News

David vs Goliath: Could e-bikes defeat the urban car?

December 18, 2023

As the auto industry weans itself off fossil fuels and seeks reinvention via electrification and driverless tech, might the car lose its personal mobility crown to the humble e-bike? E-bikes might be cheaper to buy, run, park, insure and maintain than cars, but their widespread uptake faces an uphill battle that even the most powerful...

Cycling

Crankbrothers Crimbo; Bag yourself a cycling stocking filler

December 15, 2023

Forget the wrapping paper; this multi-tool's so glitzy-looking just hang it from your tree. The Crankbrothers 19-function multi tool features durable steel and aluminium construction - not to mention those gold-coloured anodised parts. And with an overall length of less than 9cm and tipping the scales at 175g, it's a useful companion...

Cycling

Subscription, hire or lease? You decide

December 13, 2023

Why is it so much easier to finance a car than a bicycle? Faced with dwindling sales in saturated markets like the UK, the car industry very successfully introduced PCP (personal contract purchase) as a way of tempting drivers to buy - and keep buying - new vehicles. Given how popular leasing, hire purchase and PCP options have become as a...

Cycling

Cycle to Work scheme; a safer bet than Santa

December 13, 2023

There's no doubt about it; Santa discriminates against grown-ups. By the time you've entered the world of work, it doesn't matter how many letters you write, or how well you behave; it's unlikely you'll be surprised by a bicycle under the tree. Luckily, there's a more dependable way to treat yourself to the bike of your dreams. The Cycle to...

Cycling

Should we pay commuters to cycle to work?

December 12, 2023

If you're lucky enough to cycle as part of your work, your employer can pay you a tax-free mileage allowance of up to 20p per mile. Unfortunately, the commuting journeys between your home and permanent workplace don't qualify. However, one of our nearest neighbours permits commuters to claim an allowance for cycling to and from work every...

Cycling

A cargo bike for less than £1,000 (almost)

December 11, 2023

We were mistaken to think you can't buy a cargo bike here in the UK for less than £1,000. Danish company Amcargobikes will sell you a sturdy three-wheel cargo trike equipped with disc brakes, canopy, benches and seat belts for only £925. It's just that since Brexit, UK customers have to pay around £100 extra to cover import tax. So it's...

Great value mobility scooter insurance with no hidden costs

December 7, 2023

Mobility scooter insurance may not be a legal requirement, but there's a good reason it's popular; Nobody likes unexpected bills, and cover against accidental damage, theft and damage has never been easier to buy. However, prices and levels of cover vary wildly between providers so it pays to shop around. We offer a fully-comprehensive...

General News

Pedal-powered LTN to protect schools

December 7, 2023

Towns and cities can be safer and more pleasant places to live and work when motorised traffic is restricted, so how best to enforce LTNs and school streets? Planters and bollards are often used to create low traffic neighbourhoods by blocking rat runs, and cameras are relied on to safeguard school streets, but how about the idea of a...

Cycling

Police Investigation of Serious Injury Collisions: Have your say

December 6, 2023

The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee wants to hear from anyone with knowledge or experience of serious road traffic collisions. Results of the consultation will help improve the way crashes on London's roads are investigated. In 2022, the number of people killed on London’s roads is the lowest year on record, excluding 2020 and...

General News

Driverless cars; Brave new world or road to nowhere?

December 5, 2023

A Tesla whistleblower this week claimed self-driving car tech is not safe enough for public roads, but how safe is safe enough? After all, there's a double standard where road safety's concerned. A once-in-a-decade train crash that kills 5 people will generate wall-to-wall media coverage, a public enquiry and changes to working practices,...

Cycling