Experts predict bike code and compulsory tests
by Michael Smith
Cyclists in London (UK) will have to take a compulsory proficiency test and pay for MOT certificates if the bike boom continues, so industry experts have warned in October 2008.
Cycling on major London roads has risen 91 per cent in the past eight years and the trend is set to continue as people try to save money (and time) by turning to two wheels.
While one might be forgiven to be thinking that those suggestions have emanated from the Treasury or at least the finance department of the Greater London Authority and the Mayor's Office in order to swell the coffers this is not, however, the case.
The truth is much stranger than fiction here for it was Andrew Brabazon, director of Cycle 08, the UK's largest and only consumer and trade show for bicycles and related, said a change in the “cycling landscape” would require similar rules to those that apply to motorists.
Those are the words from the man who, supposedly, should be supporting cycling and the cycle trade in this country seems to be throwing a monkey wrench into the works here, while cycling is starting to, very slowly, begin to bloom a little in Britain.
This is probably the most stupid thing that I have ever heard and the worse thing that could happen to cycling in Britain but, I assume, there is money to be made here, no doubt and hence the powers that be are looking into this for extra revenue. One can but wonder how come that the director of Cycle 08 comes out with statements and ideas such as these.
With “friends” like the director of Cycle 08 the cycling community in the UK certainly does not need enemies in other quarters. What a load of trash. Do we have such rules and regulation in other countries of Europe where bikes are much more in evidence than in the UK? No, we do not and the Dutch and the Danes – and even the Germans – I am sure – would soon tell their governments where to get off if they but suggested such stuff.
Only someone hell-bent on undermining cycling as something that can be done by everyone regardless of age and regardless of whether they can read or write even could come up with suggestions such as the ones mentioned here.
To have such weird comments emanating from someone who is supposed to be supporting and advancing the case and cause of cycling, especially commuter and general use of bicycles, in this country, is more than worrying. I hate to ask the question but... who is his paymaster? I am a little more than at a loss here as to someone in the position of Mr. Brabazon even to suggest such things.
While it has to be said that some cyclists – in fact a great many of the Lycra clad commuters and general road use cyclists – need to, certainly, learn the rules of the road tests and such like are the least that we who want to do out bit for the environment by taking to two wheels and human power need.
Indeed we have cyclists who do not seem to understand that the rules of the road also apply to them but that has nothing to do with tests or anything but simply with the fact that some seem to think that rules do not apply to them on two wheels propelled by their own energy. Red lights, however, apply equally to all road users, whether cars, trucks, motorbikes or pedal cycles. No exception and it is hight time that some – and they do not seem to be in a minority either – took note of that.
Ignorance and arrogance are also not cured with tests. They are only cured with enforcement of the rules. In other words; anyone crossing a red signal with a bike should be fined in the same way as a motorists, on the spot ideally, and if a known violator, have his cycle seized.
But we do not need tests and MOT certificates for bicycles. Good God! Has Mr. Brabazon been somewhere out in the sun too long?
© M Smith (Veshengro), October 2008
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Compulsory tests for city's cyclists
Cycle Show 2008 – Visit Report
by Michael Smith
This year's Cycle Show at Earl's Court did not appear to have the same number of vendors and exhibitors as previous shows. Instead of really showing new innovations, etc. and concentrated way too much on retail selling with the “shopping mall” that took over a large area which, in my opinion, could have been much better used for exhibitors showing the real cycling stuff.
Not only was it my feeling that Cycle 2008 was not as big as in previous yewars, many regular exhibitors also said so.
On the other hand a number of new products were on show of which Winkku particular attracted my attention and in the “being seen section, so to speak, ***. The Bigfish folding bike, which is a very new concept, designed in Slovenia and built in Italy, and I am sure it will, from what I saw, be a real runner. The other bikes of great interest to me were the Batavia range from the Netherlands. I would have loved to take one of them for a test ride and for a proper review.
Also and especially I wish I could get a Bigfish Folding Bike for review, for I think that the readers of this journal would be most interested to read about this new design of folding bike.
While there were tons of new and new-ish BMX bikes, Mountain Bikes and road racers on show, what was sadly lacking in numbers were “proper” bicycles, and especially proper commuter and local transportation bikes.
In the same way as there were a fair number of folding bikes for the city commuter and the one that I would, as I said, love to give a proper and thorough going over, being the “Bigfish”, the “normal” use bikes for shopping and such were missing.
Proof, I my opinion, yet again, if any were needed, that in the UK we are still not a biking society, unlike, say, the Germans, the French, the Dutch and the Danes.
This, may, hopefully, change if gas prices, congestion charges, etc. continue to bite.
The problem, presently, still is that people in the UK are too much tied to the car. They could not possible walk to the corner shop for their newspaper or to cycle, say, the two miles or so to the stores for their shopping. Let's not even talk if they use a bike to go to work with even if it is only a couple of miles, and less than 30 minutes. They rather get stuck in congested traffic for and hour or more than to use a bicycle and do the same in part of the time.
Children are rather taken to school, often less than 10 minutes walk away, by SUV and People Carrier than being walked there by parents or cycling there with parents – or on their own when old enough. Cars is everything they seem to think of here.
It was good to see that Pashleys, the beautiful British-made bicycles, real bicycles, as far as I am concerned, were once again represented with a nicely proportioned stand of their own and continue to attend the show. Unlike, for instance, Velorbis, from Denmark, who were ate the show before but seem to have decided that it is no longer worth coming to Earl's Court.
This appears to be somewhat of a trend and one can but guess that as far as bicycles are concerned this has two reasons: lack of real interest in the UK as regards to bicycles for other by BMXing, Mountain biking and road racing, and the fact that the UK venues are getting too expensive. The latter, it would appear, is also the reason why other shows are getting smaller and some have gone all together while other cannot get off the ground.
© M Smith (Veshengro), October 2008
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WINKKU Mirror, signal, manoeuvre… new invention indicates bright future for cycle safety
- Launch of first combined flashing direction indicator and mirror for cycles.
- Offers unique safety benefits for road cyclists.
- Incorporates white and red night running lights.
- Previews at Earls Court Cycle Show, stand C1A2
Winkku’s designer Graeme Bell has spent the last 20 years designing professionally for the likes of Conran, Land Rover and Malaysian Airlines, but turned his attention to cycling after discovering for himself how dangerous commuting by bike on Britain's crowded roads can be.
“LEDs are now so much brighter than just a couple of years ago" explains Bell. "They're being used for the first time in car headlamps and also household lights. So now we can design a bike indicator where we're confident it can be seen easily even in bright sunlight. LEDs are also a huge step forward in efficiency, and batteries last much longer with LEDs than with conventional bulbs."
"I've had several near misses when trying to change lanes or turn right" adds Bell, "and thought how useful it would be not to have to look round while trying to keep the bike in a straight line, as well as to be able to indicate my intention to turn just like any other road user. I noticed that the car manufacturers have started to incorporate flashing indicators into door mirrors, and this seemed like the obvious answer for bikes as well".
Winkku is powered by three AA-size batteries, and clips on and off the handlebars in seconds, so you can take it with you when parking. "We all know that being able to zoom up between lines of traffic is one of the great advantages of cycling" explains Bell, "so we've designed Winkku to fold back flush, then it clicks into the correct position again instantly when you next need it".
Three years in development, the designers have incorporated as many useful features as they can - the bright night lights shine red to the rear and white to the front, the mirror is both wide-angle and moulded in shatterproof resin, and there's even a bleeper to remind you the indicator's operating, in case you're concentrating on the traffic around you. "Being able to keep both hands securely on the handlebars while indicating was a critical feature we knew we had to build into Winkku" adds Bell, "so we've designed a clever switch which you can operate with a just slight movement of the outside edge of your hand".
A variety of factors from the credit crunch to health benefits and environmental concerns are persuading record numbers of us to switch to cycling for commuting, popping to the corner shop, or getting to school, but safety remains a major concern. "We have a long way to go in the UK to make our roads as bike-friendly as in many other European countries," says Bell, "and I hope that Winkku becomes an indispensable part of any cyclist’s road safety kit”. So for Winkku the future’s bright!
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Specialized Unveils new Range of Bikes at the London Cycle Show
October 6th, 2008– Chessington, UK — Specialized are unveiling their new range of bikes for 2009 at the 08 Cycle Show in Earls Court this week. The new extensive line up will be displayed along cross-country World Championship winning bikes and state of the art pro peloton road bikes. The latest Body Geometry (BG) equipment and clothing will also be on show on the Specialized stand as well as on stage during the fashion show.
Specialized UK’s MD, Richard Hemington talks about the new 09 line up and explains that “Everything in the 2009 line starts with our founding principle to focus on the riders need for technically advanced products that provide a true performance benefit. Every Roubaix and Tarmac, except the entry level, receives a new, upgraded frame. Our Hardrock line is by far the lightest in the industry and has already been selling extremely well. The totally reinvented Sirrus family will blow away your expectations and the FSRxc continues to redefine “performance to the people”. The all-new Big Hit and SX Trail platforms will delight the gravity addicted”.
The following are a few of the headliner bikes and equipment areas that Specialized have been working hard to develop and deliver.
Epic - The Brain of the Operation
Totally redesigned for 2009, the new Epic are the fastest Competitive XC mountain bikes ever created. Total suspension integration and a no-compromise approach to engineering and development have made these amazing bikes a reality. No other competitive XC bike has boasted a better combination of light-weight, incredible efficiency (thanks to FSR suspension, BRAIN technology front and rear as well as incredible BB stiffness) and unsurpassed control (derived from FSR, proven geometry and enhanced torsional rigidity).
Roubaix SL2 – Nothing is Smoother and Faster
Watching Tom Boonen win Paris-Roubaix in April on his prototype Roubaix SL2 was simply incredible. Together Specialized and pro athletes have been pushing to change cycling so that high ergonomics means high performance. The 2009 Roubaix SL2 is the outcome. With all of the vertical compliance of previous Roubaix, vibration damping of Zertz technology and lateral and torsional rigidity approaching the Tarmac SL2, this bike is performance and ergonomics incarnate.
GLOBE – Powered By Apples and Bananas
With environmental and wellness concerns and soaring fuel prices, there most certainly are clear problems. And, as we know, bikes are the solution! Following on their success with the Innovate-or- Die contest, Specialized have innovated with a totally redesigned GLOBE offering, focused at getting people out of cars and onto bikes. Its category-leading, light weight, ergonomic touch points, dialled in geometry and flat resistant tyres perfect are perfect for utilitarian riding. The Globe is an exclusive line available only to Specialized dealers.
Designs for Women
Specialized road families and mountain bikes have independent, experience specific families that allow for even further frame and specification tuning - just for women. As the Ruby and Dolce have been free to develop exclusively based on the needs and wants of women, the 2009 Designs for Women mountain bikes have been created from a clean sheet of paper so they fit, perform and ride as well as possible for women.
Body Geometry Shoes
Body Geometry technology has proven to increase efficiency and power output. Specialized continue to work with Dr. Andy Pruitt to advance the shoe range which not only offer all the benefits of Body Geometry, also have the world’s lightest shoe with a mechanical closure (the S-Works Road). The key models to watch out for are the new Pro Road and Mountain models.
Apparel
Specialized’s apparel business has been growing at a very brisk pace. Engineered down to the finest detail and purpose built to deliver an optimal riding experience.
BG F.I.T.
In conjunction with our close partner Dr. Andy Pruitt EdD, PA, we continue to refine and improve BG Fit Integration Technology (BG F.I.T.). This system integrates bike fit training, bike geometries and key components such as adjustable stems and handlebars and key equipment categories like shoes, saddles, apparel, gloves and bar coverings. The BG F.I.T. intensive dealer fit training program through SBCU has been a great success with over 20 technicians completing this course.
Andy Pruitt will be on hand talking about Specialized's unique BG FIT system.
Specialized was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Headquartered in Morgan Hill, California with global distribution, the company focuses on making everyone’s time on a bike better by delivering functional and technically advanced equipment that provide a performance benefit.
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Bigfish – a Brand New Folding Bike at Cycle Show
• Totally new brand on the market
• Unique folding technology
• First Time at a European Bike Show
Designed & Engineered in Slovenia, built in Italy, Bigfish’s sophisticated lines and unique folding technology make it a must-have for anyone who wants to overcome the stresses of modern living.
Bigfish is a modern bike, not a folding bike, but a bike that folds. Its unfolded dimensions match those of a full-sized bike, guaranteeing a ride of full-size proportions.
The worldwide-patented “clip-clap” folding system means no screwing, no additional tools and no dirty hands.
And the simple fold and unfold is achieved in 10-15 seconds. When folded it stands upright, leaving your hands free.
Unlike almost any other folding bike you can actually pull it along on its back wheel when folded, avoiding damage to clothing or a strained back, making it much easier to negotiate crowded areas when folded.
It also folds flatter, great for fitting into tight spaces.
The hinge-free frame means efficient energy transmission and a ride that’s sturdy and responsive.
Product design is by the highly regarded Slovenian industrial design firm GigoDesign
To find out more visit www.bigfishbike.com of come and see them at Boot E2g at the Cycle Show in London's Earls Court.
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The future of cycling all under one roof in London!
It’s all about the bike in 2008 – and Cycle 08 brings the biggest and best consumer cycle show in the UK to Earls Court London from 9-12 October 2008.
Cycling is enjoying a renaissance in the UK for many different reasons, it’s cheap, clean, makes you healthy and most importantly, it’s fun! So whether you’re already riding or just thinking about throwing your leg over the saddle, this is a great time to book your ticket to this autumn’s Cycle 08 at Earls Court, the biggest and best consumer cycle show in the UK with all the very latest bikes, clothing and accessories for cyclists of all shapes, sizes and abilities.
Names like Specialized show, along with Shimano, Campagnolo, Mavic and SRAM plus hundreds more will be exhibiting their 2009 ranges for the very first time in the UK.
Cycle 08 is one of the biggest and certainly the most diverse exhibition of bikes and accessories in the UK showcasing everything from the latest road and mountain bikes right through to childrens bikes, classic commuter bikes, touring bikes, BMX and even electrically assisted bikes for those who need that extra push!
As well as offering the chance to see, Cycle 08 also offers visitors a unique opportunity to try out the latest equipment. The return for 2008 of the Mountain Bike Test Track, sponsored by Volvo and Tirol as well as the Commuter Test Track means that visitors will have every opportunity to try before they buy.
For those who can’t wait to get back to their local bike shop to make a purchase, Cycle 08 will once again feature The Retail Zone sponsored by Condor with clothing from all the leading manufacturers at the show in the latest styles and colours as well as glasses, helmets, bags and shoes to help the fashion conscious cyclist stay one step ahead of the pack!
Finally, after a summer that has provided so much entertainment for fans of the sport of cycling, Cycle 08 will have its own arena space for the first time this year, bringing together some of the stars of the sport for interviews, Q&As and more in a packed programme of events. The area now includes an amazing new BMX/Trials street course which will keep Earls Court buzzing throughout the three consumer days of the show.
Summing up this years event, Cycle 08 Director Andrew Brabazon said: “We’ve got more than ever before at this year’s show, with even more top brands, innovative products, interactive features and an action packed programme of entertainment. Cycle continues to offer great value for money particularly if you pre-book your ticket, so make a date in your diary now and head to the website!”
Whatever your reason for getting on a bike, Cycle 08 has something to offer and to entertain you this year, book your ticket now and receive a £3 discount against the on-the-door price of £14. Head to www.cycleshow.co.uk now to find out more. Adult ticket prices are £11 in advance and £14 on the door.
Source: Cycle 2008
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Viner Bikes return to the Cycle show with an exciting new range of products for 2009
Viner offer a wide range of high quality bikes in a range of materials including carbon, steel, stainless steel, titanium and alloy. We will be exhibiting our new X Plus and Magnifica Plus bikes for the sportive and new to racing riders. These bikes exhibit the quality and flair of Italian engineering and design with the Viner styling and paint finishes.
Also on show will be our new range of custom built bikes for 2009 from retro steel frames to the Maxima which was rated by Marcel Wust in Pro Cycling as the 'best bike I've ever tested'.
We will also be showing the new range of Viner wheels from clincher to carbon tubs which feature the latest in easy maintenance technology.
Viner will also be displaying the brand new concept SSB fitting and power testing system. Bookings for this will be taken on the stand.
Source: Viner UK Ltd
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2x2 to relaunch Shogun bikes
2x2 are delighted to announce our new and exclusive distribution agreement as the Shogun distributor for the UK and Eire.
Shogun is a well established international brand with UK product distribution stretching back to the late 1980’s.
The Shogun brand was looking for an appropriate partner in the UK to not only distribute a product range but to redesign and relaunch the brand bringing it up to the international standards already established around the world.
Scott Hillyard, Sales Director for 2x2 Ltd said: “We are delighted to be making this announcement today, the Shogun brand has been a long term player in the UK and we intend to relaunch it into 2009 with a brand new contemporary look and feel. In a specification rich market we have transformed Shogun into a brand that connects closely with its customers needs whilst keeping core 2x2 values such as quality, innovation and relevance.
The UK market is unique and Shogun needed a full R&D job from the ground upwards; the required creativity in the development process of the all new 2009 Shogun product is testament to our ability to innovate, which coupled with our professional desire to deliver to customers a higher quality user experience, should prove to be a very productive and exciting time for the Shogun brand in the UK. ”
“Shogun fits perfectly into our portfolio, differentiating itself with DJ, BMX and MTB product - a little less formal, a lot more lively and aimed at a specific demographic; a nod to the future.
I envisage the Shogun brand becoming one of our most prized assets here at 2x2, the value it will bring to our business will be immeasurable.”
“We will be officially unveiling the new 2009 Shogun product range at the upcoming Cycle show at Earls Court – this is an event that is growing by the year and we have been keen to lend our support, stand D1F is where it all starts.”
Source: 2x2 Ltd.
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Cycling Oils the wheels of the UK Economy
At a time when the rest of the economy seems to be slowing down, there’s one section of the economy which is racing ahead of the pack, the cycle industry. A study conducted by The Cycle Show has revealed some interesting figures…
Cyclist spending over £1,000 each year:
According to figures released by the Cycle Show, cyclists in London are spending more than ever on their bikes with an average spend of over £1,000 in the last financial year, nearly double the amount on the year before.
Andrew Brabazon, show director of Cycle Show which takes place at Earls Court this October said:
“Where other sectors of the economy are slowing down, the cycle trade has found an extra gear as people get on their bikes to work”
Boy’s toys drive the market:
Furthermore, it seems that the biggest spenders on cycling are men, with the figures revealing a gender gap in spending of over £250. Furthermore with accessories and clothing the leading items purchased it seems that perhaps, amongst cyclists at least, it’s time to re-evaluate the old stereotypes about men having an aversion to clothes shopping!
Source: Cycle2008
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