's the hold up?"  "Hurry Up!  Go!"
"Why is this traffic being so slow?"

Shops still open, pavements full
Must call the bank and pay that bill
No right turn. Diversion Ahead.
"Are we nearly there yet?" the child's voice said
The clock wouldnt stop, the digits moved on
Stress levels increased up and then beyond

On two wheels at the Advanced Stop Line 
Commuting cyclists bide their time
They hear the engine revving at full throttle
Let's hope they keep both their balance and their bottle
The clock wouldn't stop, the digits moved on
Stress levels increased up high and beyond.

Whilst the Mayor of London promotes healthy Boris Bikes
"It's a great form of transport for the old and young alike"
Cuts down congestion, keeps people on the move
In time, health and air pollution will radically improve
But with gutters full of rubbish as is the cycle path
You want us to use this Mr Johnson? You are having a laugh.

Broken glass and sharp stones brings the puncture fairy
Losing air in tyres when on the move is very scary
Oooh! There's a pothole more like a cave
"Thanks for the space mate" as I give the car a wave
Swerving outwards the gap was quite sufficient
"Thank you driver for being so proficient"

Balance and bad weather, wet roads and drizzly rain
These are constant hazards needing riders to ascertain.
Strong winds, deep puddles, wet paint and misty visors
Along with the possibility of pedestrians surprises
Whether with or without engines, two wheeled machines alike
Should prompt a conscious and frequent thought "Please Think Bike".

Drivers of large vehicles, lorries and the like
Never seem to see the viewpoint of the road from a bike
High up in their cabins these drivers should know
What is all around them - but with blind spots that's not so
And no amount of mirrors, cameras or hindsight
Will show two-wheeled travellers tucked alongside tight.

They remain big, dangerous and far too close for comfort
The three feet rule should be extended not extinguished  - there's a thought
But  their turning curve is a learning curve to all of us near it
They have to pull out one way to turn and avoid the pavement
So on two wheels keep your distance, well back or far ahead
The devastating results of neither - well, enough said.

Pedestrians on pavements in their own distracted state
Eyeing shop windows, lists and reviewing what they ate
Immersed in talk and texts and tasks and things they think they need
Without a clue of those using the road all travelling at speed
Head down, eyes wide shut  they are so busy talking
Not a thought to the effect and danger of their impromptu walking.  

The road is enticing but not to be predicted 
Please share it well and stop bad things being inflicted
Whether on wheels or on foot  it is something that we share
Whatever mode you use, do look around you, be aware 
Enjoy each trip, look out for others with kindness and with care
Because it is full of loved ones absolutely everywhere.


(c) Lucy Frith January 2013

Ode to the Road by Lucy Frith



Ode to the Road
Lights at amber, it's our turn next
The car is in gear and I've sent that text
"What's for dinner?" "Are we late?"
"Did you send an email to confirm that date?"
"What 's the hold up?"  "Hurry Up!  Go!"
"Why is this traffic being so slow?"

Shops still open, pavements full
Must call the bank and pay that bill
No right turn. Diversion Ahead.
"Are we nearly there yet?" the child's voice said
The clock wouldnt stop, the digits moved on
Stress levels increased up and then beyond

On two wheels at the Advanced Stop Line 
Commuting cyclists bide their time
They hear the engine revving at full throttle
Let's hope they keep both their balance and their bottle
The clock wouldn't stop, the digits moved on
Stress levels increased up high and beyond.

Whilst the Mayor of London promotes healthy Boris Bikes
"It's a great form of transport for the old and young alike"
Cuts down congestion, keeps people on the move
In time, health and air pollution will radically improve
But with gutters full of rubbish as is the cycle path
You want us to use this Mr Johnson? You are having a laugh.

Broken glass and sharp stones brings the puncture fairy
Losing air in tyres when on the move is very scary
Oooh! There's a pothole more like a cave
"Thanks for the space mate" as I give the car a wave
Swerving outwards the gap was quite sufficient
"Thank you driver for being so proficient"

Balance and bad weather, wet roads and drizzly rain
These are constant hazards needing riders to ascertain.
Strong winds, deep puddles, wet paint and misty visors
Along with the possibility of pedestrians surprises
Whether with or without engines, two wheeled machines alike
Should prompt a conscious and frequent thought "Please Think Bike".

Drivers of large vehicles, lorries and the like
Never seem to see the viewpoint of the road from a bike
High up in their cabins these drivers should know
What is all around them - but with blind spots that's not so
And no amount of mirrors, cameras or hindsight
Will show two-wheeled travellers tucked alongside tight.

They remain big, dangerous and far too close for comfort
The three feet rule should be extended not extinguished  - there's a thought
But  their turning curve is a learning curve to all of us near it
They have to pull out one way to turn and avoid the pavement
So on two wheels keep your distance, well back or far ahead
The devastating results of neither - well, enough said.

Pedestrians on pavements in their own distracted state
Eyeing shop windows, lists and reviewing what they ate
Immersed in talk and texts and tasks and things they think they need
Without a clue of those using the road all travelling at speed
Head down, eyes wide shut  they are so busy talking
Not a thought to the effect and danger of their impromptu walking.  

The road is enticing but not to be predicted 
Please share it well and stop bad things being inflicted
Whether on wheels or on foot  it is something that we share
Whatever mode you use, do look around you, be aware 
Enjoy each trip, look out for others with kindness and with care
Because it is full of loved ones absolutely everywhere.


(c) Lucy Frith January 2013