YourAverageJoe
@frankleyman.bsky.social
As inconvenient as it may be, there's no escaping reality. I walk, I cycle, I drive.
A Socratic Thinker, of the most annoying kind. More questions than answer, that's what you'll find.
#ListedBuildingsTour
#BCFC
#Birmingham
A Socratic Thinker, of the most annoying kind. More questions than answer, that's what you'll find.
#ListedBuildingsTour
#BCFC
#Birmingham
I was out cycling around Doncaster, today, ticking of a few more sites on my #ListedBuildingsTour...
It really surprised me, how flat the country is in that area. It's like cycling around Norwich, but a bit further inland.
Check out my activity on Strava: strava.app.link/a5BWyoJwyZb
It really surprised me, how flat the country is in that area. It's like cycling around Norwich, but a bit further inland.
Check out my activity on Strava: strava.app.link/a5BWyoJwyZb
strava.app.link
December 31, 2025 at 8:39 PM
I was out cycling around Doncaster, today, ticking of a few more sites on my #ListedBuildingsTour...
It really surprised me, how flat the country is in that area. It's like cycling around Norwich, but a bit further inland.
Check out my activity on Strava: strava.app.link/a5BWyoJwyZb
It really surprised me, how flat the country is in that area. It's like cycling around Norwich, but a bit further inland.
Check out my activity on Strava: strava.app.link/a5BWyoJwyZb
Here's something for people to think about, when they hear others talk about how we live in such technically advanced time... RE @arusbridger.bsky.social on the @prospectmagazine.co.uk podcast.
Every human being has always lived in the most technically advanced period of time, in history.
Every human being has always lived in the most technically advanced period of time, in history.
December 31, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Here's something for people to think about, when they hear others talk about how we live in such technically advanced time... RE @arusbridger.bsky.social on the @prospectmagazine.co.uk podcast.
Every human being has always lived in the most technically advanced period of time, in history.
Every human being has always lived in the most technically advanced period of time, in history.
After failing to get any miles in yesterday (#cycling), I did managed a few today...
December 27, 2025 at 4:20 PM
After failing to get any miles in yesterday (#cycling), I did managed a few today...
Now that my winter coat has come out the wardrobe, it's officially freezing cold outside.
Just going to test, by walking the dog, as to whether it's too cold for the push bike...
Just going to test, by walking the dog, as to whether it's too cold for the push bike...
December 26, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Now that my winter coat has come out the wardrobe, it's officially freezing cold outside.
Just going to test, by walking the dog, as to whether it's too cold for the push bike...
Just going to test, by walking the dog, as to whether it's too cold for the push bike...
As a keeper of glass jars (for storing bits and bobs in the shed), the most shocking example of shrinkflation, for me, is Coleman's Mint sauce... Have you seen how small these jars are today??
December 26, 2025 at 11:45 AM
As a keeper of glass jars (for storing bits and bobs in the shed), the most shocking example of shrinkflation, for me, is Coleman's Mint sauce... Have you seen how small these jars are today??
I drive passed this quite often, wondering why it's called that, and now I know....
Without Jade's Crossing, this would be an horrendous road to cross, I know that.
Without Jade's Crossing, this would be an horrendous road to cross, I know that.
Crossing the A249 on Jade’s Crossing. Named after Jade Hobbs, who sadly died with her grandmother, crossing this high speed death trap 25 years ago this December.
Even after their deaths, nothing was done to provide a safe crossing, until Jade’s family campaigned for a bridge here. This country.
Even after their deaths, nothing was done to provide a safe crossing, until Jade’s family campaigned for a bridge here. This country.
December 26, 2025 at 11:00 AM
I drive passed this quite often, wondering why it's called that, and now I know....
Without Jade's Crossing, this would be an horrendous road to cross, I know that.
Without Jade's Crossing, this would be an horrendous road to cross, I know that.
It's just occurred to me (as I walk the dog) I probably walk more than most, cycle more than most and drive more than most.
Despite this, there are still some people (online) who think I don't do enough to provide an informed view on any of them.
Despite this, there are still some people (online) who think I don't do enough to provide an informed view on any of them.
November 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
It's just occurred to me (as I walk the dog) I probably walk more than most, cycle more than most and drive more than most.
Despite this, there are still some people (online) who think I don't do enough to provide an informed view on any of them.
Despite this, there are still some people (online) who think I don't do enough to provide an informed view on any of them.
As the pros and cons of interventions, aimed at urban travel are discussed, remember
"a dominating share of car traffic is comprised of long leisure trips outside urban areas, made by non-metropolitan residents".
Also, this report focused on emissions only, ignoring other benefits.
"a dominating share of car traffic is comprised of long leisure trips outside urban areas, made by non-metropolitan residents".
Also, this report focused on emissions only, ignoring other benefits.
Yet another evidence review argues very strongly that simply providing alternatives to driving doesn't reduce driving
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reducing traffic with “carrots”: A review of the evidence
Reducing traffic volumes is one way to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector. Since increasing driving costs is often met with public resi…
www.sciencedirect.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM
As the pros and cons of interventions, aimed at urban travel are discussed, remember
"a dominating share of car traffic is comprised of long leisure trips outside urban areas, made by non-metropolitan residents".
Also, this report focused on emissions only, ignoring other benefits.
"a dominating share of car traffic is comprised of long leisure trips outside urban areas, made by non-metropolitan residents".
Also, this report focused on emissions only, ignoring other benefits.
Seeing/hearing the way this is being received, I'd just like to highlight the word "could".
What does "could" mean?
It's quite different to the word "will", which seems to be the way many see it in this statement.
What does "could" mean?
It's quite different to the word "will", which seems to be the way many see it in this statement.
Speed limits could be returned to 30mph on 20 roads across a Welsh local authority following a 'comprehensive review'
Council proposes changing 20 roads back to 30mph
Nicholas Thomas Local Democracy Reporter Speed limits could be returned to 30mph on 20 roads across a Welsh local authority following a ‘comprehensive review’. Caerphilly County Borough said its offic...
nation.cymru
November 21, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Seeing/hearing the way this is being received, I'd just like to highlight the word "could".
What does "could" mean?
It's quite different to the word "will", which seems to be the way many see it in this statement.
What does "could" mean?
It's quite different to the word "will", which seems to be the way many see it in this statement.
After lstening to @mrjamesob.bsky.social this morning, I wonder, is this why people think we should praise Sir Kier Starmer for lower net migration figures?
If so, is it really that praiseworthy? More Brits leaving the UK...
BBC News - UK net migration 20% lower.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
If so, is it really that praiseworthy? More Brits leaving the UK...
BBC News - UK net migration 20% lower.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK net migration 20% lower in 2024 than first thought, ONS says
The main reason for the change is that more UK nationals are thought to have emigrated in 2024 than initially recorded.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 5:41 PM
After lstening to @mrjamesob.bsky.social this morning, I wonder, is this why people think we should praise Sir Kier Starmer for lower net migration figures?
If so, is it really that praiseworthy? More Brits leaving the UK...
BBC News - UK net migration 20% lower.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
If so, is it really that praiseworthy? More Brits leaving the UK...
BBC News - UK net migration 20% lower.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Another leaf clearing exercise completed today... Whether people notice, or not, I'll feel better walking through here.
#BalaamWoodLNR
#BalaamWoodLNR
November 16, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Another leaf clearing exercise completed today... Whether people notice, or not, I'll feel better walking through here.
#BalaamWoodLNR
#BalaamWoodLNR
This anti-BBC rhetoric reminds me of the anti-EU stuff.
Destroy the BBC and the cultural damage will be on a par with the economic damage that leaving the EU has done.
#MarkMyWords
#R4Today #LBC #bbc5live
Destroy the BBC and the cultural damage will be on a par with the economic damage that leaving the EU has done.
#MarkMyWords
#R4Today #LBC #bbc5live
November 11, 2025 at 8:44 AM
This anti-BBC rhetoric reminds me of the anti-EU stuff.
Destroy the BBC and the cultural damage will be on a par with the economic damage that leaving the EU has done.
#MarkMyWords
#R4Today #LBC #bbc5live
Destroy the BBC and the cultural damage will be on a par with the economic damage that leaving the EU has done.
#MarkMyWords
#R4Today #LBC #bbc5live
I was out on the bike yesterday, ticking of a few more Grade I LBs, around Polegate.
The take home from that, doesn't it get dark quick on roads without any street lights these days?
It certainly made that East Dean road climb feel dodgy, with its impatient drivers.
#ListedBuildingsTour
The take home from that, doesn't it get dark quick on roads without any street lights these days?
It certainly made that East Dean road climb feel dodgy, with its impatient drivers.
#ListedBuildingsTour
November 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
I was out on the bike yesterday, ticking of a few more Grade I LBs, around Polegate.
The take home from that, doesn't it get dark quick on roads without any street lights these days?
It certainly made that East Dean road climb feel dodgy, with its impatient drivers.
#ListedBuildingsTour
The take home from that, doesn't it get dark quick on roads without any street lights these days?
It certainly made that East Dean road climb feel dodgy, with its impatient drivers.
#ListedBuildingsTour
Are there any social media sites less divided than X/Twitter and Bluesky?
It feels like, X/Twitter is too far Right and Bluesky, too far Left, for me.
I really miss those balanced debates, of the past, I used to have...
Block early and often is not a great mantra to follow, imho.
It feels like, X/Twitter is too far Right and Bluesky, too far Left, for me.
I really miss those balanced debates, of the past, I used to have...
Block early and often is not a great mantra to follow, imho.
November 9, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Are there any social media sites less divided than X/Twitter and Bluesky?
It feels like, X/Twitter is too far Right and Bluesky, too far Left, for me.
I really miss those balanced debates, of the past, I used to have...
Block early and often is not a great mantra to follow, imho.
It feels like, X/Twitter is too far Right and Bluesky, too far Left, for me.
I really miss those balanced debates, of the past, I used to have...
Block early and often is not a great mantra to follow, imho.
To avoid arguments that end up like this, how about acknowledging, cars have a place, but not to the extent people think?
One can still own a car, without having to use it for every journey.
Let's be pragmatic about it, eh?
One can still own a car, without having to use it for every journey.
Let's be pragmatic about it, eh?
when you next need to get a fridge delivered, please go pick it up on your bike.
November 9, 2025 at 1:10 PM
To avoid arguments that end up like this, how about acknowledging, cars have a place, but not to the extent people think?
One can still own a car, without having to use it for every journey.
Let's be pragmatic about it, eh?
One can still own a car, without having to use it for every journey.
Let's be pragmatic about it, eh?
I'd change the argument to focus on journeys.
Not every journey needs a car, even if some do.
Long term, better to wean people of their car use gradually, than expecting them to go cold turkey overnight.
It's the anti diet argument. Gradual is more successful than sudden.
Not every journey needs a car, even if some do.
Long term, better to wean people of their car use gradually, than expecting them to go cold turkey overnight.
It's the anti diet argument. Gradual is more successful than sudden.
My unpopular opinion: those of us advocating for non-car travel need to stop apologetically saying "I know not everybody can cycle!" Obviously not everyone can cycle, but that's also true of driving. I fear we're just giving our opponents' attack lines legitimacy by shouting them out for free
November 9, 2025 at 12:53 PM
I'd change the argument to focus on journeys.
Not every journey needs a car, even if some do.
Long term, better to wean people of their car use gradually, than expecting them to go cold turkey overnight.
It's the anti diet argument. Gradual is more successful than sudden.
Not every journey needs a car, even if some do.
Long term, better to wean people of their car use gradually, than expecting them to go cold turkey overnight.
It's the anti diet argument. Gradual is more successful than sudden.
It looks a revisit is needed...
It may seem pointless, with so many leaves still to fall, but clearing them is quite therapeutic... It also provides you with a good workout, if you want to give it a go.
#BalaamWoodLNR
It may seem pointless, with so many leaves still to fall, but clearing them is quite therapeutic... It also provides you with a good workout, if you want to give it a go.
#BalaamWoodLNR
November 8, 2025 at 1:25 PM
It looks a revisit is needed...
It may seem pointless, with so many leaves still to fall, but clearing them is quite therapeutic... It also provides you with a good workout, if you want to give it a go.
#BalaamWoodLNR
It may seem pointless, with so many leaves still to fall, but clearing them is quite therapeutic... It also provides you with a good workout, if you want to give it a go.
#BalaamWoodLNR
Something that's hit home, for me, recently... Feet do shrink as you get older.
I've been a size 13 for the majority of my life and have never had a problem with socks... Until recently.
Old ones felt loose. New ones did too. Bought size 12 and voila.. They fit snuggly.
I've been a size 13 for the majority of my life and have never had a problem with socks... Until recently.
Old ones felt loose. New ones did too. Bought size 12 and voila.. They fit snuggly.
November 8, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Something that's hit home, for me, recently... Feet do shrink as you get older.
I've been a size 13 for the majority of my life and have never had a problem with socks... Until recently.
Old ones felt loose. New ones did too. Bought size 12 and voila.. They fit snuggly.
I've been a size 13 for the majority of my life and have never had a problem with socks... Until recently.
Old ones felt loose. New ones did too. Bought size 12 and voila.. They fit snuggly.
These tales of forgiveness, on #Radio4, are quite hard hitting...
Today's episode, Marie, is about a driver that killed two whilst using his phone at the wheel.
Could you forgive this?
I'm not sure I could.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
Today's episode, Marie, is about a driver that killed two whilst using his phone at the wheel.
Could you forgive this?
I'm not sure I could.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
BBC Sounds - Forgiveness: Stories from the Front Line - Available Episodes
Listen to the latest episodes of Forgiveness: Stories from the Front Line on BBC Sounds.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 2:10 PM
These tales of forgiveness, on #Radio4, are quite hard hitting...
Today's episode, Marie, is about a driver that killed two whilst using his phone at the wheel.
Could you forgive this?
I'm not sure I could.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
Today's episode, Marie, is about a driver that killed two whilst using his phone at the wheel.
Could you forgive this?
I'm not sure I could.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
A warning for those who use the @a38cycleway.bsky.social in Birmingham... Please ride and cycle to the conditions.
There's a lot of wet and mashed up leaves along this route, so it's important to keep your speed under control...
Don't go be like this pair of fools... #Cycling
There's a lot of wet and mashed up leaves along this route, so it's important to keep your speed under control...
Don't go be like this pair of fools... #Cycling
November 1, 2025 at 6:26 PM
A warning for those who use the @a38cycleway.bsky.social in Birmingham... Please ride and cycle to the conditions.
There's a lot of wet and mashed up leaves along this route, so it's important to keep your speed under control...
Don't go be like this pair of fools... #Cycling
There's a lot of wet and mashed up leaves along this route, so it's important to keep your speed under control...
Don't go be like this pair of fools... #Cycling
If it was proposed, by any other party than #Reform, that 8yo can walk 5 miles to school, I'm sure we'd hear more about.
Other than the BBC, I've not seen/heard this raised anywhere.
Have you?
Cc: @mrjamesob.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Other than the BBC, I've not seen/heard this raised anywhere.
Have you?
Cc: @mrjamesob.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Education secretary accuses Reform of 'Victorian era' pupil plan
Bridget Phillipson responds to a Reform council's plea over the distances pupils walk to school.
www.bbc.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:18 AM
If it was proposed, by any other party than #Reform, that 8yo can walk 5 miles to school, I'm sure we'd hear more about.
Other than the BBC, I've not seen/heard this raised anywhere.
Have you?
Cc: @mrjamesob.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Other than the BBC, I've not seen/heard this raised anywhere.
Have you?
Cc: @mrjamesob.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by YourAverageJoe
I get a load of Argos gift cards through work, but I'm always reluctant to spend, as I can buy, most of the things that interest me, far cheaper elsewhere.
Can someone explain why this is ridiculous (as I know it is)?
Thanks
Can someone explain why this is ridiculous (as I know it is)?
Thanks
October 9, 2025 at 9:20 AM
I get a load of Argos gift cards through work, but I'm always reluctant to spend, as I can buy, most of the things that interest me, far cheaper elsewhere.
Can someone explain why this is ridiculous (as I know it is)?
Thanks
Can someone explain why this is ridiculous (as I know it is)?
Thanks
Reposted by YourAverageJoe
Anyone in any doubt that Robert Jenrick has been using skin colour to judge people "not British" should read these forensic critiques from @stephenkb.bsky.social & @sathnam.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/f588...
www.thetimes.com/life-style/c...
www.ft.com/content/f588...
www.thetimes.com/life-style/c...
Thank the Tories for keeping Robert Jenrick out of high office
Shadow justice secretary’s comment about not seeing a ‘white face’ shows he does not understand integration
www.ft.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Anyone in any doubt that Robert Jenrick has been using skin colour to judge people "not British" should read these forensic critiques from @stephenkb.bsky.social & @sathnam.bsky.social
www.ft.com/content/f588...
www.thetimes.com/life-style/c...
www.ft.com/content/f588...
www.thetimes.com/life-style/c...
A reminder for those who believe the train is the best option for intercity travel... Nightmares can occur here too.
A paean to privatised public transport.
Today I had to go from Stockport to Salisbury. So I bought a ticket
Stockport > Bristol > Salisbury
The drive to Stockport should have taken 35 minutes. Satnav said it would take 2 hours, and I'd miss my train.
So I went to Macclesfield, where I found...
Today I had to go from Stockport to Salisbury. So I bought a ticket
Stockport > Bristol > Salisbury
The drive to Stockport should have taken 35 minutes. Satnav said it would take 2 hours, and I'd miss my train.
So I went to Macclesfield, where I found...
October 8, 2025 at 6:41 AM
A reminder for those who believe the train is the best option for intercity travel... Nightmares can occur here too.