On Yer Bike!

August 5, 2009

I had my first go at the Innerleithen bike trails a couple of weeks ago. Proved to be quite a challenge for my limited skills, but I enjoyed it. The red run was apparently downgraded from a black, so I found it pretty tough. As usual, there were teenage daredevils bombing down the trails making it look simple. Must confess to a certain amount of jealousy!

There are a couple of public cycling events coming up which may be of interest. The University of Glasgow is organising the 7th annual sponsored cycle in support of the Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre. The event will take place on Sunday 16 August and the meet up point is Kelvingrove Park near Kelvin Way. Participants can choose from 13 or 26 mile routes, and the entry fee is £8 for adults and £3.50 for under 16s. Details and registration at http://www.glasgow.ac.uk/cycleglasgow.

Sunday 23 August will see the closure of various city streets for the Skyride event. This one is free, and is supported by British Cycling. The focus is on family fun cycling, and there will be professional cyclists in attendance to provide encouragement and advice. Registration and more details at http://new.britishcycling.org.uk/skyride/glasgow.

Sandra White MSP is seeking to hold a Glasgow Transport Summit to discuss transport issues in the city. Seems like a great opportunity to get cycling issues on to the agenda. Send your ideas and input to Sandra at sandra.white.msp@scottish.parliament.uk or to Sandra White MSP, Baltic Chambers, Room 331, 50 Wellington Street, Glasgow, G2 6HJ.

Maryhill Police recently made two arrests and recovered three high value bikes worth over £5,000 in an operation to combat bike theft in the area. Obviously, prevention is the best way to avoid bike theft. A friend had a very expensive Klein bike nicked from Byres Road a couple of years back. He described the sickening feeling in his stomach as when he realised the bike was gone. Police advice on bike security is as follows:
• Take a clear colour photograph of your bike, and make a written description, including any unique features, so that you can report it accurately if stolen.
• Security-mark the bicycle, in at least two places, using a tamper resistant label, etching or an inaccessible electronic device. One mark should preferably be on the frame and one of the locations should not be clearly visible.
• Take out insurance (extend home content or a separate policy),
• Keep your bike padlocked in a secure garage or shed, and keep the door locked.
• Keep it out of public view.
• Secure it through the frame to an immovable object.
• Don’t always leave your bike in the same place and avoid isolated or dimly lit places.
• Take smaller or removable parts with you (lights, pumps, computers, panniers and quick release saddles).
• Buy a quality lock, hardened steel D-shaped locks are recommended as the minimum standard.
I leave my bike chained up in the close, though this is not an option for everyone. Some folks favour riding an old banger just to divert attention of thieves.

Written by Martin Graham · Filed Under Cycling, Features, Local News, Sport | Leave a Comment