Travel

Following the explosion of an e-bike battery at Rayners Lane station last month TfL has banned non-folding e-bikes from its rail and tube services

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Whether it’s a short jaunt across the Channel or a multi-country adventure, there are a few things to tick off before firing up your bike and rolling off the ferry or Eurotunnel.

Bureaucracy and border checks are the least exciting part of any motorbike tour, but getting caught out by the wrong paperwork or a forgotten sticker is a guaranteed way to dampen spirits. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to getting it right.

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The explosion of an e-bike battery at Rayners Lane station last month was undeniably alarming. Flames and toxic fumes disrupted services on the Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines, and the London Fire Brigade had to intervene. In response, the RMT and Aslef unions calling for a total ban on e-bikes on the London Underground, threatening industrial action if Transport for London (TfL) does not comply.

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It is a scandal that 2,500 beauty spots across England are supposedly designated for public enjoyment, yet the only legal way to reach them is if you happen to own a helicopter. For walkers, wheelchair users, and bikepackers alike, Britain’s countryside is not as open as it should be, despite overwhelming public support for greater access to nature.

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Hydration has become a full-blown lifestyle choice. From commuters clutching sleek, reusable bottles to weekend adventurers with high-tech flasks, the humble water bottle has gone from a functional object to a fashion statement.

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