I wear my short cuff carbon fibre armoured summer motorbike gloves when I ride because I know the instinct is to put your hands out when you fall and I like my hands with skin

I commute on my bike if it's not raining. If your riding in the dark I would recommend bright gloves as although drivers can see your lights they can't see your hand signals with black gloves. 👍

@@chrisnielsen9885 I totally agree, hands with skin are just better

@@MikeWalls7829 I was riding my motorbike on the main highway one winter here in NZ, it was raining and just above freezing temp and I was thinking how wonderful my heated grips and thick winter gloves were, when I got passed by a Harley rider with no gloves at all lol

Dress for the slide, not the ride.

Counterpoint: if you find hills to be a "gruelling workout", then that's probably a sign that you don't have enough low gears on the bike. The idea is that you should be able to proceed comfortably, with the same pedal pressure and cadence as you would on the level, just more slowly. If you find yourself constantly dropping into the lowest gear and still struggling, then something is wrong. A lot of "city" bikes and some of the cheaper models of other types have their lowest gear somewhere around 38-40", which is a difficult gear for all but the gentlest of hills, especially if loaded with shopping. I did the C2C route many years ago, on a cheap 10-speed bike fitting that description, and that was painful with a lot of walking. A low gear of 30" is already a big improvement here, and it's not difficult to find reasonably inexpensive bikes with 25" gears if you know what to look for. I customised my 24-speed hybrid with a 21.5" granny gear, since I sometimes haul a cargo trailer with it; I don't spend much time in the lowest gears, but they mean I almost never have to get off and push just because of a hill. You don't need a large *number* of gears, so long as they cover the right *range*. It's also worth noting that a lot of "road sport" bikes also have an absurdly high bottom gear, because they're designed for athletes (or aspiring athletes) with a focus on speed rather than practicality. You can usually recognise these bikes by drop handlebars, two gears at the front and up to a dozen at the back, and no mudguards or luggage facilities. They might look sleek, but they have no place in the city. To calculate the lowest gear you have on this basis, multiply the tyre size (typically 24" for a city bike or 28" for a hybrid) by the ratio of the smallest front gear to the largest rear gear. If you have a geared hub, you'll also need to look up its lowest internal gear ratio and multiply by that; for a 3-speed this will usually be either ¾ (for the many Sturmey-Archer AW clones) or 11/15 (for the Shimano Nexus 3). It's very common to find a 3-speed hub like this set up with a 3:1 or 5:2 ratio on the chain, which is probably too steep; a 2:1 or 3:2 ratio is better, depending on the wheel size. The tradeoff is that the high gear will be slower, but that's less important. Note also that some hubs have their lowest internal gear at exactly 1:1, including some of the newer Sturmey-Archer models, and that should probably be matched with a 1:1 or lower ratio on the chain.

@@Kromaatikse Dude there's hills around where I live that no amount of low gears will allow you to go up them without getting seriously out of breath!

⁠@Kromaatikse I find cycling on a flat, smooth road a gruelling workout due to failing joints. Add in any resistance of a hill into the equation and chances are I will be taking up plenty of NHS resources due to the inability to move. Hence why I haven’t ridden a bike for many years and the availability of e-bikes opens up cycling again to those of us that, until recently, have been unable to A lot of issues aren’t just around cardio fitness, being “out of breath” can be due to pain as well 👍

Studies show that any exercise is considerably better than none, and she is certainly getting it on an ebike in assist mode. Can lower the assistance as she gets fitter. And good point, can control the exercise pace so never get sweaty.

​@@CraigNielYes, my 70 something year old dad gets out on an e-bike and climbs a huge hill back to his house. No way that can be done on a standard bike.

They aren't, for the very reasons you state.

What a great idea! I think education is the way to address the terrible attitude towards cyclists. A lot of the perceived bad behaviour is easily explained if people are interested.

I got my road sense doing 30-40mph on a twelve speed bicycle building up speed behind buses pulling away from bus stops

I did the IAM RoadSmart Fast Track course (driving) and as brilliant as it was overall, it did bug me a little that they regarded cyclists as somewhat of an obstacle to overcome, all be it in a safe as possible manner. At one point my instructor, who again was brilliant on the whole and DID NOT know I was a keen cyclist actually made an off the cuff remark about cyclists all having cameras these days and reporting drivers "out of spite" which rubbed me up the wrong way, I let it go at the time but wish I'd have said something now.

@@chris1275cc Shades of Jeremy Vine and Cycling Mikey...

@@chris1275cc Would be interesting to know what he thinks of drivers having dashcams, and if he views those as for personal protection and fraud prevention. Cyclists don't get the same benefit of the doubt: A cyclist with a camera is just looking to cause trouble for law breaking motorists...

@@RCEASTMIDLANDS To be fair to the guy although I still wish I would have said something at the time, it felt more like a poor choice of words and that's really what I had issues with. Some people (maybe even most) will only do bad things when they think they are likely to get away with it, and letting those people know it's not as likely as it used to be may not be such a bad thing. It certainly did not reflect his attitude to cyclists in general.

Slowed the vid down it was Delta Taxis Bootle that close passed Ashley , a professional driver not !

That close pass was a disgrace. Am I surprised the police didn't U turn and go and have a word with the driver? Not really. They are either too busy or just can't be bothered anymore and so the cycle (excuse the pun) or ever decreasing respect for doing the right thing and standards gets worse.

@@cactusbase3088I’ve had people close pass me with a marked car behind and nothing done. I’ve also been close passed by marked cars and nothing done when reported.

Merge in turn applies to pushbikes as well! Though assuming other vehicle operators will allow you to proceed first is dangerous - The Highway Code says to always look all around before moving out.

I disagree. Flashing lights, especially this penchant for ultra bright lights (solid included) are as dangerous as a full size main beam unit. It's all about how they're adjusted maybe?

I always have a solid light on my backpack, i tilt the front one down so I can see potholes and a second one pointing forwards to the left away from traffic a little. I use them in the day too. And even then, you get some driver who still feels the need to come inches from the bike, swerve infront and slam their breaks on. Or stop with their wheel kissing the path so you cant filter past them. And if somehow you do, expect them to try and knock you off further up the road after the lights. For some reason, when most drivers see a cyclist, they get tunnel vision. "Must overtake. Must ensure the cyclist never passes again." As a driver too, I try to hold back and give them a car space when I overtake, and make sure if a car suddenly pulls out, they got room to swerve away too.

@@androidcaller7902 there is a science behind it, an experiment was done to see how quickly you can be spotted from afar if you have your lights on flashing or solid. Even my personal experience correlate with it. And the conclusion of that experiment is you get seen easier with lights flashing than solid. Yes, if you're an experienced cyclist, you should know the angle of your lights is important even the type of light is, some lights you can't see from the side. I'm not arguing against solid light, but I'm arguing that flashing is better for being spotted. There is a reason why emergency vehicles have flashing lights rather than solid.

Just a note: German regulations *prohibit* flashing cycle lights, and it's virtually impossible to buy any that do if you live there. Then again, that's a country which has cycle paths and shared-use paths (both clear of motor traffic) virtually everywhere in cities. Cycling "on the pavement" is not only normal there, it's actively encouraged.

Good comment. I do this too, and in all weathers. Flashing lights get the attention of all but a handful of drivers and make your road positioning adjustments all the more visible.

I've written through central London recently with Travis and Sigrid and I actually found the roads not to be a problem. If you're expecting a seamless journey, you won't get it, but you need to be always ready to fix other people's issues.

You’ve written through? With a celebrity cat guy? And it’s all good 🤯

That sounds like the end line for a US Presidential tv ad campaign. "My name is Thomas Elliott and I approve this message". 😀

@@ibs5080 and I approve of this reply 👍🙂

Modern pads do not require bedding in.

Yes, gloves essential. You don't want to hit the deck with arms outstretched with your bare hands taking the impact. Makes me wince thinking about the pain and post-accident discomfort. Fingerless ones for the summer.

@user-un7eu8ud8l Plus I forgot to mention that cold hands are less smooth in their reactions.

They do in a large number! Modern cycle training is a lot more advanced than the old Cycle Proficiency Scheme, so it's well worth ensuring your kids' school has a certified instructor come in to provide the training.

It's nice to hear you make use of your E bike 👍

Same with me which is why I had to stop cycling. If we had better infrastructure here I would consider an e-bike to get back out there…unfortunately too many crazy drivers out there with poor infrastructure to warrant getting one at the moment. I will stick with walking into town and driving further afield for now

Fitting hydraulic brakes to an E bike can be a little more tricky.

@@ashley_neal how can it be more tricky?

@@dylillama5203 They have the added complication of switches in the leavers to cut the motor when pulled.

Give it a few more miles or perhaps that trip to Wales and the brakes will be squawking louder than any crazy bird

I think you might be right but I understand the way to 'bed' them in is to 'drag' the brakes without coming to a stop. (???) I made the mistake of not doing this on a new bike once and was plagued with squealing/juddery discs.

@@alextw1488 Can do either as long as get some temp into them. Must say dragging them does perhaps seem to bed them in quicker. Focus on one brake at a time of course.

Great video btw 😘

The helmet has it's own lights 😜👍

​@@ashley_neal Wow, I liked how compact and close to the head it is, but that's even cooler. Awesome! 🤘🔥

Because it's telling drivers how to treat cyclists from a driver's perspective

Totally agree. Wouldn't it also be great if all motorists drove like Ashley? We could cover it with all 'roadusers'. Seems unlikely though. Some cyclists are children and some motorists are like the professional driver in the clip, so we have problems to overcome

Do you think that is pavement?

@@ashley_neal well it’s a little patch of pavement

There's no pavement in the cul-de-sacs where I live. They are just tarmaced areas that cover the services to the houses. There's no in the world that I would block anyone on a pavement.👍

@@ashley_neal i didn’t say you had blocked anyone you seem a bit upset with my comment.

Not at all. Always a pleasure with your good self 👍

It's not ideal, but sometimes there's no other option. In Amsterdam, they don't have bin lorry collections like we do in the UK. There are underground bins dotted about the place and you can take your rubbish there at any time. Those bins are then emptied by lorry, but the road layout is designed so the lorry doesn't need to get anywhere near a cycle lane.

People need to be able to drive, but people also need to stop relying on cars for every part of their mobility.

Not much point complaining about congestion when driving half a mile to a corner shop, and are the congestion, holding up drivers on longer journeys.

@@mikewade777 You clearly don't understand sarcasm! At what point did I mention complaining about congestion? Who are you talking about "holding up drivers on longer journeys"?

@@ashley_neal Maybe you should preach and teach that on your driving lessons!

@@powernab8457 "We need to get away from these cars''... What do you get when you have a lot of cars?... Why does lots of cars cause congestion?... Why do people complain about congestion when they cause it, even though they didn't need to drive a walking distance?... People who don't need to drive hold up those who do, and contribute to congestion🤦‍♂️ Should we knock down homes and destroy greenbelt for the lazy, or should we encourage people to use alternative forms of transport for short trips?

As a cyclist, I'd have used the hatched area too as it reduces the likelihood of an illegal overtake while one is turning right. However, I think Ashley used it because he could tell the vehicle behind wasn't adjusting speed which is poor on their part.

@@unsafevelocities5687 As a cyclist there’s no way I would have used the hatched area like that, drivers wouldn’t expect me to be there, and it is there choice whether to overtake me or not rather than me forcing them to undertake me unnaturally.

@@scottvessey915 It's not unnatural to pass to the left of vehicles turning right and it's perfectly legal to do so. It also helps traffic flow. What you said doesn't make sense. If following drivers have a choice about overtaking then they have a choice not to undertake too. They aren't forced to undertake either. And I don't know why a driver shouldn't expect a two wheeler to be in the hatched area, especially when turning right. Also for pedal power, your good opportunity to move out often occurs slightly too soon for the turning area. You know that.

@@unsafevelocities5687 It is unnatural for ANY vehicle to be being driven or ridden over hatched areas for that amount of time or distance. I believe it was more risky to be riding in the hatched area for that distance than it would have been to take a regular position then move over on approach to the junction. If I'm the one who wants to turn, it's up to me to anticipate my distance from the junction and the traffic around me, identifying the best opportunity to move over while keep myself and others safe, and that means being seen (not potentially being obscured by an A pillar) and being predictable (not riding in the hatched area SO far before the junction) You do things your way, and I'll do them mine thanks.

Whataboutisms!🤦‍♂️...Bus drivers shouldn't be picking up passengers whilst in traffic. Bus drivers should not be blocking pedestrian crossings.

The US requirement is the only Ebike law that made sense to me, in a way that did Ebikes justice. Aniioki 60Ah 1000watt 52volt, 75 miles Throttle only, 5 hours, average 15 mph still charge left. 200 miles with pedal assist. Cheaper the than the UK legal WAU X and more range.

Mechanical bikes won't disappear, they are just getting better, and will get you fit much quicker and much more so, than an ebike.

@@mikewade777 Good. I'm starting to really like older components like friction shifters. I do like disc brakes better. I just don't want to see everything becoming electronic. I like older bikes with their classic lines and swept back bars.

Because they're different things & different rules apply.

@beardyface8492 few rules for cyclists and they are not inforced anyway. At least motorcyclists have to pass a test and need insurance.

Motorised vehicles required test yes, speed restricted legal ebike not a requirement, problem solved. @@richardgiles2484

@@richardgiles2484 Like I said, different things, & no I don't support raising the minimum age to ride a bicycle to 16, or forcing 6 year old kids to go buy insurance. Or the sheer cost of doing CBT courses & administration of the certificates for everyone including small kids.

I didn't know that.👍

@@ashley_neal yes, it's really not been communicated very well. As far as I can see, nobody has documented this process on KZfaq. As you have a suitable bike, then you might consider doing a video about it? I think it would be a valuable contribution. It's essentially a 'motorcycle single vehicle approval' (search for MSVA manual). In 2019 they introduced a category called 250W LPM (low powered moped), which is legally equivalent to an EAPC in the UK. It's a big document, but if you trawl through it, you'll find the things your bike needs in order to comply. I think it's just a front light and a stand if it's above a certain weight. It'll cost £55 at a DVSA centre, but then you'll be able to fit and use the throttle legally up to 15.5mph.

@@ashley_neal ok, I've gone over it. It basically just needs lights front and rear, plus usual reflectors. A bell/horn and a stand. Nearest IVA test centre to you is in Oldham. Requirements for a 250W Low Power Moped from MSVA Manual: 01 Stands: 250W LPM needs a prop or centre stand that can keep the bicycle upright in all steering positions. If the bike is over 35kg with battery, the stand needs to automatically retract when the bicycle is tilted vertically / pushed forward. OR an inhibitor switch needs to prevent the motor running if the stand is down. 02 Mirrors: Unbodied Vehicle: No requirement for mirrors on a 250W LPM. 03 Mirrors: Bodied Vehicles: Does not apply to 2 wheeled vehicles. 04 Speedometer: Does not apply to low powered mopeds. 05 Audible Warning: 250W LPM needs a bell or horn. 06 Lighting: 250W LPM requires: Front white light Rear red light Non-triangular red rear reflector Amber pedal reflectors 08 External Projections - Unbodied Vehicles: This does apply to 250W LPM, basically, make sure there's nothing sharp and pointy sticking out! 09 External Projections - Bodied Vehicles: Does not apply to 2 wheeled vehicles. 10 Rear Registration Plate: Does not apply to 250W LPM. 11 Handholds: Does not apply to 250W LPM if no pillion passenger seat. 12 Headlamp Pattern - Unbodied Vehicles: 250W LPM front light should not dazzle. 13 Headlamp Aim - Bodied Vehicles: Does not apply to unbodied 250W LPM. 14 Design and Construction: 250W LPM should be adequately constructed and not present a danger to the rider or other road users. 15 Tyres: 250W LPM should have tyres suitable for the machine. 16 Brakes: 250W LPM can have pushbike brakes, one independently operating front wheel, the other independently operating rear wheel. 17 Radio Suppression: Does not apply to 250W LPM. 18, 19, 20 Exhaust System / Noise Does not apply to 250W LPM. 21 Brake Performance: 250W LPM should have adequate braking performance. 22 Goods Vehicle Identification Plate: Does not apply to 250W LPM. 23 Engine Power Restriction Information Plate: Does not apply to 250W LPM. 24 Defrost/Demist: Does not apply to two wheeled vehicles. 25 Seat Belts: Does not apply to two wheeled vehicles. 26, 27 Glazing & Wipers: Does not apply if not fitted. 29 Glossary: 250W LPM must be: fitted with pedals which are capable of propelling it. fitted with no motor other than electric with a max continuous power of 250W and cannot propel the bike above 16mph.

360 camera on an arm 👍

A 30 mph e-bike would be an electric moped (regardless if it has pedals or not). Even with a car licence (issued after 1-2-2001) you'd need to pass CBT then follow the same rules as any other moped. If it was issued before that, you DO have the rights to also ride mopeds, so you can have such an e-bike, subject to following moped rules (registration, tax, insurance, helmet, etc.) For an electric motorcycle, you'd need to pass the motorcycle test, but could obviously have a faster one. I can't speak to what Ashley's preference would be though.