Magpies and bikers

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Surprisingly, an Australian piece of news appeared in 2019 indicating that a man died because of a magpie attack. This shocking issue made me ask myself whether or not this incident was usual. It freaked me out reading that 4,000 attacks from magpies took place in Australia in 2019, 70% of which had cyclists as victims. These impressive figures provoked the creation of the dedicated web Magpie alert to record attacks and advise people:

  • If a magpie swoops while you are cycling, it will probably stop swooping if you get off your bike and walk.

  • How to cable tie your cycling helmet

They say injuries tend to occur when cyclists fall off their bikes during a magpie attack. Better, keep calm instead of flailing since it may come across as aggressive behavior and provoke the birds further.

Moreover, these birds are a protected native species in Australia, so it is illegal to kill them or take their eggs or chicks. Indeed, residents are urged to stay away from trees where magpies are known to breed.

Going a step further from the famous Hitchcock movie, it seems like the birds swoop when they perceive an unknown threat by an intruder. Furthermore, magpies are smart enough to recognize people as well as their habits and will not swoop anyone they have come to know and trust. Raven acts similarly. For example, Istanbul inhabitants suffered raven attacks in 2014 probably due to the fact that a crow was run over by a car.

Solid tires

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Some years ago, a new generation of tires for bicycles appeared in the market. Its main innovation consisted in being solid. This issue is widespread in other markets such as motorbikes or scooters. As far as I know, Tannus and few other companies sell them. The first firm sells solid, patented tires. Although they still present a low introduction in the bike market, those who have tested them offer interesting points in favor and against them.

On the one hand, the most positive issue is say goodbye to punctures and flat tires. Since it has no air, they can not get a puncture. Additionally, solid tires last for more time and kilometers in comparison with traditional tires. Versatility is also a good point at least in the Tannus catalog since other companies offer a reduced stock. Not only proposes this firm several tire colors, but also different sizes and surface patterns. Moreover, the impact of weather on them is reduced as a result of the specific chemical compounds (Either in the case of the Tannus tires) these tires are made of. What is more, at least in this case the material is environmentally safe.

On the other hand, such tires present disadvantages. They are more expensive and slightly outweigh the traditional tires. However, Tannus affirms that if you take into account the tools to repair a puncture, then their tires weight less than the air ones. Furthermore, and at least with the Tannus tires, the mounting process is peculiar. I am not saying that it is difficult or impossible, rather it is challenging and laborious, and you need to be strong enough specially in the mounting step. And the fact of no allowing adjusting air pressure based on terrain could be a problem if you ride on different surfaces.

A third option appeared in the marked consisting in the hybrid solution. I mean considering an air and solid tire. It has two zones. The inner one is similar to the traditional tire and full of air, whereas the outer area is exclusively solid. This way bikers gain extra resistance against punctures and they can adjust air pressure.

3rd June

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UN declared 3rd June as the World Bicycle Day in April 2018. As they said, International days are occasions to educate the general public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. International days are proposed by member states to the UN General Assembly. This Assembly determines by consensus whether to adopt the resolution establishing the particular day, 3rd June in this case.

Leszek Sibilski leaded a campaign to promote a resolution of the UN for the International Bicycle Day. It went ahead thanks to the support of 57 countries. Finally, it was adopted by a consensus of 193 member states. The International Bicycle Day logo was designed by Isaac Feld and professor John F. Swanson defined the one’s animation.

Why do we celebrate it? The bicycle is simple, affordable, reliable, clean, environmentally sustainable of transportation, and improves your health. UN acknowledged bike as the uniqueness, longevity and versatility which has been in use for two centuries. Indeed, they encourages member states to:

  • pay special attention to the bike cross-cutting development strategies and to include the bicycle in international, regional, national and subnational development policies and programmes

  • improve road safety and integrate it into sustainable mobility and transport infrastructure planning and design, in particular through policies and measures to actively protect and promote pedestrian safety and cycling mobility, with a view to broader health outcomes, particularly the prevention of injuries and non-communicable diseases

  • emphasize and advance the use of the bicycle as a means of fostering sustainable development, strengthening education, including physical education, for children and young people, promoting health, preventing disease, promoting tolerance, mutual understanding and respect and facilitating social inclusion and a culture of peace

  • adopt best practices and means to promote the bicycle among all members of society, and in this regard welcomes initiatives to organize bicycle rides at the national and local levels as a means of strengthening physical and mental health and well-being and developing a culture of cycling in society