Re: Cyclists wanted : any age, no experience necessary!

On Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:17:22 +0100, Andy2166 <andrew.connors@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Sky and British Cycling have teamed up to apparently get one million
more people cycling regularly by 2013. There are lots of rides to
choose from! You can ride city streets, traffic free or be guided
through the Countryside. Sky Ride is the cycling experience for all
ages and abilities! And it’s free.

They should be a fun day out, and attract people who don't cycle on road much, if at all. But the conversion rate of those to regular cyclists will not be high. One reason for this is that the Skyride publicity does nothing to challenge the 'cycling is dangerous' myth. The mere existence of the rides suggests that normal roads are not fit for cycling, and they turn the screw more by doling out hi-vis and strongly recommending helmets for the event. People may go away wanting to cycle more, but most will remain convinced that in normal conditions it's too dangerous.

Sky Ride Local events are small group cycle rides designed to get
everyone cycling regularly in a fun and informal way.

Not small. We expect thousands in Ealing.

These are free rides, led by British Cycling trained ride leaders,
who will guide participants along the route, and provide tips andadvice on cycle safety and skills.

Tips and advice worth about what you pay for them, I should think. Far better to get bikeability cycle training, in real traffic.

Personally, I think it’s a brilliant concept! Especially for beginners
like me! I havn’t got the confidence to cycle on the roads as yet, due
to traffic.

You have been brainwashed. As long as you don't get so close in front of a driver who hasn't seen you, that he/she can't stop in the distance between you, you'll be fine. The worst that can happen is that you'll have to stop from time to time because you've got out of position. Bikeability training will teach you how to avoid this.

I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has actually been on a Sky
Ride event!

Never been on one, helping to organise one.

Colin McKenzie

--
No-one has ever proved that cycle helmets make cycling any safer at the population level, and anyway cycling is about as safe per mile as walking.
Make an informed choice - visit www.cyclehelmets.org.
.

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