RootsBooster   24 #229 Posted January 4, 2015 I'd say it alters everything, it demonstrates how unsafe even some athletes feel cycling on our roads.  Your assumption of why she mostly uses an exercise bike makes no difference at all. Even if that were the reason, nobody has claimed that cycling is 'safe' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
onewheeldave   22 #230 Posted January 4, 2015 Folk have nothing to learn from you old chap.  Not true. While me and cyclone may be at odds when it comes to the red light issue, the links he posted are actually very informative when it comes to supporting the fact that, overall, despite the risk from that segment of the motorist community that can't drive properly, overall, cycling extends life and health.  the links being-  http://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...microlife.html  http://nwurban.wordpress.com/2010/12...fe-expectancy/  http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1185.html  While some folks may have nothing to learn, due to the fact that they like to preserve the opinions they're comfortable with, rather than having them challenged by facts and reason, it's certainly not all folk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
ubermaus   10 #231 Posted January 4, 2015 Not true. While me and cyclone may be at odds when it comes to the red light issue, the links he posted are actually very informative when it comes to supporting the fact that, overall, despite the risk from that segment of the motorist community that can't drive properly, overall, cycling extends life and health. the links being-  http://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...microlife.html  http://nwurban.wordpress.com/2010/12...fe-expectancy/  http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1185.html  While some folks may have nothing to learn, due to the fact that they like to preserve the opinions they're comfortable with, rather than having them challenged by facts and reason, it's certainly not all folk.  Very interesting links. Cycling really is healthy. I certainly hope more provision is made for cyclists to ride safely in the future.  ---------- Post added 04-01-2015 at 14:14 ----------  Jessica Ennis cycles all the time. The fact that it's mostly on an exercise bike doesn't alter anything, the exercise and action is still cycling, it helps keep her rather fit.  Its low impact and part of a cross fit regime which helps with her sport. Much better on the joints than running. Just a shame our roads are so busy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
onewheeldave   22 #232 Posted January 4, 2015 Very interesting links. Cycling really is healthy. I certainly hope more provision is made for cyclists to ride safely in the future. ---------- Post added 04-01-2015 at 14:14 ----------   Its low impact and part of a cross fit regime which helps with her sport. Much better on the joints than running. Just a shame our roads are so busy.  It is.  Running is good exercise for those who are in good shape and have done the gradual build up necessary for the body to adapt to the demands of running.  Unfortunately it is fairly inappropriate for those who aren't in good health, especially those who are overweight, as they are going to be very prone to joint/tendon issues.  (Walkings very under-rated, but for improving health without risking the joint damage common in running, is very good exercise).  Cycling has all the cardiovascular benefits of running without any of the risks to joints etc- if the roads were clear and safe, cycling would be perfect for curing the overweight and unfit. Sadly however, unless they're experienced cyclists, it's usually a case of huddling along at the edge of the road in the gutter/'cycle-paths' being intimidated by the over aggressive motorists who pass perilously close. The poor newbie overweight cyclist, already self conscious cos they're completely out of their element, is unlikely to persist to the point they start to ride confidently.  So they try running, end up with joint issues, and, resign themselves to remaining out of shape and overweight.  In less 'advanced' countries, where cars are rarer and cycles are used as a main form of transport, obesity is rare, and, illness tends to be caused by inadequate sanitation/poverty, rather then the epidemic of chronic 'lifestyle diseases' that are epidemic here (diabetes/obesity/heart disease). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
tinfoilhat   11 #233 Posted January 4, 2015 It is.  Running is good exercise for those who are in good shape and have done the gradual build up necessary for the body to adapt to the demands of running.  Unfortunately it is fairly inappropriate for those who aren't in good health, especially those who are overweight, as they are going to be very prone to joint/tendon issues.  (Walkings very under-rated, but for improving health without risking the joint damage common in running, is very good exercise).  Cycling has all the cardiovascular benefits of running without any of the risks to joints etc- if the roads were clear and safe, cycling would be perfect for curing the overweight and unfit. Sadly however, unless they're experienced cyclists, it's usually a case of huddling along at the edge of the road in the gutter/'cycle-paths' being intimidated by the over aggressive motorists who pass perilously close. The poor newbie overweight cyclist, already self conscious cos they're completely out of their element, is unlikely to persist to the point they start to ride confidently.  So they try running, end up with joint issues, and, resign themselves to remaining out of shape and overweight.  In less 'advanced' countries, where cars are rarer and cycles are used as a main form of transport, obesity is rare, and, illness tends to be caused by inadequate sanitation/poverty, rather then the epidemic of chronic 'lifestyle diseases' that are epidemic here (diabetes/obesity/heart disease).  So in these less advanced countries it's down to cycling that people aren't obese and not down to good old fashioned "lack of food"?  Have you thought this through? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
ubermaus   10 #234 Posted January 4, 2015 It is.  Running is good exercise for those who are in good shape and have done the gradual build up necessary for the body to adapt to the demands of running.  Unfortunately it is fairly inappropriate for those who aren't in good health, especially those who are overweight, as they are going to be very prone to joint/tendon issues.  (Walkings very under-rated, but for improving health without risking the joint damage common in running, is very good exercise).  Cycling has all the cardiovascular benefits of running without any of the risks to joints etc- if the roads were clear and safe, cycling would be perfect for curing the overweight and unfit. Sadly however, unless they're experienced cyclists, it's usually a case of huddling along at the edge of the road in the gutter/'cycle-paths' being intimidated by the over aggressive motorists who pass perilously close. The poor newbie overweight cyclist, already self conscious cos they're completely out of their element, is unlikely to persist to the point they start to ride confidently.  So they try running, end up with joint issues, and, resign themselves to remaining out of shape and overweight.  In less 'advanced' countries, where cars are rarer and cycles are used as a main form of transport, obesity is rare, and, illness tends to be caused by inadequate sanitation/poverty, rather then the epidemic of chronic 'lifestyle diseases' that are epidemic here (diabetes/obesity/heart disease).  Its motorists that essentially cause a lot of obesity as not only are they fat themselves but they prevent would be cyclists from gaining traction in taking up a low impact lifelong exercise. After all not everybody enjoys joining a gym.  If everyone cycled to work / school etc every day it would cut obesity. Excellent point, well made.  ---------- Post added 04-01-2015 at 18:13 ----------  So in these less advanced countries it's down to cycling that people aren't obese and not down to good old fashioned "lack of food"? Have you thought this through?  I didnt read it like that. OWD merely said less developed countries are more active. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #235 Posted January 4, 2015 Folk have nothing to learn from you old chap.  Once again, you believe whatever you like. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
RootsBooster   24 #236 Posted January 4, 2015 Its motorists that essentially cause a lot of obesity as not only are they fat themselves but they prevent would be cyclists from gaining traction in taking up a low impact lifelong exercise. After all not everybody enjoys joining a gym.  If everyone cycled to work / school etc every day it would cut obesity. Excellent point, well made. Motorists are fat? Are you sure? I thought I saw one once that wasn't.  And... did you just congratulate yourself on your own post? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
ubermaus   10 #237 Posted January 4, 2015 Motorists are fat? Are you sure? I thought I saw one once that wasn't.  And... did you just congratulate yourself on your own post?  Are you a bridge dweller, subtarranean or sky troll? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
Cyclone   10 #238 Posted January 4, 2015 Are you claiming that all motorists are fat? Because you did just say  Its motorists that essentially cause a lot of obesity as not only are they fat themselves  Do you drive? Are you fat? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
onewheeldave   22 #239 Posted January 4, 2015 So in these less advanced countries it's down to cycling that people aren't obese and not down to good old fashioned "lack of food"? Have you thought this through?  No, I'm referring to the less developed countries who aren't starving.  Of course part of their lack of obesity and their low levels of diabetes/heart disease is due to the fact they tend to subsist on actual food, as opposed to the processed rubbish consumed here, but, the fact that they are active and can/do move some distance without the assistance of a car, is definitley a big part of the reason.  As we'd expect to be the case, of course, based on science. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...
ubermaus   10 #240 Posted January 4, 2015 Are you claiming that all motorists are fat? Because you did just say   Do you drive? Are you fat?  No i didnt. I was replying to OWD post. He spoke sense, unlike you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Share this content via...