Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
@gazza-d.bsky.social
PROTECT THE NHS. SAVE LIVES. RIDE BIKES.
Fewer cars not newer cars!
A Moulton and Brompton riding linux-loving cyclist geek. Cos small wheeled bikes rock!
Fewer cars not newer cars!
A Moulton and Brompton riding linux-loving cyclist geek. Cos small wheeled bikes rock!
Pinned
To celebrate the completion of the Whitley Bay to Tynemouth seafront cycle route, there's going to be a couple of days of events on the 10th and 11th of August. Supported by @sustrans.bsky.social , @northtyneside.bsky.social and Active Travel England.
Get yourselves along.
Free ice cream*
*Limited
Get yourselves along.
Free ice cream*
*Limited
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
If you choose to buy an SUV/4x4 to drive in the city, you have prioritised your own desires over the environment or the safety of others. That's fine - just ensure you fully understand what that says about you. Don't go around thinking you're a nice person.
December 21, 2025 at 11:55 AM
If you choose to buy an SUV/4x4 to drive in the city, you have prioritised your own desires over the environment or the safety of others. That's fine - just ensure you fully understand what that says about you. Don't go around thinking you're a nice person.
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
Germany shifts over 2 million e-bikes every year. France: over 500,000.
Britain? It will be lucky to get to 150,000. Why?
Because people need to feel safe to cycle, and that requires serious and sustained government support, which has not been forthcoming.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Britain? It will be lucky to get to 150,000. Why?
Because people need to feel safe to cycle, and that requires serious and sustained government support, which has not been forthcoming.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Cycling is changing at speed – but is Britain keeping pace?
Emulating the bike-friendly highways enjoyed by our continental neighbours will take a lot more money and political will
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Germany shifts over 2 million e-bikes every year. France: over 500,000.
Britain? It will be lucky to get to 150,000. Why?
Because people need to feel safe to cycle, and that requires serious and sustained government support, which has not been forthcoming.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Britain? It will be lucky to get to 150,000. Why?
Because people need to feel safe to cycle, and that requires serious and sustained government support, which has not been forthcoming.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
Today is the December solstice at 15:03 GMT/16:03 CET.
This @eumetsat.int MTG‑I1 image from 19 December 2025, 06:00 GMT, shows Earth’s day–night terminator tilted near its annual maximum of about 23.5°.
This @eumetsat.int MTG‑I1 image from 19 December 2025, 06:00 GMT, shows Earth’s day–night terminator tilted near its annual maximum of about 23.5°.
December 21, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Today is the December solstice at 15:03 GMT/16:03 CET.
This @eumetsat.int MTG‑I1 image from 19 December 2025, 06:00 GMT, shows Earth’s day–night terminator tilted near its annual maximum of about 23.5°.
This @eumetsat.int MTG‑I1 image from 19 December 2025, 06:00 GMT, shows Earth’s day–night terminator tilted near its annual maximum of about 23.5°.
This is a very good article.
Enabling much more active travel and discouraging driving is a public health intervention that will reduce the load on the NHS.
Enabling much more active travel and discouraging driving is a public health intervention that will reduce the load on the NHS.
Great article with @scarlettmcnally.bsky.social about encouraging less driving and more active travel to save the #NHS
hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk/hot-topics/h...
hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk/hot-topics/h...
We must get fitter if we’re to afford the future, says McNally
McNally in traffic outside Eastbourne hospital. Cycling on the pavement is forbidden. Plans for a bus and cycle route running three miles from Polegate to the hospital were stopped by councillors.
...
hastingsonlinetimes.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 11:44 AM
This is a very good article.
Enabling much more active travel and discouraging driving is a public health intervention that will reduce the load on the NHS.
Enabling much more active travel and discouraging driving is a public health intervention that will reduce the load on the NHS.
The bottom line is that the labour govt isn't doing enough to enable change.
Not enough money to build routes and connect them into coherent networks.
Not doing enough to dissuade unnecessary driving trips.
The only PM in decades to do something +ve was johnson.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Not enough money to build routes and connect them into coherent networks.
Not doing enough to dissuade unnecessary driving trips.
The only PM in decades to do something +ve was johnson.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Cycling is changing at speed – but is Britain keeping pace?
Emulating the bike-friendly highways enjoyed by our continental neighbours will take a lot more money and political will
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 11:13 AM
The bottom line is that the labour govt isn't doing enough to enable change.
Not enough money to build routes and connect them into coherent networks.
Not doing enough to dissuade unnecessary driving trips.
The only PM in decades to do something +ve was johnson.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Not enough money to build routes and connect them into coherent networks.
Not doing enough to dissuade unnecessary driving trips.
The only PM in decades to do something +ve was johnson.
www.theguardian.com/news/2025/de...
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
Happy solstice, everyone
December 21, 2023 at 3:48 PM
Happy solstice, everyone
Yeah it's the solstice. At least after today the days will start getting longer and we can look forward to a spring and summer.
a woman is holding a candle in her hand in a dark room
ALT: a woman is holding a candle in her hand in a dark room
media.tenor.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Yeah it's the solstice. At least after today the days will start getting longer and we can look forward to a spring and summer.
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
72-year old Baroness Neville-Rolfe said:
“Scooters and cycles regularly ride on pavements and, because of electrification, they can go at high speeds, up to 70 miles per hour, according to the Sunday Telegraph”
Two solutions:
1. Close the Telegraph.
2. Mandatory dementia tests for peers.
“Scooters and cycles regularly ride on pavements and, because of electrification, they can go at high speeds, up to 70 miles per hour, according to the Sunday Telegraph”
Two solutions:
1. Close the Telegraph.
2. Mandatory dementia tests for peers.
“Arrogant” cyclists riding at 70mph are ignoring police and making pavements “as dangerous as the road”, House of Lords told
During a debate on the Crime and Policing Bill, former Met Police head Lord Hogan-Howe reiterated his calls for bike number plates, while other peers claimed that the “threat” had shifted from “Lycra ...
road.cc
December 19, 2025 at 9:41 AM
72-year old Baroness Neville-Rolfe said:
“Scooters and cycles regularly ride on pavements and, because of electrification, they can go at high speeds, up to 70 miles per hour, according to the Sunday Telegraph”
Two solutions:
1. Close the Telegraph.
2. Mandatory dementia tests for peers.
“Scooters and cycles regularly ride on pavements and, because of electrification, they can go at high speeds, up to 70 miles per hour, according to the Sunday Telegraph”
Two solutions:
1. Close the Telegraph.
2. Mandatory dementia tests for peers.
One use case I would really like to see given to AI is prosecution of stationary vehicle offences. Such as pavement parking, on zigzags and school non waiting lines.
Automated zero tolerance analysis and prosecution would be a game changer. And AI could keep up with demand.
Automated zero tolerance analysis and prosecution would be a game changer. And AI could keep up with demand.
December 20, 2025 at 9:38 AM
One use case I would really like to see given to AI is prosecution of stationary vehicle offences. Such as pavement parking, on zigzags and school non waiting lines.
Automated zero tolerance analysis and prosecution would be a game changer. And AI could keep up with demand.
Automated zero tolerance analysis and prosecution would be a game changer. And AI could keep up with demand.
I didn't need another reason to be Republican.
THE MAN IS A MONSTER
THE MAN IS A MONSTER
Queen Elizabeth II gave a royal warrant to Marmite. King Charles III removed it. What kind of monster does that? Britain... Do we tolerate a head of state who eats boiled eggs and soldiers every day, but without Marmite?
December 20, 2025 at 9:32 AM
I didn't need another reason to be Republican.
THE MAN IS A MONSTER
THE MAN IS A MONSTER
Im sadly unsurprised that the local tories are against anything to make cycling safer. The comments and relief from the @greenparty.org.uk cllr is very disappointing though.
Seems you can't trust any party with active travel at the local level.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Seems you can't trust any party with active travel at the local level.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Sudbury Melford Road active travel scheme cancelled amid concerns
Those opposing the scheme for pedestrians and cyclists, including a Green councillor, are relieved.
www.bbc.com
December 20, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Im sadly unsurprised that the local tories are against anything to make cycling safer. The comments and relief from the @greenparty.org.uk cllr is very disappointing though.
Seems you can't trust any party with active travel at the local level.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Seems you can't trust any party with active travel at the local level.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
It's always the ones you most suspect...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
David Walliams dropped by book publisher HarperCollins
Walliams is one of the UK's most successful children's authors, having sold more than 60 million books.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 6:16 PM
It's always the ones you most suspect...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
💯
Another of a litany of ideal case studies to prompt a much needed reform of driving laws. A driving licence for life is not fit for purpose. It lends itself to most drivers having an assumed level of competence which in reality falls well below the minimum standards required.
Another of a litany of ideal case studies to prompt a much needed reform of driving laws. A driving licence for life is not fit for purpose. It lends itself to most drivers having an assumed level of competence which in reality falls well below the minimum standards required.
December 19, 2025 at 4:42 PM
💯
Another of a litany of ideal case studies to prompt a much needed reform of driving laws. A driving licence for life is not fit for purpose. It lends itself to most drivers having an assumed level of competence which in reality falls well below the minimum standards required.
Another of a litany of ideal case studies to prompt a much needed reform of driving laws. A driving licence for life is not fit for purpose. It lends itself to most drivers having an assumed level of competence which in reality falls well below the minimum standards required.
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
I want bicycle infrastructure that’s safe enough to do this
December 19, 2025 at 4:37 AM
I want bicycle infrastructure that’s safe enough to do this
This is why drivers need to give lots of room when passing people cycling.
It's also why you should ride out from the kerb.
Ideally with a camera. Yea they can be a pain to keep charged, but they are an impartial and important witness if something does happen.
road.cc/content/news...
It's also why you should ride out from the kerb.
Ideally with a camera. Yea they can be a pain to keep charged, but they are an impartial and important witness if something does happen.
road.cc/content/news...
“Most drivers don’t know the rules”: Cyclist left with broken jaw as close passing motorist forces her into pothole before fleeing scene
“Cars go very fast and pass too close. People see someone on a bike and get annoyed. I’ve been shouted at many times just for cycling on the road. It’s terrifying”
road.cc
December 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
This is why drivers need to give lots of room when passing people cycling.
It's also why you should ride out from the kerb.
Ideally with a camera. Yea they can be a pain to keep charged, but they are an impartial and important witness if something does happen.
road.cc/content/news...
It's also why you should ride out from the kerb.
Ideally with a camera. Yea they can be a pain to keep charged, but they are an impartial and important witness if something does happen.
road.cc/content/news...
Not that I'm last minute or anything, but I've just posted Christmas cards to my brother and sister.
The irony is that in money terms it would have been cheaper to drive the 100 miles or so in my EV and hand delivered them.
The irony is that in money terms it would have been cheaper to drive the 100 miles or so in my EV and hand delivered them.
December 19, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Not that I'm last minute or anything, but I've just posted Christmas cards to my brother and sister.
The irony is that in money terms it would have been cheaper to drive the 100 miles or so in my EV and hand delivered them.
The irony is that in money terms it would have been cheaper to drive the 100 miles or so in my EV and hand delivered them.
Around here the kids get new bikes for Christmas, but no lights.
For the next couple of months parents will tut and complain about the numbers of kids riding around without lights.
For the next couple of months parents will tut and complain about the numbers of kids riding around without lights.
Kids who got new bikes for Christmas, "super excited" to walk them around the city that's too dangerous to ride in.
www.creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorec...
www.creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorec...
December 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Around here the kids get new bikes for Christmas, but no lights.
For the next couple of months parents will tut and complain about the numbers of kids riding around without lights.
For the next couple of months parents will tut and complain about the numbers of kids riding around without lights.
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
It is infuriating that not only is this tone & quality of debate Lords make but also is entirely predictable from a former head of Met police. We have huge numbers of drivers on our streets driving illegally, without any enforcement, and millions nationwide without licence, insurance &/or MOT etc.
“I do not believe that cyclists are a group of people who are more criminal than the rest of society or than any other road users. However, they are less accountable than people who drive buses and cars, and general deterrence theory does not work for them,” said former Met head Lord Hogan-Howe
“Arrogant” cyclists riding at 70mph are ignoring police and making pavements “as dangerous as the road”, House of Lords told
During a debate on the Crime and Policing Bill, former Met Police head Lord Hogan-Howe reiterated his calls for bike number plates, while other peers claimed that the “threat” had shifted from “Lycra ...
road.cc
December 19, 2025 at 9:21 AM
It is infuriating that not only is this tone & quality of debate Lords make but also is entirely predictable from a former head of Met police. We have huge numbers of drivers on our streets driving illegally, without any enforcement, and millions nationwide without licence, insurance &/or MOT etc.
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
Christ, how is everyone involved in this including johnson and gove, not in jail for this yet?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
PPE company linked to ex-Tory peer Michelle Mone goes into liquidation
PPE Medpro owes government £148m for supplying unusable personal protective equipment during Covid-19 pandemic
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Christ, how is everyone involved in this including johnson and gove, not in jail for this yet?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike
That's called Freedom of Movement and Brexit took it away. Still, mustn't grumble, some posh kids are getting a couple of terms in Portugal for all of a year (the current length of this labour 'triumph')
Nonetheless I've always thought we should have an Erasmus-like scheme for people who weren't in education. Just take a checkout worker at Aldi in Plymouth and let them be a checkout worker at Aldi in Bruges for a year or something. Never does harm to let people see a bit of the world.
Important point: university isn't just for posh kids; Erasmus+ gives non-posh kids same chance as posh kids to study abroad, which they otherwise wdn't have; & covers vocational & other non-university training & education exchanges. And if more students come to the UK, that increases UK soft power.
December 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
That's called Freedom of Movement and Brexit took it away. Still, mustn't grumble, some posh kids are getting a couple of terms in Portugal for all of a year (the current length of this labour 'triumph')
The scariest thing in this frightening report is that the collapse of the Atlantic current xoukdnhaooen as soon as 2030 with a 6⁰C drop in UK temps. That would have a devastating effect on UK farming for starters.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Massive disruption’: UK’s worst-case climate crisis scenarios revealed by scientists
Scientists say government must prepare for unlikely but ‘plausible’ 4C rise in temperature and a 2-metre rise in sea levels
www.theguardian.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:13 PM
The scariest thing in this frightening report is that the collapse of the Atlantic current xoukdnhaooen as soon as 2030 with a 6⁰C drop in UK temps. That would have a devastating effect on UK farming for starters.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Don't hold your breath.
Labour absolutely stinks when it comes to walking and cycling.
The only transport mode they seem to care about is driving.
Labour absolutely stinks when it comes to walking and cycling.
The only transport mode they seem to care about is driving.
Cycling and walking could help deliver almost everything Brits say they want to achieve in 2026 — if we design streets to support them.
Getting fitter, losing weight, being healthier, saving money; enabling active travel quietly does all of it. With no gym contracts.
Getting fitter, losing weight, being healthier, saving money; enabling active travel quietly does all of it. With no gym contracts.
December 18, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Don't hold your breath.
Labour absolutely stinks when it comes to walking and cycling.
The only transport mode they seem to care about is driving.
Labour absolutely stinks when it comes to walking and cycling.
The only transport mode they seem to care about is driving.
What's the fuss? Based on 2014 it's expected that £40m+ will be generated so that's a really good investment.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Scottish government to spend £9.25m on Tour de France 2027 start
The government said it will publish a full breakdown of costs following the event.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 4:06 PM
What's the fuss? Based on 2014 it's expected that £40m+ will be generated so that's a really good investment.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This is just ridiculous anti cycling bs.
The royal parks are well known for this. What's the speed limit for cars then and is that being enforced?
road.cc/content/news...
The royal parks are well known for this. What's the speed limit for cars then and is that being enforced?
road.cc/content/news...
Speed gun deployed to fine cyclists riding faster than 12mph in London park
Wandsworth Council says “too many park users have told us they feel unsafe” around “dangerous or inconsiderate cyclists” in green spaces, but insists fines will only be issued as “a last resort”
road.cc
December 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
This is just ridiculous anti cycling bs.
The royal parks are well known for this. What's the speed limit for cars then and is that being enforced?
road.cc/content/news...
The royal parks are well known for this. What's the speed limit for cars then and is that being enforced?
road.cc/content/news...
That's a shame. The lowest pub in England has been forced to close as the steps down the cliff to it are closed because they've become unsafe. There is a lift but it can't be the only route.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
South Shields Marsden Grotto 'devastated' by forced closure
The council-maintained steps leading to The Grotto in Marsden, South Shields, have been shut.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
That's a shame. The lowest pub in England has been forced to close as the steps down the cliff to it are closed because they've become unsafe. There is a lift but it can't be the only route.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...