Government Obesity & Bike Scheme

[Badgers]

So the husky disgraced Prime Minister Johnson is 'rolling out' new initiatives to get the nation fit possibly to prepare us for the farm work and salt mining that lies ahead.

Tackling obesity: empowering adults and children to live healthier lives

www.gov.uk

 

[Badgers]

The £50 bike service scheme has started well.



Hopefully the £2bn spend on cycling infrastructure will be managed (not by Cummings or a Tory donor) better.

 

[cupid_stunt]

 

[Badgers]

Well timed with the government food stamps offering 50% discount at fast food chains and assorted other eateries.

 

[weepiper]

Anyone who actually manages to get one of these £50 repair vouchers is going to be very disappointed when they rock up at the bike shop with it to be told 'sorry, we're booked solid for the next six weeks and we can't get half of the parts you need to repair your 15 year old 26" mountain bike because all the suppliers are out of stock'.

 

[JimW]

They could call it "fat chance" in line with our general prospects for the future.

 

[klang]

do they have spare tires on offer?

 

[SpookyFrank]

Anyone who actually manages to get one of these 50 repair vouchers is going to be very disappointed when they rock up at the bike shop with it to be told 'sorry, we're booked solid for the next six weeks and we can't get half of the parts you need to repair your 15 year old 26" mountain bike because all the suppliers are out of stock'.

Plenty of independent mechanics would be happy to take this work. And to do it without the classic 'eugh, couldn't you just fuck off instead?' attitude so beloved of bike shops.

 

[dessiato]

Given the size of the PM do you think he will take advantage of the scheme?

 

[weepiper]

Plenty of independent mechanics would be happy to take this work. And to do it without the classic 'eugh, couldn't you just fuck off instead?' attitude so beloved of bike shops.

They won't be able to get any 26" tyres or 9 speed rear mechs either.

 

[ska invita]

Happy to see a few of the things that are happening tho: banning tv ads for junk food (before 9?), calories on alcohol bottles and menus, no bogofs on sweets etc, all long overdue

 

[maomao]

Given the size of the PM do you think he will take advantage of the scheme?

He genuinely cycles a lot already. He used to cycle past my place of work on his way home from city hall. Always gave him an earful.

do they have spare tires on offer?

I'm wondering if I can get bar ends stuck on. That's an upgrade.

 

[Sprocket.]

With apologies to Michael Palin.

 

[Smokeandsteam]

Meanwhile:

Huge growth in free school meals urged to tackle food poverty crisis

Report warns of the looming impact of the climate emergency and hits out at faux-healthy sweets

www.theguardian.com

 

[Smokeandsteam]

Plenty of independent mechanics would be happy to take this work. And to do it without the classic 'eugh, couldn't you just fuck off instead?' attitude so beloved of bike shops.

You go to weird bike shops Frank. The one I go to is staffed by ‘independent mechanics’.

There is a lot of good stuff in the cycle scheme by the way. In Birmingham 4 - clogged to fuck with cars - districts (including my own) are getting funding to close car ‘rat runs’ and open roads up to walkers, cyclists and pubs/food places. there is money for more dedicated cycle lanes. Long overdue and very welcome:

£1.6 million of cycling and walking measures to be delivered in Birmingham | Birmingham City Council

 

[Sprocket.]

So the husky disgraced Prime Minister Johnson is 'rolling out' new initiatives to get the nation fit possibly to prepare us for the farm work and salt mining that lies ahead.

Or to get the population ready for the food shortages caused by Brexit and the imminent WW3.

 

[Sprocket.]

I cannot fault my LBS, they are always willing to help, advise and try to recruit you for the local cycling club.
Fortunately I purchased two pair of 26’’ tyres in February. Granted I need to fit them yet, can I give myself a £50 voucher for doing it?

 

[mauvais]

They won't be able to get any 26" tyres or 9 speed rear mechs either.

High current demand aside, is decent 26" parts availability becoming a problem now?

I'm on 27.5 which seems to be a failed idea and I wonder what the future holds.

 

[spitfire]

He genuinely cycles a lot already. He used to cycle past my place of work on his way home from city hall. Always gave him an earful.



I'm wondering if I can get bar ends stuck on. That's an upgrade.

I need new handle bar tape and possibly a mini service.

I looked on the website last night and it was very vague as to what you were allowed to do. weepiper have you been given any guidance as to what is allowable?

 

[danny la rouge]

Typical. Boris is on a diet, so we all have to go on one.

 

[maomao]

Why are government websites all so shit? The tax free childcare one took months to work properly.

 

[ska invita]

You go to weird bike shops Frank. Plus the one I go to is staffed by ‘independent mechanics’.

my local one couldnt be friendlier, but there are some bike snob ones out there for sure, especially new-school bike trendy ones

 

[PursuedByBears]

There are two independent bike shops in my town: one friendly and efficient, one staffed by utter arseholes that's slightly cheaper than the good one.

 

[Badgers]

Happy to see a few of the things that are happening tho: banning tv ads for junk food (before 9?), calories on alcohol bottles and menus, no bogofs on sweets etc, all long overdue

Overall it is a good 'idea' of course.

Just that this disgraced government will fuck it up because they are they focused on lining their own/donors/friends pockets and have less interest in helping (food-banks/schools/NHS/universities/libraries/etc) things we need.

 

[Smokeandsteam]

my local one couldnt be friendlier, but there are some bike snob ones out there for sure, especially new-school bike trendy ones

Agree, I don’t think it takes much to work out which shops are the former and the latter though eh?

 

[Badgers]

The £50 bike service scheme has started well.

Just tried to apply for my mum who has a bike in need of service
The response was that the scheme was 'sold out' but they would be 'gradually' releasing more vouchers in order to cope with demand.

 

[Smokeandsteam]

There are two independent bike shops in my town: one friendly and efficient, one staffed by utter arseholes that's slightly cheaper than the good one.

The one I go to is run by a working class guy, Mo, who’s had the shop for years. Two of the lads who work there are ex builders who got onto the bikes after the 2008 crash. He also employs three young lads giving them apprenticeships. Multi racial, working class. Dead friendly, really helpful.

Top class:

 

[Sprocket.]

Could you claim £100 for a tandem?

 

[Badgers]

Could you claim £100 for a tandem?

How much for a Trike?

 

[Pickman's model]

Given the size of the PM do you think he will take advantage of the scheme?

He will see the pounds drop away as he is forced to run - RUN! - in front of a phalanx of angry cyclists