Ben (BicycleBenUK)
@ben.fiets.uk
Introverted advocate/blogger on UK active travel. Self-employed podcast editor. Also sustainable public transport, nature, environment, Holland. Sometimes spins vinyl, dabbles in ham radio, badly plays piano.
📍 Nuneaton, Warwickshire
🌎 fiets.uk/links
📍 Nuneaton, Warwickshire
🌎 fiets.uk/links
Pinned
The season of preaching 'road safety' messaging
The clocks have gone back, Christmas adverts are on the TV, nights are drawing in - it can only mean one thing: it's time for official 'road safety' organisations to preach their annual messages of "b...
fiets.uk
On the blog: The clocks have gone back, nights are drawing in – it can only mean one thing: it’s time for official ‘road safety’ organisations to preach their annual messages of “be safe, be seen” to people travelling outside of motor vehicles...
fiets.uk/2025-11-06/t...
fiets.uk/2025-11-06/t...
First leisure cycle for a very long time - certainly since moving! New year resolution: get back on two wheels a bit more! Went past the old house for fun; the street has taken down its fascist-flags (neighbouring streets haven't)
November 30, 2025 at 11:47 AM
First leisure cycle for a very long time - certainly since moving! New year resolution: get back on two wheels a bit more! Went past the old house for fun; the street has taken down its fascist-flags (neighbouring streets haven't)
G-reg Ford Fiesta
L-reg Peugeot 405
That's it; no car of my own since 2007.
L-reg Peugeot 405
That's it; no car of my own since 2007.
Introduce yourself with 5 cars you've owned
Car-free
Vauxhall Zafira
Ford Focus
Ford Escort
Ford Escort
I haven't owned 5 cars!
Car-free
Vauxhall Zafira
Ford Focus
Ford Escort
Ford Escort
I haven't owned 5 cars!
Introduce yourself with 5 cars you've owned
*cracks knuckles*
Renault 4
Austin Allegro Equipe
Fiat Strada
Nissan Micra
Mini Cooper Estate
Currently: Škoda Scala, the first time I’ve bought new.
*cracks knuckles*
Renault 4
Austin Allegro Equipe
Fiat Strada
Nissan Micra
Mini Cooper Estate
Currently: Škoda Scala, the first time I’ve bought new.
November 29, 2025 at 12:11 PM
G-reg Ford Fiesta
L-reg Peugeot 405
That's it; no car of my own since 2007.
L-reg Peugeot 405
That's it; no car of my own since 2007.
Warwick District Council is removing itself from X/Twitter due to the platform's controversial content, misinformation, and incitement. It'd be nice if others did the same. But on the same argument, they should surely also leave Facebook, Nextdoor.
@warwickdc.gov.uk @warwickshirecc.bsky.social
@warwickdc.gov.uk @warwickshirecc.bsky.social
Warwick District Council to suspend the use social media platform X
Warwick District Council halts X (formerly Twitter) use, citing concerns over content and misinformation, shifting focus to other social channels and tech.
leamington.nub.news
November 28, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Warwick District Council is removing itself from X/Twitter due to the platform's controversial content, misinformation, and incitement. It'd be nice if others did the same. But on the same argument, they should surely also leave Facebook, Nextdoor.
@warwickdc.gov.uk @warwickshirecc.bsky.social
@warwickdc.gov.uk @warwickshirecc.bsky.social
Someone should say the line on every live show, on every phone-in! If the BBC is that scared, they'll have a hell of a job editing everything - but to the point it'd become glaringly obvious!
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
BBC tells staff they cannot quote Trump line removed from Reith lecture
Journalists not allowed to repeat Rutger Bregman’s corruption claims against US president in coverage of edit
www.theguardian.com
November 27, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Someone should say the line on every live show, on every phone-in! If the BBC is that scared, they'll have a hell of a job editing everything - but to the point it'd become glaringly obvious!
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
The day after the UK government announces another extension to the long-running fuel duty freeze, Dutch MPs have voted to increase their fuel duty and divert some of the money to public transport. This is what we should be doing. @jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
www.dutchnews.nl/2025/11/petr...
www.dutchnews.nl/2025/11/petr...
Petrol prices set to rise next year as MPs divert funds to buses - DutchNews.nl
Petrol is set to become more expensive from January 1, after MPs backed a proposal to raise excise duties by a narrow majority. The tax on a litre of petrol will increase by 5.6 cents, with diesel up ...
www.dutchnews.nl
November 27, 2025 at 5:41 PM
The day after the UK government announces another extension to the long-running fuel duty freeze, Dutch MPs have voted to increase their fuel duty and divert some of the money to public transport. This is what we should be doing. @jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
www.dutchnews.nl/2025/11/petr...
www.dutchnews.nl/2025/11/petr...
I see now I have a locked side gate, I'm one of those lucky people whose delivery people consider chucking parcels over the top to be a "safe place" Here's hoping the computer parts survived the drop(!)
November 26, 2025 at 4:47 PM
I see now I have a locked side gate, I'm one of those lucky people whose delivery people consider chucking parcels over the top to be a "safe place" Here's hoping the computer parts survived the drop(!)
Cleaning brass door handles with maybe 20 years of grime is an exercise in patience. Best part of an hour on just one handle, with copious amounts of Brasso and Dremel assistance. Even so, still not perfect and I did manage to scratch it (worn polishing bit). Wonder how long my motivation will last!
November 26, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Cleaning brass door handles with maybe 20 years of grime is an exercise in patience. Best part of an hour on just one handle, with copious amounts of Brasso and Dremel assistance. Even so, still not perfect and I did manage to scratch it (worn polishing bit). Wonder how long my motivation will last!
I do think introducing a per-mile duty for hybrid and EV cars is good. However, I don't see why the entire VED system for all vehicles isn't replaced on the same basis with scaling for emissions, weight, and size - encourage reduced driving, and smaller, lighter cars.
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 2:09 PM
I do think introducing a per-mile duty for hybrid and EV cars is good. However, I don't see why the entire VED system for all vehicles isn't replaced on the same basis with scaling for emissions, weight, and size - encourage reduced driving, and smaller, lighter cars.
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
Fuel duty freeze. Again. Of course; they're "on the side of drivers", despite needing to find money(!) It's an obvious source to improve travel choice - fund rail fare freeze; keep bus fares down; improve walking, wheeling, cycling. No, for now it's the Tory status quo. @jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Fuel duty freeze. Again. Of course; they're "on the side of drivers", despite needing to find money(!) It's an obvious source to improve travel choice - fund rail fare freeze; keep bus fares down; improve walking, wheeling, cycling. No, for now it's the Tory status quo. @jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
Couple this with yesterday's announcement on Heathrow Airport expansion, and it's not a good week for tackling the Climate Crisis. Despite COP30 only finishing last week, the government would appear to have its head in the sand - that or it just doesn't care.
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
More North Sea exploration to be allowed in new Labour plan
The chancellor will unveil the North Sea Strategy in her Budget speech, the BBC understands.
www.bbc.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Couple this with yesterday's announcement on Heathrow Airport expansion, and it's not a good week for tackling the Climate Crisis. Despite COP30 only finishing last week, the government would appear to have its head in the sand - that or it just doesn't care.
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben (BicycleBenUK)
I dunno, convert some of the endless paved space reserved for cars into green space that can absorb water, maybe?
Sorry, forget it. That could result in a car owner being inconvenienced, which would of course be far worse than the flooding of our cities and towns.
Sorry, forget it. That could result in a car owner being inconvenienced, which would of course be far worse than the flooding of our cities and towns.
Is there anything we can do to alleviate flash floods in the West Midlands
Experts say housebuilding and concrete drives are making floods worse, but that there are things we can do.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 9:22 AM
I dunno, convert some of the endless paved space reserved for cars into green space that can absorb water, maybe?
Sorry, forget it. That could result in a car owner being inconvenienced, which would of course be far worse than the flooding of our cities and towns.
Sorry, forget it. That could result in a car owner being inconvenienced, which would of course be far worse than the flooding of our cities and towns.
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Why single out Uber Eats I wonder, and not include Just Eat and Deliveroo? Why a specific sign in addition to "no unauthorised access"?
November 21, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Why single out Uber Eats I wonder, and not include Just Eat and Deliveroo? Why a specific sign in addition to "no unauthorised access"?
Not surprised that Morrisons has withdrawn its plans for a supermarket in #Nuneaton. On one hand, a shame that we don't get a new retailer and an empty site redeveloped; on the other hand, it was severely lacking in its active travel accommodation especially given the proposed main road changes.
Morrisons make huge announcement on future of Nuneaton store
Planning permission was given for the store and petrol station off Midland Road
www.coventrytelegraph.net
November 17, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Not surprised that Morrisons has withdrawn its plans for a supermarket in #Nuneaton. On one hand, a shame that we don't get a new retailer and an empty site redeveloped; on the other hand, it was severely lacking in its active travel accommodation especially given the proposed main road changes.
Will this nonsense ever stop? "Illegal" migrants and asylum seekers are not tearing the country apart; the dehumanising obsession and scapegoating rather than actually fixing society's problems is doing far more harm. Few voted for this Reform tribute act.
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
#UKPolitics
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
#UKPolitics
Refugees to face 20-year wait to settle permanently under asylum reforms
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to announce major reforms to the asylum system on Monday.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 16, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Will this nonsense ever stop? "Illegal" migrants and asylum seekers are not tearing the country apart; the dehumanising obsession and scapegoating rather than actually fixing society's problems is doing far more harm. Few voted for this Reform tribute act.
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
#UKPolitics
@jodiegoslingmp.bsky.social
#UKPolitics
It's so frustrating; a small city just 10 miles away is doing comparatively loads to improve active travel, yet here in Nuneaton @warwickshirecc.bsky.social won't even reduce a 40mph limit on a main road near a new school, and the only new infrastructure has come about from new housing developments
Work begins on stretch of Coventry cycleway - and won't finish until next year
Work on the Willenhall cycleway route is now underway on Humber Road
www.coventrytelegraph.net
November 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
It's so frustrating; a small city just 10 miles away is doing comparatively loads to improve active travel, yet here in Nuneaton @warwickshirecc.bsky.social won't even reduce a 40mph limit on a main road near a new school, and the only new infrastructure has come about from new housing developments
This must be the first time I've seen a politician do this sort of thing and it not be utterly cringe! Brilliant!
"This energy!!!" 👏👏👏👏
Zack Polanski joins Rizzle Kicks out on stage in Bristol
Zack Polanski joins Rizzle Kicks out on stage in Bristol
November 13, 2025 at 3:29 PM
This must be the first time I've seen a politician do this sort of thing and it not be utterly cringe! Brilliant!
Do have to wonder what genius thought it'd be a good idea to allow a housing development to be built, immediately bordering an 60 year old estate, but it would appear with no walking or cycling links between the two - except by going out to the main road and back in, potentially on a long deviation.
November 13, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Do have to wonder what genius thought it'd be a good idea to allow a housing development to be built, immediately bordering an 60 year old estate, but it would appear with no walking or cycling links between the two - except by going out to the main road and back in, potentially on a long deviation.
It'd be nice if @warwickshirecc.bsky.social could also return to its north-of-county schemes which appear mothballed given the lack of development. Will it ever look again at the cancelled-but-not-cancelled A47 Long Shoot scheme? The Nuneaton-Bedworth-Coventry scheme? Weddington Road? #cycling
Councillors to decide on approval for 800-per-metre cycleway
The Lias Line is a disused railway route that now serves as a greenway that links to the wider cycle network. The council is being asked to release funding for an active travel link between Leamington...
www.coventrytelegraph.net
November 13, 2025 at 6:54 AM
It'd be nice if @warwickshirecc.bsky.social could also return to its north-of-county schemes which appear mothballed given the lack of development. Will it ever look again at the cancelled-but-not-cancelled A47 Long Shoot scheme? The Nuneaton-Bedworth-Coventry scheme? Weddington Road? #cycling
Reposted by Ben (BicycleBenUK)
Really pleased to see this for the 2nd year running - a much less polluting way to celebrate Bonfire Night - meaning better air quality for everyone. Well done Edgbaston 👏👏
Giant sea creatures,soaring birds and majestic animals created by more than 600 drones have lit up the night sky.The 40-minute show,WILD,at Edgbaston Stadium on Friday,brought the animal kingdom to life in a dazzling fusion of cutting-edge technology,artistry and music
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Animal drone light show in Edgbaston an alternative to fireworks
Animal welfare charities have called for alternative shows to loud firework displays.
www.bbc.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Really pleased to see this for the 2nd year running - a much less polluting way to celebrate Bonfire Night - meaning better air quality for everyone. Well done Edgbaston 👏👏
Supply chain issues, delays, and poor customer services are nothing new with #Swytch. I remember similar problems when they launched their original product via Indiegogo in 2018/19. A pity it still seems so poorly run; I liked the concept, although I had many issues with my original kit.
E-bike conversion kit firm Swytch blames extended shipping times and supply chain "pressures" for delays amid flood of negative online reviews and report of 'rescue plan' for the business
Customers have reported long delivery delays, an ineffective AI chatbot and a lack of communication from the company
road.cc
November 8, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Supply chain issues, delays, and poor customer services are nothing new with #Swytch. I remember similar problems when they launched their original product via Indiegogo in 2018/19. A pity it still seems so poorly run; I liked the concept, although I had many issues with my original kit.
Reposted by Ben (BicycleBenUK)
That's incredibly disappointing and rather spineless.
Trans rights are human rights.
Trans rights are human rights.
Cycling UK say the decision was made following legal advice but that the rule change "doesn't alter our commitment to transgender and non-binary people" road.cc/content/news...
Several winners of Cycling UK 100 Women in Cycling prize decline award due to exclusion of transwomen
Cycling UK say the decision was made following legal advice but that the rule change "doesn't alter our commitment to transgender and non-binary people"
road.cc
November 7, 2025 at 1:08 PM
That's incredibly disappointing and rather spineless.
Trans rights are human rights.
Trans rights are human rights.
Always an opposition's promises are "undeliverable" + "simple". I'd take his comments as an endorsement of a credible challenge from a surging @greenparty.org.uk. Labour have so far offered poor leadership, outdated business-as-usual politics. A changed/changing world needs new, different approaches
Greens’ ‘undeliverable’ promises will let voters down, says Labour minister
Exclusive: Darren Jones says Labour has to convince young people it is ‘modern party of the future’
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Always an opposition's promises are "undeliverable" + "simple". I'd take his comments as an endorsement of a credible challenge from a surging @greenparty.org.uk. Labour have so far offered poor leadership, outdated business-as-usual politics. A changed/changing world needs new, different approaches
Reposted by Ben (BicycleBenUK)
On the blog: The clocks have gone back, nights are drawing in – it can only mean one thing: it’s time for official ‘road safety’ organisations to preach their annual messages of “be safe, be seen” to people travelling outside of motor vehicles...
fiets.uk/2025-11-06/t...
fiets.uk/2025-11-06/t...
The season of preaching 'road safety' messaging
The clocks have gone back, Christmas adverts are on the TV, nights are drawing in - it can only mean one thing: it's time for official 'road safety' organisations to preach their annual messages of "b...
fiets.uk
November 7, 2025 at 9:22 AM
On the blog: The clocks have gone back, nights are drawing in – it can only mean one thing: it’s time for official ‘road safety’ organisations to preach their annual messages of “be safe, be seen” to people travelling outside of motor vehicles...
fiets.uk/2025-11-06/t...
fiets.uk/2025-11-06/t...