Paul Marshall

The camera angle probably makes it look narrower than it is; yes a % of the total space, but the footway is actually a decent size. Usually narrowed by people having to avoid cars parked in the cycleway.

Tbf no this is a purpose built, grade separated cycleway, laid in the 1930s; the footpath is just adjacent. It’s not been very well maintained; the other side has just been modernised (slightly). Agreed on the usability, and general lack of maintenance which reduces their effectiveness.

"Why don't cyclists use the cycle lanes put in at great expense for them?"

Yeah I was pleasantly surprised. Had no idea what to expect but it was lovely.

Thanks to the brilliant new Northumberland line, I then took a train from Newcastle to Newsham, and cycled south to Whitley Bay, rather than east along the coast Road cycleway (which is functional, but relentlessly noisy thanks to the dual carriageway it follows).

Then it was home from Hartlepool to Newcastle via Northern Railway, with lovely views along the Durham coast.

Then a trip via the Marina to see the (rapidly decaying) Wingfield Castle, which not only shares a name with my in-laws, but it used to ferry them across the Humber in their courting days.

Riding around the Headland at Hartlepool was a little gem too, especially as it’s being repurposed from its primarily industrial past.

I was grateful of the partial shade!

This was my first ride on the sections between Sunderland and Ryhope, Ryhope-Haswell and the Haswell to Hart cycleways. There are a LOT of A-frames and barriers which is frustrating, even for narrow handlebars like mine. But the route is otherwise fantastic; mostly paved, off road and scenic.

It never stops being fascinating that the ferry is officially part of the National Cycle Network. There were a few decent sized vessels on the Tyne too.

Yesterday was a great day for a nice long ride down to Hartlepool on #NCN1 via the Shields Ferry.

Did you even grow up in the 90s unless this comes out in the voice of Mrs Doubtfire?

What a difference a sunny, windy day makes! #greenenergy #agileoctopus

❤️😂

Due to construction of the new Seafront Cycleway, we're postponing our next Kidical Mass ride until the summer to celebrate the launch of the route. With construction work & diversions, we can't plan a safe route for the numbers that usually join us. Join our mailing list for updates: bit.ly/3YRJ5CY

Haha yeah the Milan metro is generally mostly standing capacity.

First time on the new M4 line on the Milan Metro; so much easier getting from Linate! #milan #milanmetro #meilanmetrom4

Apparently Dutch is just English but without the spaces! #amsterdam

C’est vrai!

RIP Kindle. 14 years of loyal service, hundreds of books consumed. A faithful travel partner. Known longer than my fiance 😂😂📚

Spanish City, Whitley Bay, taken at night from the Plaza. The right half of the building is in shot.

Back by popular demand! Join us this Friday, 28th March, 6:30pm at Spanish City Plaza for a leisurely ride to Tynemouth and back for drinks.

IMPORTANT: There is a short section on-road to bypass the ongoing works on the cycleway. Sunset is at 6:34 so lights are essential.

So pleased to be finally reading this! #HerSistersKiller @marihannah.bsky.social @forumbooks.bsky.social

This has been a really interesting read; not my usual genre but an eye opener to some aspects of Japanese culture. #butter #asakoyuzuki #goodreads #booksky

I wonder how the 28 people who were vocally opposed to this scheme, on the basis they quite like where they can currently park their cars, might feel knowing that a child has been knocked off his bike where there could’ve been a safer alternative?

Currently steeping and washing eleventy thousand old bottles and jars #weddingprep

In a new blog, we suggest North Tyneside Council gave up on the Preston Rd, North Shields cycle path on the basis of 28 consultation responses which they say they could not reconcile with design issues, on which they sought no further expert design advice:
streetlifentyneside.org.uk/2025/02/19/m...

And also where people can more easily join and leave the route - ie to access the side streets along the road. Unfortunately, much of the route has been considered as ‘end to end leisure’ rather than a practical utility for residents.

Yes, with a 17% gradient 😬🫣

Yeah, which as a daytime leisure route is fine, but for utility it’s going to be a white elephant. Even if you feel safe using it, you’d need extra-human eyesight to even find the path! Apparently; lighting would’ve spoiled the area! 🙄