The week’s top bike news from around the world, brought to you every Wednesday.
Local news
Go Gerro!
This week Simon Gerrans became the first Australian cyclist to win the Leige-Bastogne-Leige, one of the oldest and most prestigious races in Europe. It was a particularly sweet victory with this year also being the race’s 100th birthday. Never one to crow, Gerrans was quick to thank his Orica GreenEDGE teammates. “It was really a super hard race all the way to the finish – and I really have to thank all of them,” he said. So modest. Congrats Gerro!
Australia’s top road rides
Strava has the nation’s favourite rides all mapped out. If you’re looking for a new route, this heat map is full of inspiration.
Taxi passenger issued dooring fine
A Brighton man who was caught on camera opening the passenger door of a taxi into a bike lane on Melbourne’s Collins Street and ‘dooring’ a rider has been issued an infringement notice. The man refused to give his details to the rider at the time of the accident and the case has highlighted a significant loop hole in Victorian road laws whereby a driver is required to pass on his or her details at the scene of an accident, but a passenger is not. Measures to address this loophole are currently being explored.
International news
Smart car sees bikes
Google’s self-driving cars aren’t on the market yet, but the prototypes are getting smarter. So smart, in fact, that they can now safely maneuver around bike riders. The cars can detect when riders signal to turn and are able to recalculate their path if a rider moves in an unpredictable way. Google still has some kinks to work out before the car is road-ready, but the future looks promising.
Bikes make the best medicine
A bike ride might be just what the doctor ordered, literally. Boston doctors are boosting community health and getting more people riding by prescribing discounted bike share memberships to their patients.
Bike thief fail
This London bike thief didn’t know what he was getting into when he stole a GoCycle e-bike. Realising the bike required a charger, he called GoCycle dealer, Ben Jaconelli— not realising that the bike he’d stolen was Ben’s to begin with. Needless to say, he did not enjoy his loot for long.
Health
Get outdoors and active for a creativity boost
If you’re looking for fresh new ideas, hit the road. A recent study finds that our ability to think creatively increases while we are walking rather than sitting, and that those who exercise regularly tend to be more creative, as are those who spend more time outdoors. Conclusion? get up from your desk and on your bike!
Video
A slice of history
Take a look at this French women’s cycling race from 1926.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J7L-SrvwmM?]
Upcoming events
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Reblogged this on Cycling In & Out Of Town and commented:
A very nice memory enhancer for those old enough to remember this