Almost two thirds (59 per cent) of UK motorists believe that there will be more conflict on the nation's roads as a result of the introduction of the new hierarchy of road users, according to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart. The new risk-based hierarchy is the biggest change to the new Highway Code launched at the end of January, and states that road users who possess the potential to do the … [Read more...]
Half of drivers don’t know new rules of the road
A poll conducted by NFU Mutual has found that 57% of Brits are not aware of Highway Code changes coming into force tomorrow with particular importance in rural areas. The poll, conducted on Twitter by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, calls into question whether the majority of road users will be familiar with the Highway Code when it changes on 29th January. The updated Highway Code brings in a … [Read more...]
Nextbike suspend SWales operations after crimes
Nextbike is suspending its sharing scheme in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan after months of vandalism, thefts and threats to staff. Nextbike’s UK managing director said the levels of vandalism seen in the Labour-run Cardiff is unlike anywhere else across the UK. Since being introduced in 2018, more than 300 bikes have been stolen with 130 of them taken since August this year. Another 260 … [Read more...]
Cycling gaining popularity and routes
Over half (53%) of UK cyclists have taken it up in the last 18 months, with nearly six in ten (58%) frequent cyclists purchasing a new bike during the same period. The way people commute is changing, with three in ten (31%) saying they always choose to cycle over other forms of transport and the trend will grow, with 61% saying they will cycle more in the future. Cities across the UK, … [Read more...]
The road to anxiety may be short or long
A study with 2,000 UK motorists found 58% suffer anxiety behind the wheel. Conducted by rural car insurer NFU Mutual, the study reminds motorists to consider other road users and prioritise safety as Winter approaches and they prepare to take their first long journeys when lockdown lifts next week. The study discovered 36% of UK drivers struggled with anxiety as a direct … [Read more...]
Smoother roads will help lower overall emissions
The UK has set ambitious targets to become net zero carbon by the year 2050. Proposals to road infrastructure have been mooted in order to eliminate the majority of the carbon dioxide emissions from road freight. The installation of overhead charging cables for electric lorries on e-Highways across the country has been widely discussed over the summer. However, it isn't just … [Read more...]
Cycling in countryside needs care and consideration
While cycling continues to prove an increasingly popular way to get around there has also been an increase in danger. British Cycling, the national governing body for cycling now boasts over 166,000 members - a threefold increase in membership since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With increased cycle traffic on rural roads, often when people move there from urban areas, comes … [Read more...]
Cyclists get better protection, motorists face fines
New powers have been granted to local councils to enforce cycle lanes – but do you know your road markings? Ignorance of the law is no defence, so with new bicycle facilities popping up all over our towns and cities at the moment, as cycling is encouraged to ease pressure on public transport during the Coronavirus pandemic, it is now more important than ever to know where and when you can … [Read more...]
Welsh cycling ace is back in the saddle
Top Welsh cycling pro Helen Jenkins is back in the saddle despite the Coronavirus lockdown. Two-time Triathlon World Champion (2008 & 2011) Helen Jenkins is one of Britain’s most celebrated triathletes having represented Team GB at the Olympic Games (2008, 2012 & 2016) and World Championships (since 2009) and Wales at the Commonwealth Games. After the whole sport has taken time out due … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 June
Cyclists in Wales have been told they can ride up to 40 miles to exercise, compared to five miles by motorists. Welsh Government has said this is a reasonable move but it’s attracted criticism because some other exercise like playing tennis, where players are more than two metres apart, is still banned. Knox Road, Cardiff, opposite the city’s prison, is the least safe car park in Wales and the … [Read more...]