
Applespider
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Everything posted by Applespider
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The destination of this bus has changed
Applespider replied to TheArtfulDogger's topic in The Lounge
The driver change thing only seems to happen to me when I'm already running late. As far as the destination changing going, it's not so bad where it's on a route where you can pick up another bus number relatively easily so long as you have a Travelcard or don't mind paying again. But I hate when the P4 decides to stop at the Picture Gallery and you have the dilemma of waiting for the next (potentially full) P4 or walking the length of the Village to get the 37. Best bus journey I ever made was on an N176 (while they were still Ns) when there was a problem at the Plough at about 4am on a Monday morning. The bus turned left at Goose Green, went all the way up Forest Hill Road and came along Wood Vale before coming to a stop at the Melford Road junction where the driver looked confused. So I helped him navigate back to the route (hardly difficult from there!) and in return, he dropped me outside my door! -
I find FM a little hit and miss on the pizzas. I don't like mine too thick and occasionally, at Brixton, at least, I've had a few misses. I'm guessing though that building the wood fired ovens is bound to take a little time! Has anyone been up to Pizza Pilgrims in Soho? They do some fabulous pizzas... and a dessert pizza. A salted ricotta and Nutella pizza... my pizza purist soul was horrified until I tried it. Delicious!
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For those who aren't coeliacs but do find themselves bloated after eating bread, it may be worth trying proper sourdough bread. Bread made with a natural levain (there is a school of thought that says modern fast-action yeast can be as guilty of gut inflammation as the wheat) generally takes far longer to ferment and then to rise. As a result, the proteins in the dough are broken down more and therefore are apparently easier to digest. I started making my own a few years ago - and sourdough pizza/hot cross buns etc - and do find that if I go back to normal bread, my body definitely notices the difference.
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protected intersections for cyclists and pedestrians
Applespider replied to mynamehere's topic in The Lounge
I'm not particularly convinced about the design of it. It looks like there's scope for lots of pedestrian/cycle incidents as pedestrians end up having to wait/cross three sets of traffic - a cycle lane, the main road and then the other cycle lane. Not to mention that depending on the light phasing, there are going to be a proportion of pedestrians who cross diagonally (I see them doing it at Vauxhall now amazingly given there's no 'all stop') which is going to get messy! It would only work with its own bike light phases and you may find confident or faster cyclists staying in the main flow of traffic since it's unlikely that the bike lights will be given the same priority as cars. Double sets of lights can cause confusion though for all road users. Without its own lights, it just wouldn't work except for cyclists happy to make a simple (UK left, US right) turn. The straight on cyclists would be taken out by left/right turning cars and the turn right/left ones would have to wait at the far side for the straight on cars to stop. The SC/LL junction won't work - the pavements on the corner are very narrow unless you took out the left filter lane for the South Circular which isn't realistically going to happen. I can't really think of anywhere locally where it might. I think the only places where it might work spaces-wise are major junctions in town (e.g. Vauxhall/Lambeth Bridges onto Embankment) but unfortunately, they are already so busy that I can't see any extra bike light phases being particularly welcome to any users. Not to mention that the Embankment is so full of cyclists at this time of year that the congestion in those little bike lanes would be horrendous to try to get out in a limited amount of time. It's not a million miles away from that Dutch roundabout that was doing the rounds late last year which, I have to say, scared me more than the thought of crossing Vauxhall Bridge in the morning! -
PeckhamRose Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Ummm, excuse me, new to this one: MAMILs? Middle Aged Men in Lycra I saw one there the other week with a black/yellow Pinarello bike (probably worth around ?8000 with wheels/chainset) and matching black/yellow bibshorts along with a world champion's jersey. It was just a pity that his beer gut stretched the stripes so out of shape...
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Probably counts as middle class because there are tennis courts which still have nets attached and there's working gym equipment... I cycle through the park on the way to/from work and always think that there's a great mix of people using it. From dogwalkers in the morning to people playing tennis, kids on bikes/skates, joggers, walkers, people reading on benches, schoolkids chatting in groups. I always thought it was pretty diverse! Richmond Park with all its weekend MAMILs on ridiculously expensive bikes always feels far more stratified. It must be the number 1 park... although suspect Kensington Gardens is up there too...
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Overcrowding on peak-time buses in SE22
Applespider replied to Nigello's topic in General ED Issues / Gossip
I did type a lovely reply to you with lots of details which subsequently failed to post so here's a shortened version. I'm assuming it's because of the link I posted so you might now need to google for the report. The London Assembly Transport Committee published a report in Oct 2013 (if you search for most overcrowded bus routes in London, it will pop up). It lists the 185/176 as two of the ten most cited as overcrowded in their survey. IT also explains the process that TFL uses and calls for them to publish their plans on bus strategies etc by March 2014. I know I haven't seen any. Perhaps their engagement is a good start though. In the past, I've generally ended up with an email that says that TFL determine bus frequencies through regular passenger counts and that the 176/185 aren't due another for x years. I now cycle to work ;-p -
annabel, while nothing might be formalised until after the police have given you a report, it might not hurt to speak to some expert solicitors (or perhaps just the LCC) now. They may be able to advise on whether there are any particular questions to ask or things to challenge the police on before they produce a final report.
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They have the back open when they have a conductor on board and it's closed when there's just the driver. The conductor though can't take fares from what I recall although I suppose he can check if people touch in. The conductors tend to be on board those new routes that go through the middle of town and might hit jams. The 24 (Pimlico to Hampstead) quite often has an open platform as does the 11 but the 148 is closed more than its open from what I've seen. Titch - as I am a titch size-wise, I didn't have that problem but can see how it might affect longer legged folk!
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I quite like them and prefer them to normal double deckers. I've been on a few and didn't notice the seating being particularly uncomfortable. The temperature being centrally controlled didn't bother me either perhaps since I've seen arguments on normal buses where the most aggressive person in terms of wanting the window open/shut wins regardless of those around them. I did take the opportunity to jump off the back when we got stuck in traffic. However, this is the bit of them that I'm least keen on when I'm on my bike as I suspect a lot of people who jump off won't look when they do so! Since quite a few routes go through Victoria where I work, they're also far more popular with tourists than 'normal' buses so do work in terms of having a better 'image' for London. I think the cablecar wins the 'waste of money' hands down. I weep when I think of how many road safety projects for pedestrians and cyclists could have been put in place with the cash spent on that white elephant.
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It's actually a pretty decent light even without the laser bit. The battery life is good (a week of commutes with laser on constant and light flashing) and it charges via USB (although through a proprietary magnetic cable). It's got a few useful touches like good indicators to tell you how much battery is left and a handy trick when battery gets low to switch light and laser to flashing mode to give you a little longer before you are left in the dark (that was my wishlist comment on kickstarter so really chuffed to see it in there). Other nice touches are that if you are using it off the bike as a flashlight, you don't have to cycle through the flashing modes. It's v amusing coming up behind other cyclists at junctions and watching them trying to figure out where the big green bike is coming from.
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Admittedly, the snow plough incident wasn't in Southwark. But the local council had to rip up lots of speed bumps the next year. But bumps don't help in any snowy weather - I remember watching cars getting stuck on Court Lane the other year because they got stuck at the bumps.
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Re: Food I have enjoyed this week...with recipes
Applespider replied to Jacqui5254's topic in The Lounge
Have been skiing this week so lots of lovely lunches in huts on the piste... Highlights were a fabulous salami/chilli pizza, Tyrolean Grostl (fried potatoes with little bits of meat and a fried egg on top), schnitzel, venison stew, sachertorte and strudels. Suspect both the hunger from a morning skiing and the lovely views helped the food taste all the better... -
katanita Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Not sure, seems like a good idea but might > actually encourage poor road positioning. You > should't be putting yourself in a position where > you need a light like that for someone to see you > in the first place. See also risk compensation > behaviour, which often gets raised around the > issue of wearing helmets: that riders will adjust > their behaviour to be more risky because they feel > safer by wearing a helmet/using a safety light > etc. > > giggirl Wrote: > -------------------------------------------------- > ----- > > Seven pages and still running. > > > > I just came across this safety light for > cyclists. > > Good idea or not? > > > > https://www.blaze.cc/product/lights/laserlight I have a Blaze light which I got via Kickstarter. It arrived a few weeks ago and I've used it every night since. It gets a lot of attention - primarily from other cyclists and pedestrians (especially those waiting at bus stops!) I don't think I've had a ride without some reaction/comment since I got it. On dry nights it shows up better than when there is any glare on the roads - and there have been a few cars which seem to give me more room when passing (i.e. they only pull back in after they pass the cycle in the road ahead). In terms of safety, it's stopped a few pedestrians from stepping off the pavement in front of me without looking but equally has confused a few when I've been on a cycle path and they are crossing. I can see katanita's point that it might encourage poor road-positioning if people think it is now OK to go down the side of large vehicles although if you're passing a bus (on driver's side) it could help them from pulling out on you. In terms of stopping drivers pulling out from a side road, I'm less convinced since I don't think drivers are looking at the road surface at that point - thankfully the light part of the Blaze is pretty bright too. I've attached a pic of the light - obviously when stopped and more in the gutter than usual. It's about 12-15ft in front of me usually. My biggest regret is that it doesn't have a 'stun' mode ;-p
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I saw this and look forward to seeing the results of Vauxhall Cross particularly since I go round it every day. I was surprised to see that Stockwell counts as a gyratory though.
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Road narrowing schemes don't always slow traffic down either. They just encourage drivers to speed between narrow sections and then play 'chicken' to get through the narrower gap first. They are far more dangerous for cyclists than humps - although it would be nice to have a gap at the end of the bump to save thumping up and down on the bike. They narrowed Railton Road in Brixton a year or so back and it's far more unpleasant now to drive or cycle down. The other thing that I don't get with bumps is when it snows, it means that the road can't be ploughed properly.
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The boots do make them less likely to trail on the ground. I'm the same height and I've had Helly Hansens and Santa Cruzs work well. I did get a pair of Horsefeathers from an online site which I swear were so enormous that I think I could have got four pairs of trousers as they were so wide and long!
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Dulwich Park - Dogs Must be Kept on Short Lead
Applespider replied to Sue0103's topic in General ED Issues / Gossip
Dogs should be able to run free in (parts) of the park since it would be a miserable dog indeed who didn't get to run. However, there are a few dog owners/walkers in Dulwich Park who let their dogs off the lead and then seem to abdicate all responsibility for keeping them under any kind of control. If you are scared of dogs, or have a kid on a scooter/skates or on a bike, then having dogs running back and forth across the 'road' with their owners ignoring them can be a little unnerving. The majority of owners do keep control, do pick up poo and are considerate. The bad owners don't = and no number of signs or rules will make them do so. -
It's worth reporting potholes. You can do it on the TFL site as well as FillThatHole. I reported a couple and a missing bollard on a traffic island the other week via TFL and within 4 days, all were fixed. Admittedly, it might have been coincidence but I was impressed.
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Wong Kei's was fun...but there's another closure up there that made me reminisce. I found out today that the Trocadero is closing next week and re-opening as a Japanese pod hotel. Admittedly, I thought it had closed years ago but have fond memories of hanging around there with friends a couple of decades ago and playing on the 'so cool' simulators and games etc. My aunt crashed its opening VIP party and danced with Duran Duran and Wham... I had the commemorative signed postcard on my wall for years.
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How long are you going for? You might want to consider a couple of nights in Barcelona and then another few out on the beach to chill out. There are quite a few nice little beach resorts within 20-30 minutes of the city - and a few livelier ones like Sitges. I second the idea of the Barri Gottic - there are quite a few little apartments for rent there that can work out cheaper than a hotel. There are lots of quirky little shops down there too which can be fun to explore. In the summer, they often do opera recitals on the roof of the Casa Mila with a glass of wine which is worth looking out for. There was a restaurant called Taxidermista in the Plaza Reial which did the most amazing chocolate espresso mousse served in little cups. However, someone told me that they'd closed down recently.
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Louisa - that would be lovely! I often walk between the two areas but having the opportunity for a beer at both ends would be lovely!
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Lynne Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Somewhere else for squatters > Lynne There were squatters there last year but they were evicted. It's now got reinforced metal panels at windows etc presumably to deter another attempt.
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I saw both motorists and cyclists being pulled over. There are certainly fewer moped riders in the ASLs now which is where I saw them paying most attention. Aside from the first day where they were pulling over those not in high vis or helmets, any other cyclist that I saw being collared deserved it (jumped lights or no lights) I did see that quote at the time but I believe it was retracted shortly afterwards.
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Townleygreen Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I've heard that Fibre Flare eats up the batteries > - is that your experience, Applesider?? I got mine for Christmas 2012. I used it every night (and the odd morning) for 40 minutes on flash and I changed the batteries in mid-April just as I started using it less as the nights got lighter. And I've just changed them again after wearing it from Sept onwards. I've got the full length one that takes AAs rather than the mini that takes lithiums. It lasts about 3 times longer than my little Knogs. I wouldn't call it battery hungry. Katanita - I like them but think the hassle of removing would put me off.
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