No cycling boom around here

[mjr]

I think some people may be put off cycling once they meet up with some of the grumpy old folk that think they own it.

...or that think it's "sport"

 

[stephec]

Converted farm building up a lane just outside the town.

http://www.leyburnbikes.com/contact-us/

Thanks PR.

 

[snorri]

It's not good here, one of the regulars is resident in an old folks home now and I saw another having to dismount and walk up the incline to the Medical Centre today. Me? Well, I wouldn't have seen the other cyclist if it weren't for the fact I had a medical appointment.

 

[Pale Rider]

Thanks PR.

No worries.

This thread has turned out like General Election night on the telly, with reports coming in from around the country.

Overall, it seems there is a swing to cycling, except in the north east which remains largely stuck in its ways.

Continuing the election theme, that's not unlike the politics around here, Conservative voters are spotted occasionally, but they are very rare.

 

[dodgy]

I think some people may be put off cycling once they meet up with some of the grumpy old folk that think they own it.

I understand that. Let me clarify, I think it's generally a Good Thing (™) that we have more cyclists. I just prefer it when there were less.

 

[Jimidh]

I understand that. Let me clarify, I think it's generally a Good Thing (™) that we have more cyclists. I just prefer it when there were less.

It's a bit like when your favourite band becomes popular.

 

[dodgy]

It's a bit like when your favourite band becomes popular.

Yes, I almost used that as an example. Pathetic isn't it?

/shrug

 

[NorthernDave]

Round the east side of Leeds, "boom" might be an exaggeration.

But unrecognisable compared with, dunno - ten years ago. Many more people on bikes - years of steady growth since the TdF. Two new bike shops in the last ten years, in addition to a fine long-established LBS and Halfords; all busy enough.

I live near the Roundhay Park-Temple Newsam "Core Route" (Leeds Council speak for a tortuously-winding-route-from-nowhere-to-nowhere-zealously-guarded-by A-frames) - well used by riders out for a pootle, and by Sky-riding groups.

Ten years ago, I would VERY rarely see another commuter - now, it's unusual not to see 3 or 4, even on my current short 2 mile commute.

Also in East Leeds, although I've only been back cycling for a year and a bit (so perhaps I'm part of the boom?), I have noticed a big increase in commuter cycling in the last 4 or 5 years.
It was once a rarity to see a cyclist on York Road (for example) it's now not uncommon to see well into double figures heading out of the city centre on an evening, and this before the CSH is finished / open and with all the faults the open sections have. My inbound journey is early (6am-ish) and I still see a few cyclists, but the numbers on an evening are definitely notable and increasing.
Plus it's a good variety of bikes. Everything from BSO's to e-bikes, MTBs, hybrids and road bikes, right up to £5k exotica, with riders in everything from work attire (suit and tie!), through leisure wear to FPK.
There are very clear variations though - numbers have increased significantly since Easter and they do seem to drop off inclement weather, but there are some hardy souls out there day in, day out.
It's interesting to note though that a good number are not using the CSH, even where it's "finished" - although of course they are under no obligation to do so. I've ridden sections of it on my road bike and the surface clearly isn't suitable for skinny tyres inflated to 100psi+, which I'm sure is a factor.

On a weekend, there are a lot of cyclists out beyond the north and east of the city - obviously I've little to judge this against only being a recent convert myself, but the sheer numbers on a good day suggest that it's a booming pastime.

In Yorkshire, we appear to be reaping the benefits of the TdF and TdY, but I'd say that cycling is definitely on the up.

 

[mark c]

Four years ago in our street it was just me cycling now i have a hole dam peleton there are the two houses to my right,who are stavanistas, then the guy opposite and there are two more up the street so i would say yes there are more cyclists.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I live in the outskirts of Glasgow, about 4 miles form the centre. Cycling facilities in my area are dire, traffic is heavy. NCN 756 starts just a mile up the road, but to get there either you take your life in your hands or you cycle on the pavement.
I have noticed an increase of utilitarian/commuting cycling since i started, 4 years ago. It used to be only me till the centre, now I see at least 2/3 cyclists a day going my way.
Once you get to town the increase is very noticeable. The new (2 years old, I think) city wide rent a bike scheme has probably contributed, but it does not reach my area.
In the west end of Glasgow, cycling is more popular than ever.
In my area (Rutherglen) we have no LBS, only a Halfords and a social enterprise run one open just 2 mornings a week.
Cycling for leisure has definitely increased: there are several clubs, two ladies only groups, at least four social enterprise bodies that run regular short, leisurely paced rides for all ages and abilities.
The increase of fast roadies on the cycle paths annoys me, as a slow cyclist, to no end!
I feel that here, cycling for leisure on segregated paths annoys the walkers, while if you take the roads drivers object.
Cyclists are not popular!

 

[Dec66]

I'm in one of many South London's dull outer suburbs. It just so happens that the one I live in is one of the main gateways to the lanes and undulations of the North Downs, Surrey and the Kentish Weald.

Pretty much every club in London comes past my house on Saturdays and Sundays, as do all the non-affiliates like me.

The numbers have gone up, and up, and up.

On my commute, too, the numbers have climbed to the point where it's actually starting to have to have your wits about you avoid a coming together with other cyclists.

I'm made up with it, quite frankly. Bike porn, every day.

 

[snorri]

I think some people may be put off cycling once they meet up with some of the grumpy old folk that think they own it.

You must remember the days when there were a lot more bikes on the road and fewer cars?

 

[screenman]

You must remember the days when there were a lot more bikes on the road and fewer cars?

To be honest, fewer cars yes, more bikes not sure.

 

[snorri]

Them new fangled horseless carriages you mean?

Yes, I would suggest cycle usage was declining as car usage was increasing up to 1971 when the increasing level of car ownership levelled off.
Of course it all gets rather complicated when we consider cycle ownership/cycle usage/average mileage per head of population/sport cycling/utility cycling over the years.

 

[Gravity Aided]

It's a bit like when your favourite band becomes popular.

Tell me about it. I'm from Central Illinois, and remember when REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, and Ronny Montrose all played at a pole barn at the fairgrounds, and afterward at a pizza place downtown.