peckhambog

In nearby New York there's a group that use dogs to go after rats. Here's the link to the story http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/22/nyregion/in-manhattan-alleys-owners-send-their-dogs-on-a-rat-hunt.html?ref=nyregion

titch juicy Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > All cyclists on here should read the two posts > above. > > The only thing in the post above that I find > difficult to do myself is overtaking on the right- > as it always seems that motorbikes, or other > cyclists are flying towards you on my side (the > wrong side for them) of the road Titch Juicy - yes, you are right, when overtaking on the right you face the new hazard of oncoming vehicles (motorbikes and cyclists). So naturally you need to remain in the safety of 'your' side of the road [in the line of the vehicle in front's off side wing mirror] and only overtake when it's safe to. It's all about sharing the road, bucket loads of courtesy while defensively riding by being sensibly assertive. - - - - - Separately, is anyone interested on my take on helmets, or is that a separate thread?

AcedOut Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I'm a cyclist, a motorcyclist and car driver. I > continually see cyclists on the left side of a > junction when going straight on. My advice - be in > the MIDDLE of the road if you intend to go > straight on, even if that means holding up the > cars. If you stay left and go straight on, cars > will often not see you. > As a cyclist, I only ever overtake on the outside, > although 'filtering' is perfectly legal in > stationary or slow moving traffic (whatever mode > of transport). > > It's all about riding defensively. > > I hope you're alright. Spot on. I commute to work on a bike, ride a bike as part of my work, and am trained as a cycle instructor. Have been cycling in London since 1990. I AM terrified by the dangerous riding of so many cyclists. I don't mean the idiot aggressive ones (who sadly will come to grief at some stage to the cost of themselves and many others) but the ignorant innocents who ride too close to the curb, and go up the inside of large vehicles. Ideally on a road with fast traffic you should cycle ON the inside third dividing line [if you divided the lane into thirds]. In rush hour when traffic is slow, ride in the middle of the lane as there no advantage to the car overtaking you because there is a car immediately ahead. And when you overtake, always overtake on the right, the driver's side, that's the mirror they see you in. Make eye contact with "everyone"; safely cultivate to be always looking all around. Get yourself an 'exchanging places' go in the seat of an HGV where you'll 'see' the considerable blind spots for the drivers (no matter how many lights and high vis kit you've got on). This current spate of fatalities has made even me feel vulnerable.

People use plumber's olives (a brass band, pack of 5 from B&Q ?2) to suggest they've just found it and don't mind letting you have it for ?20 (a single brass band) on the illusion that's a gold ring worth somewhat more. Plays on your greed and naivety.

I'm sorry to hear of this bad incident. Have you reported it to police?

The OP might appreciate respondents throttling back on the sarcasm. Otherwise the forum might get a reputation for the body consisting of fools at large.

ShaleneV Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > If you have a view please look at the > plans at http://planningonline.southwark.gov.uk > entering reference 13/AP/1077 and make sure that > your opinion is heard. There will also be a local > residents meeting at the Great Exhibition pub on > Saturday 1st June at 11.30am > "Consultation period starts: 01/05/2013 Consultation period ends: 24/05/2013" If the consultation period is finished, is there any point going to the public meeting?

Yes a scam. Distraction theft. Version 1. Has previously watched you enter your PIN. Your card presents before your cash. By interrupting you she takes your card discreetly from the machine. You are concerned for your cash and take it, and having been unsettled by the interruption forget you haven't taken your card. She goes to another nearby machine and attempts several withdrawals at the maximum limit. Version 2. She says "Is that your money on the floor?" There is a note on the ground and you bend down to investigate. She or a second person takes your cash which is waiting to be removed. They disappear and you wonder where you're at (which stage) on the ATM transaction. ALWAYS BE AWARE IF ANYONE (OR TWO) IS HANGING AROUND THE MACHINE. DON'T RESPOND TO ANY DISTRACTIONS.

I know it's a drag (and I haven't done it yet) but the best practice is to store the emergency telephone number on the back of your card in your mobile so you can call it up when you are still by the machine. Do not leave the machine. The criminals will be watching from a distance (though sometimes they shoulder surf for your PIN if they haven't fitted a camera). I know this doesn't help out of hours but the safest ATMs are inside the bank during business hours.

UncleBen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Sounds like it could be one of those happy clappy > churches that go on all night with plenty of > screaming and shouting with hundreds in attendance I wonder what this suggestion is based on? Has anybody been to any of the meetings at the current building or spoken to anyone from there?

I received a Penalty Charge Notice through the post today :-( Did the banking at HSBC early and used the parking bay outside Barclays. Only by checking street view on Google maps can I now see the error of my ways. Note to self - read all parking signs before using any designated parking bay; the conditions may differ from those across the road, or immediately around the corner.