photos Archives - Page 2 of 3

Cycling to exams in subfusc

June 13, 2015June 12, 2015 by tejvan

It’s not all CdA and lightweight components at Cycling Uphill. I do get a lot of joy seeing students in sub-fusc riding to their exams. Perhaps because:

A) It reminds me of the stress of doing my own exams, but now I have the luxury of being an old man who can sit by the side of the road knowing that exam results don’t really matter than much. (Not for my career path anyway…)

B) Riding in sub-fusc at 8mph down Oxford High Street is about as far removed as you can get from timetrialling along a dual carriageway at 30mph. It’s all very sedate. And that’s cycling

riders exams — Cyclists off to exams by Weston Library (old New Bodleian)

Cyclists and red lights

November 1, 2016April 30, 2015 by tejvan

Mention cycling and red lights and many people will immediately see ‘red’ for want of a better expression. In 2013, over 4,000 cyclists were issued with fixed note penalties for jumping red lights.

Red light jumping is also prevalent amongst motorists. In 2006 the then Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said 43,500 fines were issued for drivers caught jumping red lights (London.gov.uk).

Given the emotive nature of the issue, some may be surprised to learn that red light jumping is less prevalent than people’s perceptions (like the people who tell you ‘all cyclists never stop at a red light’). This is partly because ‘bad behaviour’ sticks in the mind much more than following the rules.

According to TFL between 1998 to 2007, 4% of pedestrian injuries were the result of red light jumping by cyclists. Whereas 71% occur when a car driver jumps a red light and 13% when a motorcyclist does. (CTC) Which shows that cycling through red lights does put others in danger, at the same time highlights the fact most road casualties are the result of motorised vehicles.

Waiting at the lights

On your marks!

A mixed bag of cyclists

April 28, 2015 by tejvan

Some may have impression cycling is primarily done by middle aged men in lycra. Fortunately, that is not the case. When taking photos of cyclists in Oxford, I often think of H.G. Wells quote

“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race.”

H. G. Wells

You can think of many reasons to encourage cycling, but there is also just the basic joy of seeing someone ride a bike. I don’t know why.

Nice way to get to school

Spot the cyclist. Don’t forget to take out trouser from sock.

Wrapped up for the first day of spring.

The family car with a difference

April 2, 2015 by tejvan

Family transport. A neat way to carry family around.

Comes with free air conditioning and portable sun-roof.

A birds eye view of traffic

January 28, 2015 by tejvan

Last year I was teaching in a building from St Clements – it gave a birds eye view of traffic down below. The funny thing is that everything seemed so calm and relaxed viewed from above. A very different perspective to ground level!

The amazing thing about this set of photos is that in nearly every case, cars, taxis and buses were respecting the advanced stop boxes. I’m sure this never happens when I’m at ground level.

Advanced stop signs make it easier for cyclists turning in different directions.

Two days in Yorkshire

December 9, 2014 by tejvan

In case you are wondering what Christmas present to buy your family member who is a keen cyclist, I’m sure this book would be much appreciated and go down very well…

200 photos of the Tour de France in Yorkshire.

Two days in Yorkshire at Amazon.co.uk (£35!)

A good cycle path

November 21, 2014 by tejvan

Cycle path over Donnington Bridge offers a rare segregated cycle way for people to cycle without having to ride with traffic.

No near misses here.

At rush hour, there is heavy congestion on this road. The cycle path offers a convenient way to beat the traffic jams.

A fair number of cyclists use this path.

Quicker by bike.

The cycle lane is often used by children and people getting to school. It also helps that there are quiet cycle paths by the river and other back roads which connect a local school.

Cycling along.

It’s a good feeling to go past stationary vehicles.

An integrated cycle path – another rarity – when the path ends, there are decent options, you aren’t immediately thrown into fast moving traffic.

I don’t understand the attraction of sitting in a traffic jam.

Quicker with one leg.

Although, it is surprising how many still use the pavement.

There is also a (non-segregated) cycle path on the other side of the road. This is good because of you’re on that side of the road, you don’t want to have to cross the road, just to use the cycle path. Still, it is often too narrow because wide cars spill over into the cycle lane. It’s a shame it’s not a foot wider.

Cars often follow suit, if one person moves into cycle lane, everyone else tends to. This is quite an inviting sight for a cycle commuter.

A frosty scene on Donnington Bridge.

The cycle path by the River Thames, which offers a traffic free way into the centre of Oxford. Just a shame it’s very bumpy and often muddy. But, it offers great views of Christ Church Meadow