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
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.
"Like" is the one for me, with my big thumb.
Seeing that heart turn read, on a post I've not read, makes me panic a little.... Have I just liked a post from a racist patriot??
(More of an issue over there than here, thankfully.)
Seeing that heart turn read, on a post I've not read, makes me panic a little.... Have I just liked a post from a racist patriot??
(More of an issue over there than here, thankfully.)
Same for me. I’m not being weird, I promise!
Please know that if I've ever bookmarked your post it was entirely by accident, that's just where my scrolling thumb goes
October 8, 2025 at 6:13 AM
"Like" is the one for me, with my big thumb.
Seeing that heart turn read, on a post I've not read, makes me panic a little.... Have I just liked a post from a racist patriot??
(More of an issue over there than here, thankfully.)
Seeing that heart turn read, on a post I've not read, makes me panic a little.... Have I just liked a post from a racist patriot??
(More of an issue over there than here, thankfully.)
Why do I hear more about what Andy Street, the former Mayor of the West Mids, thinks about things, than what Richard Parker, the current mayor of the West Mids, thinks?
Sure, this is a Tory party issue, but what about JLR?
Richard Parker's PR is terrible...
Sure, this is a Tory party issue, but what about JLR?
Richard Parker's PR is terrible...
Fair play to Andy Street for pushing back hard at Jenrick’s description of Handsworth. And also for standing up to the ludicrous idea of abandoning net zero.
October 7, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Why do I hear more about what Andy Street, the former Mayor of the West Mids, thinks about things, than what Richard Parker, the current mayor of the West Mids, thinks?
Sure, this is a Tory party issue, but what about JLR?
Richard Parker's PR is terrible...
Sure, this is a Tory party issue, but what about JLR?
Richard Parker's PR is terrible...
Another #DogWalkingThought...
Given the billions of acorns that fall, why don't I see more oak seedlings?
I've an oak tree in my garden and I frequently have to pull up seedlings, but I never see any, anywhere else...
Given the billions of acorns that fall, why don't I see more oak seedlings?
I've an oak tree in my garden and I frequently have to pull up seedlings, but I never see any, anywhere else...
October 4, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Another #DogWalkingThought...
Given the billions of acorns that fall, why don't I see more oak seedlings?
I've an oak tree in my garden and I frequently have to pull up seedlings, but I never see any, anywhere else...
Given the billions of acorns that fall, why don't I see more oak seedlings?
I've an oak tree in my garden and I frequently have to pull up seedlings, but I never see any, anywhere else...
Is it time for active travel advocates to change their approach to conversion?
It seems to me, repetitive arguments about how bad one is for owning a car, is not aiding the switch.
Couch to 5k takes 9 weeks.
People are not going to give up their cars overnight. Thinking they will is delusional.
It seems to me, repetitive arguments about how bad one is for owning a car, is not aiding the switch.
Couch to 5k takes 9 weeks.
People are not going to give up their cars overnight. Thinking they will is delusional.
October 4, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Is it time for active travel advocates to change their approach to conversion?
It seems to me, repetitive arguments about how bad one is for owning a car, is not aiding the switch.
Couch to 5k takes 9 weeks.
People are not going to give up their cars overnight. Thinking they will is delusional.
It seems to me, repetitive arguments about how bad one is for owning a car, is not aiding the switch.
Couch to 5k takes 9 weeks.
People are not going to give up their cars overnight. Thinking they will is delusional.
How much of a rational conversation can one have on this subject?
Harsher penalties are definitely needed, when it comes to driving offences, but they also need to be enforceable and respected.
If 5 year bans are ignored now, I'm sure, default, lifetime bans will be too.
Harsher penalties are definitely needed, when it comes to driving offences, but they also need to be enforceable and respected.
If 5 year bans are ignored now, I'm sure, default, lifetime bans will be too.
Thank you to @janerockhouse.bsky.social @birminghamlive.bsky.social for highlighting the injustice following a fatal collision as they kick off their road safety campaign.
September 4, 2025 at 9:59 AM
How much of a rational conversation can one have on this subject?
Harsher penalties are definitely needed, when it comes to driving offences, but they also need to be enforceable and respected.
If 5 year bans are ignored now, I'm sure, default, lifetime bans will be too.
Harsher penalties are definitely needed, when it comes to driving offences, but they also need to be enforceable and respected.
If 5 year bans are ignored now, I'm sure, default, lifetime bans will be too.
It would be interesting to see (and I might have a go at this later) what is the breakdown, of the reported offences, that miss the 14 day deadline?
West Midlands Police #3rdPartyReporting data available here www.westmidlands.police.uk/police-force... First thing I see, there are 2024 reports 1311 of which were NFA due to "Outside of 14 days NIP" 64% NFA. @roadcc.bsky.social There appears to be a different category for late submissions
Operation Snap
An initiative to educate and prosecute drivers using footage supplied by the public.
www.westmidlands.police.uk
September 3, 2025 at 10:18 AM
It would be interesting to see (and I might have a go at this later) what is the breakdown, of the reported offences, that miss the 14 day deadline?
This may be true, on the streets, but what about the ballot box? That's what concerns me.
The story of anti-refugee racist scum: always the minority. #ukpolitics
August 23, 2025 at 5:03 PM
This may be true, on the streets, but what about the ballot box? That's what concerns me.