In the run-up to Xmas 2018 I found myself faced with a tiny dilemma of the kind that occasionally arises in a car-free lifestyle. I had ordered a present (a snazzy new printer) for my then other half to be delivered...
Category: City cycling
On our recent infrastructure safari from Prestwich to Trafford
When we talk about improving cycling infrastructure, what do actually mean? What’s the difference between a painted bike lane and one protected with armadillos, orcas, wands or a full kerb? What does any of that even look like? And most importantly:...
January 25, 2019
Video blog: 2018 Products in Review
First of all: Happy New Year! As 2018 drew to an end, and as an adjunct to the Year in the Saddle piece, I decided to do a video round-up of the various bike-related products I’d acquired over the course of...
January 1, 2019
On Manchester’s infernal congestion crisis and how we think we can solve it.
As I left work on Tuesday (23 October), I noticed a denser level of traffic than usual around Deansgate, the air seemed that extra bit noxious and there was palpable frustration emanating from the occupants of the hundreds upon hundreds of...
October 27, 2018
On the National Funeral for the Unknown Cyclist
On Saturday 13 October we travelled down to London to attend the first National Funeral for the Unknown Cyclist, at which I had been invited to speak. The aims of the event, which was organised by the Stop Killing Cyclists pressure...
October 18, 2018
On getting back on the horse (bike)
It’s been around three weeks since a spate of run-ins with motorised morons caused me to take a break from cycle-commuting for the sake of my physical safety and mental health in equal measure. Since then I’ve been sampling the delights...
October 3, 2018
On not commuting by bike
Well folks, since my epic whinge last week I haven’t been commuting by bike and to be honest haven’t overly missed it. Basically I crossed the line from being battle-hardened to being shell-shocked and at the moment I just can’t face...
September 18, 2018
On Mobike’s Manchester demise
In June 2017 Chinese bike-sharing company Mobike selected Manchester and Salford as the first location in Europe to trial its app-driven dockless-bike scheme. Much fanfare surrounded the launch, both in the UK and the Far East, and it was of course...
September 9, 2018
On Beelines: Greater Manchester’s bold vision for walking and cycling
Introduction Regular readers of this blog will be aware that things have been afoot (and a-bike-wheel) for a while here in Greater Manchester. To recap briefly: May 2017: Andy Burnham elected Mayor of Greater Manchester July 2017: Burnham appoints Chris Boardman...
July 3, 2018
On why running a red light isn’t always as daft as it seems
Disclaimer: This article is NOT advocating breaking the law, nor is it an exhortation to take unnecessary risks to oneself or others when cycling. Any comments suggesting such will be disregarded. Please read and try to understand the argument before commenting....
May 1, 2018
