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Commuter cyclist

@smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social
173 followers 138 following 866 posts

Cycles for commuting. Active travel enthusiast. Bad driving/bad infrastructure unenthusiast.

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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
What must you do to be disqualified for life from driving? Kill someone, while disqualified, while on drugs, while driving 80mph, then lie about your involvement to the police and continue being aggressive to them every time they question you.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Tragic story of house fire caused by Li-ion battery. In other news, Li-ion batteries are in e-bikes. Thanks BBC for making this non-sequitur the main item. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Lithium-ion battery fire killed Bootle mum and three children
Elisha Brabin, 36, and three of her children, died after a blaze at their home in Bootle, Merseyside.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This is good to see, but there would be far cheaper ways of Thames Valley Police making a dent in mobile phone driving. For example, actually doing something about reports from members of the public, especially when they come with video evidence. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
The undercover HGV catching drivers on their phones in the Thames Valley
More drivers are risking lives by using mobile phones despite tougher penalties, police say.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Saw this highly respectful coach in the flesh (as it were) yesterday on the Headington Roundabout. Fantastic stuff and apparently it's been around for 3 years already. @remembrancewatch.bsky.social www.route-one.net/news/stageco...
route-one.net
Stagecoach West unveils poppy-liveried Oxford Tube coach - routeone
Stagecoach West has unveiled a Plaxton Panorama coach in its Oxford Tube fleet that has been treated to a poppy-themed livery.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
This is quite a well-written article - it's clear about what's (il)legal. I don't think David Kennedy from the Scottish Police Federation's concern comes across well: the problem with balaclavas is that that means you're not wearing a helmet. Really? That's the problem? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Balaclava boys on electric bikes: How to tackle the problem?
The sight of masked young men on electric bikes or motorcycles is becoming increasingly familiar - what can be done about it?
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
"Highly inappropriate" say the police, but with no explanation of why. Maybe it's a procedural reason, or maybe that it's just the police spokesperson talking nonsense. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Oxfordshire Quiet Lane speed limit change agreed despite police concern
The first speed limit reduction as part of Oxfordshire County Council's scheme is approved.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Although I agree with this post in that I wear a helmet for the same reason, the data here are from the Netherlands, which famously has many cyclists and lots of segregation. For the UK, the figure is >4x as likely to be killed by a motor vehicle. www.gov.uk/government/s...
gov.uk
Reported road casualties in Great Britain: pedal cycle factsheet, 2024
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Really good read. Most striking to me was that 50% of the riders were actually on legal bikes - it seems like much lower.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Although the case that has brought this about is really horrific, I'm very unconvinced by TV OPCC's arguments here. Such an amendment would seem to say that one person's life is worth more than another's.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
This is poor riding, but the police comments are incomprehensible. The rider stays on his side of the road (by the looks of it), so the issue would be with the proximity to the parked car - what's that got to do with him being close passed at another time? www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
bbc.co.uk
Ilkley cyclist who reported bad driving fined for bad riding
West Yorkshire Police say the rider was also guilty of not adhering to the Highway Code.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Terrible reporting once again by the BBC again. Their reporters apparently couldn't find anyone who supports this despite there being plenty on the consultation. @nathanley.com I notice that OCC managed to get this through despite a belligerent HM... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Controversial Carterton schools car ban set to start in September
ANPR cameras will monitor streets and see parents walk students to school from nearby car parks.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Last sentence presumably reads: A search was also conducted under prolonged and considerable duress.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
In my irritation with these posts always being unfinished, I've decided to do it for them. The last sentence should read: "if you don't comply then we will shoot on sight".
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Ahem @thamesvalleypolice.bsky.social
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Chicken, egg, chicken, egg... but which came first?
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Just caught this person on their phone while driving again. Caught her before in Jan 2024 (see picture). Police apparently did nothing. Maybe a repeat offence while she's moving this time will spur them into action, but I'm not holding my breath.
Snapshot of a car looking through driver's window. A lady in a puffer jacket is holding her phone with lit up screen in her right hand.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
I don't like singling out particular people on here, but this bit of news comes as no surprise given his rabidly anti-LTN views. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Oxford councillor Sajjad Malik admits driving 53mph in 30mph zone
Sajjad Malik is an independent councillor on Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
This is not great. Oxfordshire bucks the trend thanks to 20mph limits. In my experience, TVP took video reporting more seriously in 2023 and 2024 then gave up. Anecdotal of course, but if perhaps if they actually actioned people being caught on their phones, they could have reduced this a bit.
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Reposted by Commuter cyclist
Sally Kyd @profkyd.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
This is a really poor headline. @birminghamlive.bsky.social campaigns for lifetime bans for some drivers who kill. Why not take the opportunity to educate the public about the issues at stake? share.google/j0uGjQMf7sVH...
share.google
DVLA rule means 157,000 drivers automatically face losing their licence
In total, 1,231,744 are currently at increased risk of a driving ban
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
The BBC is so begrudging about the congestion charge (see headline). Leads with Liam Walker's reaction and finishes with it too with first reaction from pro-councillor Dan Levy consigned to two-thirds of the way through. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Oxford congestion charge pays for cheaper bus travel for some
The £5.2m generated by Oxford's congestion charge will help fund NHS and school workers' commute.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Seconded here. Thanks @andrewgant.bsky.social .
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Betteridge's law strikes again. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Are Oxford congestion charge signs causing confusion for drivers?
Questions have been raised over a series of Oxford road signs and how they might be misinterpreted.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Angry drivers had a go at me yesterday along this stretch. Good news is they've found each other now. Warms the cockles of my heart.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Sometimes we can get quite cross about sentences handed to drivers that kill/seriously injure. This is not a driver, but it seems outrageously lenient. Not quite sure how throwing someone from 4th floor isn't attempted murder. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Man jailed for throwing girlfriend from Solihull tower block
Jordan Herring, 22, is jailed for five years following the attack in November 2022.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
Cycling to work on first Monday back after school holidays: MGIFs, close passes, utter fury from one driver for passing him in a long queue as exemplified by him sitting on my tail later and sounding his horn for several seconds. At least it was sunny...
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Am I naive about SJPs or is this nonsense from the BBC? Magistrates don't ban for a 6-point offence alone (not replying to s172) if the original offence was only a 3-point one. Presumably Price just ignored the whole thing, which is her MO. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... @profkyd.bsky.social ICYMI.
Screenshot of BBC article that says: "Due to the secretive nature of the court process, it is not known if Price was given the chance to argue against another driving ban, it is unclear whether the court knew of her previous driving record and the records do not show if she already had penalty points on her licence."
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
I wonder if this private hire vehicle will barge past me while I'm on a mini-roundabout?
Perspective of cyclist on mini-roundabout: in the wet, a black car is just crossing its give way line from the left of the camera's perspective.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Does the BBC weather app realise what 0% chance of rain actually means?
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Are you sure you want to overtake right now?
View of two-way/two-lane road, roadworks on left hand side. Lorry cab can be seen in the right-hand lane. A little further down the road three oncoming cars can be seen. It's a wet day (i.e. this year).
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Be interesting to see if TVP do anything about this one. Usually they require evidence of a thumb or finger pushing on a phone screen. I only have ~2 minutes of holding, rolling forward and speaking into the phone.
View looking into blue car at driver (in orange coat) holding a phone with a lit up screen on a messaging app.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
But surely this won't be as effective as TVP giving a friendly warning to phone drivers?
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Reposted by Commuter cyclist
Cargo Bike Ben @cargobikeben.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Forget the 1.5m at 30mph or 2m above nonsense. Keep it simple. Get all four wheels across the line, or get six points and a fine. Drivers struggle to judge distance, especially at speed. The line is a clear marker.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Like any good doctor or dentist, DCS Cox knows that prevention is better than cure, even though he does a lot of the latter.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
Apropos of Paul Doyle, here's what the sentencing council has to say about lifetime driving disqualification "Lifetime disqualifications will be rare, in particular because of the increased risk of breach...". Wrong priorities anyone? sentencingcouncil.org.uk/guidelines/d...
sentencingcouncil.org.uk
Driving disqualification
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
This article genuinely had the line: "A study... found that casualties dropped by 22% three years after 20mph speed limits were introduced - a fall, but not a statistically significant one." Presentation of stats at its finest. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Evan Davis: Why so many people break 20mph speed limits
After receiving a speeding ticket, Evan Davis explores why so many people have broken 20mph limits across the country.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Horrendous case once again. But how can someone plead guilty to causing death by dangerous driving but also be charged for causing death by careless driving when over the limit for alcohol for the same offence? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Rapper Ghetts admits causing death by dangerous driving
The musician killed Yubin Tamang, 20, in Ilford, north-east London, in a hit-and-run collision.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Fab stuff from xkcd once again. My family will only be safe with Boudicca-style implements on my car's wheels. xkcd.com/3167/
xkcd.com
Car Size
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
@profkyd.bsky.social Not sure if you'd seen this. Not expecting you to comment on a live case, but strange (to me) that the charge is causing death by dangerous driving but prosecutor says to jury: "...the prosecution say he was driving carelessly at that point". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Fatal royal outrider crash footage shown to Old Bailey jury
A Met Police outrider denies causing death by careless driving after he hit an 81-year-old woman.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
I was worried that the congestion charge was toothless and easily avoided. Turns out that all the scare-mongering by the council opposition may have unwittingly misinformed people that they can't drive within the ring road at all. Which is fine with me!
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
If I should fry, think only this of me
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
This is really good and hope the government take notice/action! I'm not totally convinced by the definition of negligent driving yet: mainly b/c there are so few 'must/must not' rules in the HC.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
Exactly this. It's a particularly horrible way of extracting money from the vulnerable and concentrating into those who prey upon them.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
Filling out TVP's online form for being close passed to find out it has changed again to ask even more questions. Who do they think is towing a caravan with a pedal bike?
Question says "Was it towing anything?" Options include "Single trailer"; "Double or multiple trailers"; "Caravan".
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
More tedious law-misunderstanding from TVP. Apparently this doesn't show evidence of interaction, so would fall down in court. The law doesn't talk about 'interaction'. It says 'using' and that using includes holding a phone with an illuminated screen.
Still from a cyclist's helmet camera showing BMW driver holding a phone with both hands. The right thumb is touching the screen and the phone is lit up on WhatsApp.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Back to school, back to traffic, back to reporting phone drivers...
Grey Tesla with driver holding lit up phone (both hands off the wheel).Blue Audi with driver holding phone with lit up screen (both hands off the wheel again).
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Slightly strange from the BBC: why is this former police detective using the word accident throughout rather than incident or collision? This is basic stuff and rather undermines the author's authority in the area. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Car accidents: The six things you should do if you're in a crash
I've attended many car accidents for work, but being directly involved in one gave me a different perspective.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Shall I use the free car park on the same side of the road as the shops (see red arrow)? No, I'll park half on the junction half on the pavement, blocking viewing of the pedestrian crossing for other drivers. For some reason this is a trend. @badlyparkedox.bsky.social
Road junction with car parked half on pavement half on junction opposite some shops. A free car park on the same side of the shops is pointed out by a red arrow.
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Reposted by Commuter cyclist
Carlton Reid @carltonreid.com · 06/08/2025
“If drivers had to pay the full and true costs of motoring the only people who could afford to drive would be multi-millionaires.” My letter about the hidden costs of motoring is in the latest @privateeyenews.bsky.social
Spinning your wheels
Sir,
R.L. Vickers ("Freight of history", Letters, Eye 1654) asserts that "public transport eats taxes, private transport provides tax revenues.”

In fact, the hidden costs of motoring's many downsides far outweigh the tax receipts. These socialised costs - gridlock, air and noise pollution, emergency services costs, road damage, public health impacts from sedentary lifestyles and deaths from road crashes - are met only partially by motorists.
Motoring taxation raises about £40bn per year, while a recent report from the Royal College of Physicians estimates that the annual cost of air pollution alone is as much as £50bn.

If drivers had to pay the full and true costs of motoring the only people who could afford to drive would be multi-millionaires.

CARLTON REID,
Motoring journalist and author of "Roads Were Not Built for Cars", Newcastle on Tyne.
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Andy's rule strikes again. Trump promotes classical architecture apparently... he hides it well. I can only assume Sir Simon actively enjoys trolling everyone. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
He may talk rubbish but Trump has an eye for beauty, and that is a breath of fresh air | Simon Jenkins
The US president promotes classical architecture and loathes ‘ugly’ wind turbines. Keir Starmer would dismiss him as a nimby, but on this Trump has a point, says Guardian columnist Simon Jenkins
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Commuter cyclist @smallfoggyhouse.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
After some chasing and more chasing, the driver apparently got a warning. So, for TVP, driving while using your mobile phone then trying to run down the cyclist that saw you (while close passing another cyclist to get to them) is pretty much fine. I've submitted a complaint (first time ever).
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