Welcome to the first round-up of 2016. We hope you had a fantastic Christmas and New Year, and that some of you were lucky enough to receive cycling gifts and gadgets in our stockings (especially those whose loved ones read our Christmas gift guide for cyclists!).
We’re milking the end of the festive season with a round-up of the best cycling themed ‘gifts’ that were given out at the end of 2015.
What? A parcel demanding £25 per head for safe cycle lanes: the amount that 75% of Manchester residents thought was suitable to spend on cycling from the transport budget (£300 per person)
Where? Manchester Town Hall
From a bunch of cycling Santas To Councillors at the town hall
Our thoughts: This is a great way of drawing attention to the debate around how much should be spent on cycling. By tapping into seasonal goodwill and basically guaranteeing photographs, these community-minded Santas did a good job.
What? A commitment to reduce motor traffic for what is believed to be the first time in 15 years
Where? In a report titled “Setting the First Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy: Getting Britain Moving” (which also reiterates that walking and cycling should be “the natural choices for shorter journeys”).
From The Department of Transport To cyclists everywhere
Our thoughts: We don’t have a problem with cars on the roads, of course, but it is nice to see attention being given to the importance of increasing the number of cyclists on the road! Any action that results in a fairer and more pleasant road system is good by us.
What? The 2017 Grand Depart
Where? Online, and will be finalised at a press conference in early January.
From the Tour de France To Dusseldorf
Our thoughts: the Grand Depart continues its travels around Europe, returning to Germany for the first time in 30 years. After seeing what a boon it was to cycling in the UK, we’re pleased to see the prestigious event go to a country with a proud cycling heritage.
See in the new year with the warmest winter on record and amidst speculation that early 2016 could see a very cold snap, we want to share this video from Ugo Fonollá to inspire us that you can still ride, whatever the weather.
Ugo has a few other videos on Vimeo that are worth a look.
If you’d rather not think about drudging along on your bike in the snow, Danny MacAskill’s new video will be more appealing! The maverick rider who has dominated all sorts of terrains with his crazy stunts, from the Isle of Skye to a giant toybox, now heads to sunny Gran Canaria to fill us all with jealousy as he hops around the stunning cityscape.
Now that the festive season is well and truly over and we’re all back to the normal routines, our round-ups will return to the usual popular format on January 11th!
See you then.
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