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British Police forces had many extended trials of e-bikes over a decade from 2006 on. Amusingly the bikes were all illegal at the time, as were most of ours. That was because the law at the time set a 200 watt rating limit, but all the bikes they trialled on the roads were 250 watt rated, like...

Plimsolls. Now there's a word that immediately ages the user. .

No OG, it's these Nike ones: Apparently that flag dated back to civil war times and was later adopted by US Nazis. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-48840608 .

It wasn't only the Nike so called "Nazi" flag shoes that have offended, the Katy Perry ones on this link have been accused of racism. Storms in teacups, I've seen more offensive things on peoples T shirts. .

"He was undone on that occasion by the revelation that he had bought a fashionable home in Notting Hill, with the help of an interest-free £373,000 loan from his millionaire ministerial colleague Geoffrey Robinson. When Mr Mandelson filled in a Britannia Building Society mortgage form to buy the...

They don't make the decisions so don't need balance, they implement them. Decisions have to be accepted by the democratically elected European Parliament. Amazing how little the critics of the EU understand about it. .

You mean when you think I'm wrong, I'm right. It must be very irritating for you. .

As I typed it I smiled knowing that you would undoubtedly pick up on this! However, I posted about greater diversity within MEP areas, not less as Zlatan was claiming. You may also remember my saying that the democratic position was far from perfect, and also posting more than once that the...

Not quite. Their Chief Officer has said he doesn't wish to prosecute, but it's still up to his officers. His problem, I'm sure you'll understand, is that in his position he cannot order his officers to ignore the law. His job is to uphold the law. .

That is the theory, but it rather falls down due to the extent of the area and population each MEP represents. They are hardly communities, often containing over a million people in widely differing communities. The diversity within many MEPs territories means they are effectively representing...

Of course, how could we have a top job in an institution we've always been trying to undermine by being the awkward squad? .

No, police officers generally seem aware of the correct position. I've ridden past them on the pavement with no notice taken. On one occasion in Selsdon when I was riding slowly toward three officers walking, one stepped back into line for me to pass. Agreed. No-one should take advantage in...

I disagree, one still has a defence. The guidance from the minister is very clear. The cyclist may take to the pavement with care if they feel threatened, not whether a police officer feels they are threatened. The cyclist can take the matter to court instead of accepting the ticket, arguing...

The Chinese Tonaro company no longer exists so new batteries are no longer available. However, if you follow Neale's advice above, ebikebatteries.co.uk will do an excellent job of fitting new cells in your one. I'd avoid any upgrading of voltage since the crank motor unit in these bikes can...

Pedestrians always complain about cyclists wherever they are, local papers constantly get letters complaining about them. As I've already posted, you can take to the pavement out of genuine fear of traffic, but obviously must do as you and I already do, ride very slowly when near pedestrians...

When police and PCSOs were given the authority to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for pavement cycling in 1999 the Home Office minister Paul Boetang issued this guidance: "The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out...

Halfords have just mailed me about their range of e-scooters. They cynically clearly expect them to be used illegally, though they do spell out in the mailer that they are competely illegal on UK roads and pavements and can only be used on private land. Here's the link to view the mailer...

Not so, I use my own mind. I've known the intent since the Treaty of Rome, reinforced for those who bothered to keep informed when we joined the EEC in the 1970s. I've always agreed with that intent, the need was very clear following WW2. .

A united one country Europe would be more like the USA, so possibly the president elected in a similar way. The larger the unit, the more inevitable it is that democratic influence becomes more remote. But that's the cost of necessarily being a big unit in what is increasingly a world of giants. .

True, and of course intentional, since it's necessary for the policy of guiding towards a united country of Europe. That could never be achieved by negotiation alone between so many countries, though the steps towards that end is by individual treaties . So each step is democratic and can...