Off Topic Tour de France

I think you're right Chazz.
I've watched a documentary about him and he really couldn't have done what he did without an aid.

 

Not wanting to start yesterdays malarky again ...

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/half-drivers-ignorant-over-cyclists-rights-1-8627097

Half drivers ignorant over cyclists’ rights

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CYCLING: A survey has revealed drivers are largely ignorant of cyclists rights.
12:08 Sunday 02 July 2017

A new study has revealed more than half of drivers in the county are clueless about cyclists’ rights on the road.

The survey by retailer eBikes Direct showed 57 per cent of drivers in Yorkshire and the Humber are ill informed about what cyclists are entitled to do.

Matt Flanagan, from eBikes Direct, said: “A lack of knowledge about cyclists’ rights on our roads is leading to altercations and accidents. In order for us to all stay safe and happy on our roads, it’s vital that we equip ourselves with the right information.”

In our region 29 per cent of drivers admitted to becoming angry with cyclists. The issue was highlighted nationally when a BBC presenter was verbally abused by a 22-year-old motorist as he cycled in the middle of a London road to avoid car doors. The journalist filmed the incident on his GoPro headcam and posted it on Facebook. The driver was later prosecuted.

eBikes Direct found that drivers regularly lose their temper with cyclists, thinking they’re breaking the law or cycling without due care and attention. As a result, 39 per cent of drivers surveyed in the UK confess to having got angry with a cyclist. Men are typically more prone to road rage, and they got angrier than women: 42 per cent compared to 37.5 per cent overall.

When it comes to the law, 81 per cent of drivers believe that cyclists are required to remain on the left-hand side of the lane. However, as demonstrated by Jeremy Vine, it is actually legal for cyclists to ride in the middle of the lane or road. Similarly, 65 per cent of drivers incorrectly believe that cyclists are required to cycle within a cycle lane if there is one – but cyclists can ride outside of the cycle lane and it is not against the law.

Another misconception was that 73 per cent believe that cyclists are not allowed to ride two abreast on the road. Cyclists are legally entitled to.

Cyclists are not allowed to ride on pavements but nearly a quarter of drivers thought they can.

DRIVERS MUDDLED ON ELECTRIC BIKES

Another area of confusion for motorists was over electric bikes.

The survey by eBikes Direct found more than half of drivers - 56.5 per cent - do not believe an electric bike rider is allowed to overtake a car. In fact they can, in the same way cyclists can. And nearly a third - 30 per cent - of drivers believe that an electric bike will power itself up to 30mph. Legally, however, an electric bike will only power itself up to 15mph; this mistaken belief could be dangerous if, for example, a car is behind an electric bike, and believes the rider will accelerate to a far quicker pace than he or she can actually do.

 

Sagan unclipping from his pedal just as he was about to sprint and then still winning , the guy is incredible

 

Sagan is just so damn cool. Like a rock star riding a bike.

 

It was the one set in a dog food factory...

 

Cosmic

 

More crashes today.... Sagan hero to villain wiping Cavendish out in the sprint....!!!

 

That was a terrible crash, I think Sagan put his arm out to keep his balance and in doing so put Cav into the railings. Looks deliberate, but the general feeling was that is wasn't.

 

Actually, the spectator boards did him a huge favour, they seem to have somewhat cushioned the fall taking most of the impact. If that had happened without them he'd have been in a state...

 

Very strong, powerful, as well.

 

What happened today was open to massive interpretation... I will be surprised if an appeal isn't upheld..

 

I agree, what I saw and what most pundits I heard didn't think it was deliberate.

 

If he wins an appeal you'll be laughing at the other side of your face.

 

Can't get motivated for this sport as I cycled day in day out, all weathers, when at work, setting off at 4am after a night of snowfalls and having to ride in tyre ruts left by car tyres doesn't make me admire a load of lycra clad guys, or gals, cycling up and down hills for a few hours at a time. In between of course an 8hr shift and sometimes 7 days a week. I still bike now but for leisure, and usuall only where there are cycle lanes, even then it isn't safe.

 

Never thought i'd hear this on the highlights

Interesting to hear Boardmans view - not deliberate, first punishment enough? & Demare should have got a similar punishment (the initial punishment) to Sagan

Anyone know who caused the crash that took out Thomas et al?

 

Boardman called it right, Cav was halfway down when Sagan's elbow came out. Reinstatement required.