Tag: Bicycles

The humble bicycle played a significant and important role during one of the darkest periods in British history. The London Blitz was a major chapter in the history of World War II, characterized by the sustained bombing campaign carried out by Nazi Germany against Britain. The term “Blitz” comes from the German word “Blitzkrieg,” meaning “lightning war,” and it aptly describes the intense, rapid bombings that took place. The Reason Behind the Blitz The Blitz began on September 7, 1940, and continued until May 11, 1941. During this period, London was bombed for 56 out of the first 57 days and nights. The attacks then spread to other major British cities, including Coventry, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, among others. The…

In the late 19th century, a time marked by rigid social norms and restrictive expectations for women, a simple invention—the bicycle—became an unexpected symbol of freedom and change. The women’s suffrage movement, which fought tirelessly for women’s rights to vote and have equal standing in society, found an unlikely ally in this new mode of transportation. The bicycle not only challenged the status quo but also empowered women in ways that were both practical and profound. Breaking Away from Victorian Restrictions During Victorian times, women were expected to wear heavy, cumbersome dresses and corsets that limited physical activity and were a daily reminder of the restrictive roles women were supposed to play in society. Enter the bicycle: a tool that…

The world is becoming increasingly urbanized. According to data shared by the United Nations (UN), “more than half of the global population now live in urban areas.” This is up from “one-third in 1950 and is projected to increase to around two-thirds in 2050”. Cities must adapt to accommodate change to sustain these developments and successfully manage urban growth. But where to start? Urbanization comes with challenges like congestion, pollution, and an increased demand for efficient transportation. Why Bicycles Are the Future “The streets that were once designed for a different pace of life are now clogged with vehicles, leading to congestion, increased carbon emissions, and a strain on existing infrastructure. As we confront these challenges, it is now clear…

Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation in the UK, but navigating the roads can be a challenge. Many riders are unsure about their rights and responsibilities when it comes to riding on the road, leading to confusion and potential conflicts with other road users. In this article, we will explore the UK laws that govern cycling on the road, including where bicycles are allowed to ride, the rules of the road for cyclists, and the responsibilities of motorists when sharing the road. By understanding these laws, cyclists can stay safe and confident on the road and motorists can better respect and accommodate their two-wheeled counterparts. Can Bikes Ride on the Road? In the UK, bicycles are considered vehicles under…

Chainless bikes are not a new innovation. The first machines to resemble what we recognise as bicycles were propelled by a rider’s legs, but it didn’t take long to find an engineered alternative to human power.  Solutions and tinkering from pioneering inventors turned to existing industrial and mechanical methods of turning gears. This ingenuity brought the shaft-drive system to the bicycle.  Although many inventors received patents, commercial development of the system was eventually stopped by the efficiency and relative low cost of the chain drive system. The arrival of the derailleur in between the two world wars brought standardisation and utility to the world of cycling, coinciding with mass production. The chain drive system, even though not universal,  was here…

Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable ways to travel. It also offers numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. And the popularity of cycling continues to grow. It’s estimated that around 6.5 million people cycle each year in England alone, for work, leisure or sport. But whatever your reason for opting for two wheels, it’s impossible nowadays not to be aware that it’s a green activity. With growing consciousness around the climate emergency, at least some manufacturers of cycling accessories are responding. It’s possible now to own a sustainable helmet – traditional bike helmets being difficult to recycle. You can even clean your bike with eco-friendly cleaning products. In spite of all this, the production of most…

With its winding countryside paths, clifftop panoramas, and sweeping coastal vistas, the UK isn’t short of cycling routes. The UK government is also planning to invest heavily in cycling infrastructure, with an eye on a greener future. Cycling is certainly popular. But exactly how many bicycles are there in the UK, and how does this compare with the rest of the world? Is Cycling “Big” in the UK? The UK is in the middle of a cycling boom. Recreational and weekend cycling is up by 60% over the last two years. This is partly due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, investment in infrastructure shows a strong government commitment to making cycling even bigger. Sales of bicycles increased dramatically during the…

Putting it simply, cycling is one of the best exercises you can do. Ok, it’s true to say I might be biased, but what other form of exercise allows you to travel whilst improving your fitness, health and stamina? It’s a win-win. But sadly, within the epic breadth of modern cycling advertising, there isn’t a lot to include or entice people of a larger size. If you feel this is you, and you’ve been considering cycling to become fitter or lose weight, you could be forgiven for thinking that finding a suitable bike might be challenging. But read on. Contrary to the slim, sporty and streamlined slant of many marketing campaigns, there are a number of options for you, and…