Cyclists are not the only road users: Belfast Telegraph

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/op...-16153494.html

I read Malachi O'Doherty's article on cycling (News, May 2) and was left
with the feeling that he is one of the growing number of cyclists who seem
to think they are the only road-users on the planet.

The recent proliferation of cycle lanes has - no doubt - been at huge
expense to the Roads Service, but I seldom see any cyclists making use of
them. Surely if a motorist can be fined for using a bus lane at the wrong
time of day, a cyclist should be fined for not using cycle lanes provided at
public expense?

This is just one aspect of the growing arrogance of cyclists, who insist on
slowing down cars by not using cycle lanes or riding in double or
triple-file - even when the Highway Code advises against it. However, the
authorities responsible are guilty of squandering public funds on unused
cycling facilities while they sadly neglect the quality of the road
surfaces. There is also the very ambiguous area concerning the lawful use
of footpaths as cycle lanes. Heaven forbid they should have to share these
with pedestrians!

Cyclists do not require insurance, yet they are road-users capable of
causing an accident just as quickly as any motorist (nor do they pay any
form of road tax). Cyclists today seem to have an arrogant expectation of
what should be provided for them and the way motorists should behave towards
them.

It is time that they realised they are not the only road-users.

QUOTE:

Specialized is to replace Shimano as neutral service provider at the Tour of
Britain after signing a three-year deal with race organisers SweetSpot. As
part of the new partnership, the California-based brand will also provide
support at the five Tour Rides taking place in Britain this year.

Three vehicles will provide support to the Tour of Britain itself, which
takes place in September, with full details of the route unveiled last week.
The cars will be equipped with Specialized Tarmac bikes and Roval wheels
with Turbo Pro tyres.

The company has been involved with the race since it was relaunched in 2004
as supplier of bikes to some of the teams taking part - the final stage of
last year's edition was won by Mark Cavendish, then with HTC-Highroad,
riding a Specialized Venge.

Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett said: "As The Tour continues to
grow we are looking forward to working with such an established and
high-profile brand as Specialized on the 2012 event and going forwards."

James Booth, PR & Sports Marketing Manager at Specialized, commented: "The
idea of becoming more involved in this event in the Olympic year and
especially with the grand finale of the race finishing in Surrey was one
than Specialized couldn't refuse.

"It is a really exciting progression for the brand as a team sponsor to now
become an equipment sponsor of the event and continues to show our support
of domestic racing as well as World Tour racing."

Shimano had been providing neutral service support to the race since 2006
through a deal between the organisers and UK distributor Madison.

http://road.cc/content/news/57627-sp...e-tour-britain
--
Simon Mason

On 03/05/2012 21:49, Simon Mason wrote:
QUOTE:

Specialized is to replace Shimano as neutral service provider at the
Tour of
Britain after signing a three-year deal with race organisers SweetSpot. As
part of the new partnership, the California-based brand will also provide
support at the five Tour Rides taking place in Britain this year.

Three vehicles will provide support to the Tour of Britain itself, which
takes place in September, with full details of the route unveiled last
week.
The cars will be equipped with Specialized Tarmac bikes and Roval wheels
with Turbo Pro tyres.

The company has been involved with the race since it was relaunched in 2004
as supplier of bikes to some of the teams taking part - the final stage of
last year's edition was won by Mark Cavendish, then with HTC-Highroad,
riding a Specialized Venge.

Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett said: "As The Tour continues to
grow we are looking forward to working with such an established and
high-profile brand as Specialized on the 2012 event and going forwards."

James Booth, PR & Sports Marketing Manager at Specialized, commented: "The
idea of becoming more involved in this event in the Olympic year and
especially with the grand finale of the race finishing in Surrey was one
than Specialized couldn't refuse.

"It is a really exciting progression for the brand as a team sponsor to now
become an equipment sponsor of the event and continues to show our support
of domestic racing as well as World Tour racing."

Shimano had been providing neutral service support to the race since 2006
through a deal between the organisers and UK distributor Madison.

http://road.cc/content/news/57627-sp...e-tour-britain

--
Simon Mason





--
Dave - Cyclists VOR. "Many people barely recognise the bicycle as a
legitimate mode of transport; it is either a toy for children or a
vehicle fit only for the poor and/or strange," Dave Horton - Lancaster
University