Daily Express claims it's quicker to ride donkey to work than take bus because of cycling works
According to the Daily Express, the average speed of a bus in London is 9.2mph - slower than a donkey, which can travel at 10mph
In one of the most bizarre claims of recent times, the Daily Express says it's quicker to ride a donkey to work in London than take a bus, all because us pesky cyclists want safer roads to ride on.
As part of its crusade - their word, not ours - to get Britain moving, the Express exclusively revealed that the average speed of a bus in the capital was 9.2mph thanks to the ongoing cycling infrastructure improvements.
"London's commuters could find it quicker riding a donkey to work than getting a bus as cycle works - for the benefit of an elite five per cent who pedal - cause further congestion in the capital's streets," the Express sensationally claims in its lead paragraph.
The story then goes on to make the remarkable donkey claim, saying that an ass can travel at 10mph - faster than the average bus.
>>> There’s something oddly brilliant about professional cyclists sitting on a donkey
The key word in that sentence is CAN. A bus can travel at upwards of 30mph - trust me, I've seen it happen in London - but stick a donkey in the carbon monoxide-ridden traffic jams around London - which have been there for years, not just since the superhighway work started - and it wouldn't be keen to trot along at 10mph.
In fact, you'd be lucky to get to your office if you were relying on a donkey, as they might get scared off by all the cars on the road and people honking their horns about the fact that there's a bloody donkey on the road.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Cab drivers lose High Court challenge over east-west Cycle Superhighway
Understandably, the works to improve the cycling infrastructure in London are causing a few problems for car drivers in the city, but the idea is that at the end of the work more people will be tempted into taking their bicycle to work.
So, in the long run, buses will be able to reach their optimal speeds and cyclists will be able get to work without fear of being run down by a vehicle - or a donkey, for that matter.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Katie Archibald set for racing return at World Championships after freak leg fracture
Scot 'thriving on the bike' having missed Olympics to recover
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Luke Rowe to leave Ineos Grenadiers, joins Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale as a sports director
The Welsh rider spent 13 years with the British squad
By Adam Becket Published