mlteenie

Not sure whether anyone has already made this comment, but I doubt I am alone. Another reason this junction is worse (especially for cyclists) is that because of the removal of the refuge at the lights on Townley and the new stop line for the traffic coming uphill on EDG there is now a large space at the junction. Three times in the last month I have turned right from Townley, aiming then to do a right into Hillsboro Road and upon checking over my shoulder I have discovered a motorist attempting to overtake me on the right in the aforementioned gap. I am a cycling instructor and well aware of how to play this rather tricky manouevre, but when riding in the correct position the new layout allows dim-witted/impatient drivers to take misguided liberties. Fortunately with firm hand gestures I have not had an accident, but I am concerned for any cyclist doing the same turns. I even saw a cyclist turn right onto EDG and rather than take the correct route, rode down the oncoming cycle lane before entering Hillsboro. Whad a twad!

They have been replaced already, the new trees were planted before the old ones were taken down. One was damaged during the felling though.

Driving west last Saturday afternoon we found that the whole stretch of Brixton Hill was chocka, as were Effra Road and Railton - eventually we went along Shakespeare Road, expecting Coldharbour to be rammed but in fact it was surprisingly quiet, including Walworth Road to St George's Road, where it became busy due to work behind the war museum. I dread driving in London, which is why we have twice got rid of our car (but we keep being offered them!). I have great sympathy for those who must travel using that mode of transport. Ultimately I think it would be great if alternatives were presented and we all became less addicted to private motorised transport - I think we are slowly grinding in that direction. I have worked next to the pedestrianised zone at Loughborough recently and I encountered many people who were against it, some of them saying it was because the traffic now races around Barrington Road instead, causing risk to pedestrians, but I'm not sure that was their only reason. It is inconvenient if you want to travel through there, but we must surely try and improve things for the greater good. I would say that the people enjoying the traffic-free space outnumbered those against, in my experience. I think the most important thing for me as a cyclist, travelling up and down Loughborough Road almost daily, is that the traffic on that whole stretch from Oval to the Junction is waaay quieter and riding is much safer and a almost a pleasure. Surely the residents must be grateful for that. I note that on google maps the road is already drawn as a no-through road.

Send in the stinger!

Am I the only person annoyed that the builders at Alleyns are still driving their diggers around at this time of night? If not, call the council on 020 7525 5777 This is not the first time as many will know. Contractors no doubt being harassed to finish by Monday. Taking the piss!

We all like a bargain, but someone is paying when prices are crushed. Remember this?: http://www.redpepper.org.uk/every-lidl-hurts/

The observant cyclist will have noted that in the last 10-15 years Evans have adopted an aggressive policy of setting up near existing independents and trying (and often succeeding) to put them out of business... e.g. Ludgate Circus, Drury Lane, Gray's Inn Rd (didn't work on Condor), etc, etc. Their shops are selling machines, about as fun as car showrooms. Shop there and you won't have independent shops for long. Well-run independent stores may not be cheaper but you are more likely to build a relationship with their employees and benefit from that service at 5 to 6 when you turn up desperately needing help...

Nice bit outwards is the correct protocol, I believe.

Right - firstly the word is spelt 'braking'. Sorry to hear about the near miss for both parties' sakes. As a long time London cyclist and cycling instructor, I would have to point out (and agree with other comments here) that there is no point being dressed head to foot in LEDs/hi-viz/helmet/light clothing, etc if your road positioning is dangerous. As I teach riders, the top three things to keep you safe (ie. SEE AND BE SEEN) are: Look back - especially over the right shoulder (or the appropriate side when moving across or turning). I am appalled how many riders do not do this on London's roads. It is the MOST IMPORTANT thing. Ride a width of a door and a little bit more away from parked vehicles (slowing down if necessary at pinch points). Cover your brake levers in case of emergency stops. These along with well-charged bright lights and a well-maintained bike are the absolute basics to keep you happy and safe anywhere. Cycle training is available in all boroughs as far as I know, and usually free or very cheap. Happy responsible riding, folks!

Thanks all for all the suggestions but the little blighter popped off this afternoon. Daughter is devastated but at least it had a gentle end, rather than being stood on or eaten by a cat, etc. burial tonight. Ah well... :-(

I am now feeling the burden of looking after a fluffy bird that has fallen out of a nest. It is weak and practically has no eyes n stuff. I think it may be a crow but my main problem is how to keep it alive and then what to do with it if I can. I have to go to work now but perhaps you can give a useful suggestion. Tried vet/RSPB and a couple of other places but so far no use. In the meantime it is in a box in a cupboard to keep it warm enough and away from our cats. Of course it may have shuffled off this mortal coil before I come back but at least it isn't on the tarmac any more awaiting squishing... cheers

Er... Thanks for that interesting analogy, mashcov

I didn't say they weren't. I am sure they have their methods, though.

Mick Mac, no the phone is useless afaik, but it can be sold to a mug before they realise. The cops said they know a stall at E&C market where stolen phones are sold.

What DaveR said...

Thanks for the replies - useful or otherwise. My son is tall, very strong and is mostly upset about the fact that he was violated. He wanted to take them on given the odds but didn't in case of them being armed, which the perps may or may not have been. The lads are a civilised bunch and simply not in the world of intimidation and fighting - and why should they be? I don't think phones were on show at the time, but granted there are plenty of people in our area who may be preyed upon for their possessions by those in unfortunate circumstances who think nothing of it. Also, re: martial arts - a friend of mine was a black belt in judo, but that didn't mean he was willing to fight the nutter who chased him in a car and beat him badly, breaking his arm. You don't need martial arts to fight someone - that is a state of mind, and one that I don't really encourage, to be honest.

Just a heads up... My teenaged son and five of his friends were relieved of their phones at the end of Gallery Rd near the Gallery car park by three other youths around 11 last night as they were returning from skating in Belair. Fortunately there was no violence and the lads handed over without resistance just in case. The police were called in Pizza Express and turned up quickly. There isn't much that can be done, but phones were blocked immediately to render them useless. The only good part is that at least this is the first time this has happened to my son in 17 years, which by most accounts isn't bad. Gah...

I would suggest that one obvious way of making the local infrastructure safer for cyclists is to discourage parents from driving their kids to school. Also, if schools aren't running cycle-training (Bikeability) for years 5 & 6, why not? If no, then private individual lessons are available from the council (2 x 2hr slots per person, free).

spotted a pair of red kites circling pretty high up above our garden this evening. I just spent the weekend visiting a friend in Bucks and they are practically like pigeons there but I have never seen them in town. Has anyone else seen them around here?

Just sprayed my muesli thru me nostrils...

My virgin media service has not been working properly for several weeks, half the channels are not broadcasting. When I phoned customer non-service I was told I couldn't be put through to the faults dept because of the high number of calls they were having. This was after holding to get through for around 30 mins. I wasn't very happy....... At some point when I've got an hour of my life to waste I'll try again. I'll also be asking for compensation. If I had a BT line I'd sack them altogether. Tempted to start that process anyway.

Mrs mlteenie's mother lives in the Scottish borders and is not connected to any mains water supply. Their water comes straight off the hill into a tank with only some minor filtration. It's as unadulterated as it comes (apart from sheep piss) but I much prefer the water out of our London Tap! I guess it's all a matter of personal taste.