News

As the UK braces for its coldest night of the winter, with temperatures expected to plunge to as low as -20°C over the Pennines, many of us will be cranking up the heating and layering up. But for those of us who rely on bicycles to get around, another concern looms large: the icy neglect of cycle lanes.

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E-bikes have emerged as one of the most promising solutions to urban congestion, pollution, and sedentary lifestyles. Yet, they are fast becoming the scapegoat of a media determined to stoke moral panic rather than foster understanding.

This week, an edition of BBC’s Panorama took aim. The programme, ostensibly addressing issues like over-powered delivery bikes and the risk to pedestrians, has been criticised for perpetuating misconceptions.

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Starting today, millions of visitors to the UK, including those from the USA, Canada, and Australia, will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). By April 2025, the requirement will extend to Europeans and all non-visa travellers without UK immigration status, marking a significant change to the UK’s border process.

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In a move to promote active travel, Transport for London (TfL) has announced a fresh injection of £580,000 to support walking and cycling initiatives across the capital. The grants, available through TfL’s Walking and Cycling Grants London programme, aim to dismantle barriers to active travel by focusing on underserved communities and those less likely to walk or cycle regularly.

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Sure, we Brits have to put up with patchy cycling infrastructure, but how often is weather a good excuse for not hopping on two wheels? Plenty of European countries with a climate much like ours manage to get on with it. The Dutch, for instance, have turned cycling into an all-weather sport. They pedal through snow, sleet, and rain on their trusty town bikes, often in nothing more than everyday clothing. Their approach is practical, and their resilience inspiring. Even gale-force headwinds are no match for Dutch grit – they’ve even turned it into a competitive event.

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As winter tightens its icy grip, it’s tempting to look out at the frost-covered pavements and opt for the car, bus, or a morning curled up on the sofa instead of the saddle. But for those of us who cycle year-round, the rewards of winter riding far outweigh the drawbacks – provided, of course, that we’re properly dressed for the elements.

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Winter weather can be magical, but it’s not without its challenges, especially when it comes to transport. With snow forecast across much of the UK this weekend and a Met Office yellow warning in place, it’s time to think about how to navigate adverse weather safely, whether you’re behind the wheel or on a bike.

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When it comes to protecting your bike, understanding the nuances of bicycle lock security is essential. Enter Sold Secure, a certification body that rigorously tests and rates bike locks to help cyclists make informed choices. But what exactly does Sold Secure do, and why does their rating matter to cyclists and insurers alike?

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For those who crave adventure but face mobility challenges, Tramper off-road mobility scooters are a game changer. Designed to navigate rugged terrain, these robust scooters open up a world of possibilities for exploring national parks, woodland trails, and coastal paths. Thanks to their all-terrain capabilities, Trampers allow users to reconnect with nature and experience the beauty of the countryside beyond the confines of paved paths.

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The end of the previous administration's campaign against traffic restrictions surely signals an opportunity to reshape how we think about urban mobility.

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