r/Glasgow Tools

JamesLeboss

Reddit URLhttps://www.reddit.com/user/JamesLeboss
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r/Glasgow posts100
r/glasgow comments2510

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  • As a cyclist who use the Glasgow roads everyday for my delivery work as well as for commuting. I would encourage people to cycle more especially during spring/summer time. After to keep this lifestyle after lockdown, the city should improve different points, such as the cycle lane, because I know that people are scared of cycling on the busy road (and this is normal), and the roads should be in better state because the potholes are a hazardous problem in Glasgow and it's quite easy to get its wheel stuck in it. Basically, the city would be way nicer with more cycle paths (in good state) and less car. But I doubt honestly that people would stop using cars because this is easier (even though, bike journey are usually faster, no need to think or pay to park it ). Unfortunately the big issue with bikes are the safety if motor vehicules around, rainy/windy weather and the bike can be subject to thefts. by JamesLeboss (Sun 3rd May 2020 12:02am)
  • First of all, an article is available on Glasgow Live and that explain the problem of the council "[https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-grit-council-roads-pavements-19566650](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-grit-council-roads-pavements-19566650)", apparently it is a financial problem. I would like to give my opinion from a cyclist point of view (I am cyclist in Glasgow and word a delivery rider since 3 years). I would say that the main roads were overall fine (I worked every day over the last 2 weeks) but as soon as the road was smaller ice and snow was everywhere, starting by St Enoch on Friday. The pavement was really icy and was a main source of hazard. I agree with the fact that the council only act after and do not prevent much forecasted snow. But honestly I was more surprised in 2018 when we had the beast from the East and the roads was full of snow over 4/5 days at least. But I would like to start another topic that could not take as an excuse "It only snow or is icy during week per year", and it is "why" the state of the roads is rubbish, because all those potholes are serious source of harzard. Anyway, just a message to my friend driver. If you see a cyclist by such conditions, do not take any non necessary risk such as over taking the cyclist before a red traffic light because ice and snow are dangerous enough for [us.](https://us.Here) Here is why, I did adapt my speed to the conditions, I would recommend to do the same, just take your time and share the road. It is better to come back home alive. by JamesLeboss (Mon 11th Jan 2021 12:58am)
  • Glad to know if was fireworks. I thought WW3 did start. Being French and having in mind what happened with terrorist attack in Paris few years ago. I am never confident with fireworks being fired especially when it is not planned. by JamesLeboss (Sun 21st Mar 2021 8:25pm)
  • Thank you very much for the tip 😁 by JamesLeboss (Wed 4th Aug 2021 9:49pm)
  • I never really considered that option until now so I might start looking at where I can get some but it is a relevant point since I would believe that is not that complicated to find clean stream in Scotland (many cycle route are along a stream of water). Thanks :) by JamesLeboss (Wed 4th Aug 2021 9:54pm)
  • I just downloaded the app and that is brilliant. So businesses are just registering to let people who would want to refill there bottle that they can come and ask to get their bottles refilled? Really interesting, thank you a lot for sharing it. That is a life saver app :) by JamesLeboss (Wed 4th Aug 2021 10:00pm)
  • Thanks a lot. Happy cycling by JamesLeboss (Fri 6th Aug 2021 12:54pm)
  • I always plan my ride, especially since I did not grow here so I not fully know every roads yet. So far I did save every top up tap in the different cities such as Largs/East Kilbride/Port Glasgow ... Thanks for your feedback. by JamesLeboss (Fri 6th Aug 2021 12:59pm)
  • Thanks for the tip ☺ by JamesLeboss (Fri 6th Aug 2021 12:56pm)
  • I am totally open to any good routes, feel free to message me and we can discuss more about it. So far I used Komoot to create a 1st itinerary and then I double check on Google Street View to make sure I don't end up on a MTB track or a motorway 😅 by JamesLeboss (Fri 6th Aug 2021 1:04pm)
  • Thanks for sharing the filter product 😁 and for all the other suggestions by JamesLeboss (Fri 6th Aug 2021 1:02pm)
  • I thought about it but I might wait to be able to go back in France to come back with the one I left there. by JamesLeboss (Fri 6th Aug 2021 1:00pm)
  • Any lock can be broken, the only thing is to make it harder to get stolen. Here is why I always put 3 locks on it (one that worth £50, a chain one for the front wheel and a cheap one for the frame). I am maybe paranoid but when I see the £2 lock some people put on their bike, I am deeply hope they will be too lazy to spend 2 hours to cut my locks in bright daylight. But even with that, I always wonder if my bike wil still be there... Kinda sad, that people steal bike. by JamesLeboss (Fri 13th Aug 2021 8:48pm)
  • Be patient with your food delivery orders because delivery riders/drivers will struggle to find the best way to get to you. I would like to have a broom like Harry Potter to deliver my orders, I guess that is the only way to not struggle with road disruption by JamesLeboss (Mon 25th Oct 2021 12:59pm)
  • Would work as from the moment, the nimbus traffic is not too busy. Also be careful, it is fireworks time in some part of the city so the air way is maybe 100% better by JamesLeboss (Mon 25th Oct 2021 5:02pm)
  • Unfortunately, in a workd hyperconnected people sometimes forget that real human beings are behind their next day deliveries or food delivery in 10 minutes. And those human beings can be impacted by issues (fires, accidents, disruptions). Honestly, I live in the southside and is not far from finnieston but now my only way to go from one side to the other is either the bridge close to the new barclays buiding or the clyde tunnel. So impossible to make any delivery from on side to the other by bike. by JamesLeboss (Mon 25th Oct 2021 5:00pm)
  • I 100% agree with you by JamesLeboss (Mon 25th Oct 2021 6:24pm)
  • DELETED I am French and personally not really fan of fireworks since the terrorist attack in 2015 in Paris. So even if I am in Glasgow since 4 years, I prefer when the council organise that in Glasgow Green than having fireworks catch light by random people. by JamesLeboss (Fri 5th Nov 2021 11:03pm)
  • To add on the cycle lane on Clarence drive, I would add that when going downhill there is a sort of bumper next to the bus stop, I am also a delivery rider and I always staying on the road and takes the bike lane only once I past the bridge. The cycle lane is badly design and is far more dangerous than using the road. by JamesLeboss (Sun 5th Dec 2021 3:52pm)
  • I agree with you, I do deliveries since few years and the new cycle lane on Sauchiehall Street is a key lane that allow us to easily access the West End (one of the two main points with the pedestrian bridge on close to the hilton hotel). But way too many people are walking on it and do not move when we notify our presence by ringing bell. I never had any accident but it would be great if we could all respect each other allocated space (same things apply for some delivery riders using ebikes on pavements). I could also vent on cars that are parked on cycle lanes in some area (Garrioch Rd, Clarence Dr..) by JamesLeboss (Sun 5th Dec 2021 4:00pm)
  • I wonder why they have stairs this is a joke. It should be a normal ramp where cyclist could go easily up and down. Always need to be on the break to not break my wheels and even with a mountain bike with suspension it is still real uncomfortable. by JamesLeboss (Sun 5th Dec 2021 9:23pm)
  • Is there not a good answer to give to that question to not be bothered ? I thought the good answer was to say Partick Thisthle... by JamesLeboss (Tue 17th May 2022 6:24pm)
  • I am glad that topic exists. I worked as a Delivery riders over the past 5 years with a normal bike and bought lights few years back for a decent amount and they still work now. However, many riders do not give a shit about road rules and drive like 5 seconds really mattered. Having front and bike lights is a requirements for every cyclist during night time. I have been mad myself to see riders without lights while having electric bike that cost a fortune on the other hand. They are a danger for everyone, drivers, other cyclists on cycle paths and pedestrians. I won't expand more on this topic (as many other aspects such as headphones, holding phone while riding,.. may need to be put in the same box of unsafe behavious). Thanks for bringing that topic, really relevant and from the inside I share most of your views. by JamesLeboss (Sat 3rd Jun 2023 11:12pm)
  • A year ago I would have said "Absolut Roaster" on Hyndland street, their chef was a french baker and I can confirm that it tasted like the big buttery pain au chocolat I had when I grew up in France. However, this place has changed name and I am not sure you can find pain au chocolat anymore. The good news is that I recently discovered a nice place that makes good pastries in Anniesland (sit in or take away). It's called the Beefcake café: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/pWp9qkrudTnKi9ws7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/pWp9qkrudTnKi9ws7) by JamesLeboss (Fri 13th Oct 2023 6:46pm)
  • I remember commenting on a thread "Cyclists without Lights" in the Deliveroos subreddit a few months ago and this is part of the lack of consideration these delivery riders have for other people around them. I have done food deliveries on a "push-bike" from 2018 to mid-2023 in Glasgow areas and I can confirm that this is an issue I noticed a long time ago. Over the years, I have witnessed normal bikes using electric wheels to be used as e-bikes. In my opinion, they were not looking safe with kits of 2 batteries attached/taped to their frames and powering the bike forward without pedaling. Over the past years, low-frame e-bikes with chunky tires seem to become the norm. I agree with many people regarding the number of accidents caused by these delivery riders. The issue is not really the e-bikes (although like the one I described above would need to be banned as they represent hazards to the rider and their surroundings) but the behavior of the riders using them. Among the aspects that are problematic, the main one (mentioned in the article) is the use of their smartphones while riding (somehow they always have people to call) meaning that they cannot quickly react if an obstacle arises. Moreover, they often have earphones or headphones which does not allow them to be fully aware of their surroundings. They do not seem to be aware of traffic rules (other cyclists are also guilty of this) but how often have I seen e-bike riders not stopping at a red light, while I stopped and caught them soon after (in theory having an electric assistance would make it less stressful getting momentum after standstill considering vehicles waiting behind us). Finally, the bikes are quite big and they often leave them just in front of the doors of the restaurants they are collecting food from (e.g., Smashburger on Sauchiehall St). I just wanted to share my experience as a former delivery rider and the bottom line is that I am happy to be done with that chapter of my life. I am glad an article has been written about it, however, I am not sure this will result in any major change. There are many visible signs that the riding behaviors of these e-bike riders are a hazard for other road users and pedestrians but despite being present for quite a while nothing has been done. The least I can hope is that the number of people injured remains as closer to 0. by JamesLeboss (Sun 29th Oct 2023 5:37pm)