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I, on a slightly mad impulse, travelled to Fredrikstad, Norway for their Tweed Run this weekend. Glorious weather, beautiful country, clean air.

By contrast, since I've got back the congestion and pollution has just been more noticeable. Ugh.

its having a right laugh.

There, all fixed. Law of Conservation of Apostrophes, innit?

So, G is asked in an extended interview whether helmet use should be made compulsory. He, being a racing cyclist and mostly unaware of everyday urban utility cycling, says he always wears one and shrugs his shoulders. Journo #1 writes extended piece that most people can't access, where that answer is buried somewhere near the bottom.

Journo #2 reads the first article, either fails to realise the nuances of the debate (or willfully ignores them for clicks), and plasters 'TdF winner calls for compulsory helmet use" on their BBC article.

Anyone who's been fighting this fight for longer than 5 minutes on Twitter rushes to battle-stations to engage in tedious damage limitation.

I've not even checked the DM yet...

Poor Boardman - I hope he enjoys his birthday.

Edit: Turns out he did actually say the words 'I would certainly make helmets compulsory'. Go figure.

Boardman's response is classy, as ever.

https://twitter.com/Chris_Boardman/status/1033617531775397889

Also meh'd.

I also wonder if he's been misinterpreted.

"There's no reason not to wear one" and "I always wear one", or even "Everyone should wear one", are obviously not the same as "They should be made compulsory"

I can't see the original article behind the Sunday Times paywall, but it strikes me as possible that some journo has leapt to an unjustified conclusion.

Just summoned the energy to attempt the consultation again.

10 . The report from the independent expert concluded that there is a gap in the law regarding dangerous or careless cycling. Do you feel that existing laws adequately cover circumstances where a person’s cycling causes harm or injury others?

"You couldn't possibly disagree with an independent expert now, could you? Go ahead and agree with us so we can get on with this. "

What a shitshow.

Wow, I'm actually quite impressed.

What makes me feel really shit is just the callous indifference he showed

Seconded. Makes it 10x worse.

Hope you're OK, @Jimmy_Fingers

Surely the higher standards are in the testing required to operate larger vehicles.

For starters, but also IMO it is right that there is scope for stricter rules and regs that operators of those vehicles must follow on the road, which as I understand it is already the case under the Road Traffic Act.

I see what you mean about outcome, but it still feels like a huge waste of time that could be better spent in so many other ways.

There's a really pernicious notion of 'fairness' that creeps into these discussions about parity between modes of transport.

My opinion on the specific proposals isn't fully formed yet, but I'm totally with @Jezston that it's dangerous to start from the assumption that all modes should be treated equally. That way madness, and registration plates for cyclists, lie.

You operate the heavy machinery on the public highway, you get held to the higher standards.

Gave a white van man with his attention in his lap the fright of his life on Lower Thames Street this morning - a loud "Oi! Phone!" through his open window startled him in a really satisfying way.

Wet, innit? Poncho held up admirably, would tootle again.

Ah, yes. Still seems bizarre - surely they're constantly getting stuck in traffic.

Northern line from Balham this morning after crashing at a friend's place.

Noticed an advert for a car hire service with a 'virtual tour guide' - claiming to be 'the coolest way to sight-see'. Fucking hell - cars for tourists in Zone 1?!

I despair. Why is that a thing?

This was my first thought too. Bonkers.

Someone on Southwark Bridge Road this morning around 9am blasting some tunes and carrying a polo mallet.

Surely on here.

Fucking hell, that's insane. More than enough for a prosecution though, surely. Silver lining that it was on camera.

Going to give us the link, you big tease?

Proper MGIF this morning by a taxi on the approach to Southwark Bridge.

Wasn't even a bad overtake, but he hit the back of the traffic jam within 10 metres.

Did giggle as I moved over into the seg lane and left him to his 15 minute wait to get across.

Dear People of London,

The panniers I leave on my bike when it's locked up are not a fucking dustbin! Keep your Ribena cartons to yourself.

Kind regards,

Sid

Passed a group on the Embankment just now switching between the main carriageway and the cycle highway.

When they were in the main carriageway, one very grumpy looking taxi driver stuck his hand out his window to point at the cycle highway and they responded by giving him fist bumps as they went past.

The way they ride is insane, but there's such a joy in it. I found myself laughing at their tricks. Really good stuff.

"Ah, fair cop mate, I am a bit of a cunt."

Used Q5 to get to St. Thomas's Hospital today.

The signage leaves a little to be desired- ended up on the big roundabout on the south side of Lambeth Bridge sharing the road with a big old lorry.

Sorted now - closing.

2 out of 3 ain't bad.

PM'd