Will Britain have to dig for survival?

If you’re already a keen vegetable gardener, this may not be of a great worry to you. But to those of us who find mowing the lawn too much trouble, the following may be hard to swallow.

The agriculture minister David Heath has claimed that unless households start digging and growing their own food, we will face empty supermarket shelves as they will struggle to import enough food to feed us. The government are currently warning about future food shortages which could occur as the UK currently imports 40% of its food. The freezing temperatures earlier this year have already had an effect on crops, with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and peas all being affected by waterlogged ground and low levels of light. More surprisingly this year Britain will need to import more wheat than it exports for the first time in a decade.

Will you dig for your survival?

Over the past 10 years, the growth of tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions in Britain has fallen so low that they have been labelled as “endangered”. Brussels sprouts, lettuce, leeks and cauliflower are also at risk of becoming “endangered”. If action isn’t taken by the government, there will be even less home grown food on supermarket shelves and food prices will continue to rise.

While we wait for the government to take action, people can do their bit by growing fruit and vegetables in their gardens. The number of people growing their own fruit and veg is already on the increase, as the share of fruit and veg grown in allotments and gardens rose from 2.9% in 2008 to 5% in 2011.

For those looking to make small changes, herbs, salad leaves, chillies and garlic are all easy to grow and a great way to get started. So why not give it a go and see what you can grow.

Need storage for all of your new gardening equipment? Asgard have it covered with their range of metal garden sheds.

Statistics provided by the Telegraph

More trouble for Boris Bikes?

Following up on my previous article on the possible failure of Boris Bikes, recent news has highlighted the decline of Boris bike rentals so far this year. This fall has been attributed to the bad weather we’ve had so far this year and the rise in Boris bike rental prices, which was implemented at the beginning of 2013 and saw prices double.

Trouble for Boris Bikes?

The most recent figures from the 1^st week of March showed that 135,364 bikes were hired compared to more than 193,000 in the same week in 2012 and it has been found that the use of the Boris bike scheme has been in steady decline since its peak, in the weeks leading up to the Olympics.

Hopefully people will be commuting more using their own bikes and not give up on cycling as a means of transport altogether. However it is possible that cycling as a form of transport is losing its appeal to those ‘non cyclists’. There are many things that put people off cycling such as high profile cycling fatalities, which can be very scary and daunting, especially to those of us not used to cycling in busy urban areas. The recent Boris Bike accident involving a cyclist and a lorry, which has left the cyclist fighting for his life, will only highlight peoples existing fears about not only using Boris bikes, but cycling in general.

Are people giving up Boris for their own bikes?

Other cities plan to take on similar bike schemes to the Boris bikes, in a hope to get more people commuting by bike. However as we all know, in order for bike schemes and cycling in major UK cities to really take off, something needs to be done to make cycling safer for all, in terms of better road layouts and cycling infrastructure.

What is the best way to store a motorbike?

The Asgard motorcycle garage is the ONLY Locksmith Association approved motorcycle garage in the UK. Take a look at the following key features:

Asgard Motorcycle Garage key features

1. Galvanised steel

This Asgard motorcycle garage is made from strong weatherproof steel, the same as all Asgard metal storage units.

2. Vented side panel

Our motorcycle garage features vented side panels, which allow exhaust vapours to escape.

3. Easy assembly

This garage comes with easy to follow step by step instructions. An assembly service is also available.

4. Metal shed 10 year warranty

Asgard sheds come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

5. Large double doors

Fitted with large double doors for easy access inside the garage.

6. Integral metal base and protective wooden floor

This motorbike garage is fitted with an integral metal base and supplied with a protective wooden subfloor.

7. Hook Rail

The provided hook rail is ideal for hanging helmets and leathers.

8. Heavy duty ramp

The heavy duty ramp allows you to ride your motorbike straight inside the garage.

9. Tough 5 point locking system

Fitted with a tough 5 point locking system to keep your motorcycle safe.

10. UK Locksmiths  Association Approved

The Asgard motorcycle garage is the only Locksmith Association Approved Motorcycle Garage in the UK.

Investment into UK Cycling

Cycling MP’s in the UK are calling for more than £1bn a year to invest in cycling. This is just one of the many recommendations outlined in the ‘Get Britain Cycling Summary Report’ published by the APPCG (All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group).

The APPCG has also recommended in this report that;

• There should be rules to make sure cyclist and pedestrian needs are considered early on in new planning schemes.
• Better driver training for lorry drivers is needed and HGV’s should have their movements restricted on busy streets during rush hour.
• It is recommended that cycle training is provided at all primary and secondary schools.

Time to get Britain cycling

The recommendations made in this report will help to improve public health and make roads, towns and cities a safer environment. However in order for all of the recommendations  to take action, 10 times the investment will be needed. The investment should be increased from £2 per head to £10 and this should be increased again, to £20, as cycling’s popularity begins to increase.

Norman Baker, a local transport minister stated “we are grateful to the APPCG for raising the profile of cycling and will respond to the report shortly”.

View the full Get Britain Cycling Report.

Is this the new bike theft deterrent?

A team from Newcastle University may have found a new way to deter bike theft. The team decided to test out a theory that people behave better when they think they are being watched. Research has been carried out for 2 years, by placing pictures of staring eyes above cycle racks around the university campus.

 

It was found that there was a 62% drop in crime rates at the bike racks which featured these pictures and the bike racks without these pictures saw thefts increase by 63%.

Due to the massive positive effect that this has had on crime rates at the university, it is now being tested at various train stations by the British Transport police.

This may prove to be an effective way to deter bike theft from public areas, however this may become less and less effective as thieves realise there is no real threat behind the image.

This may work in a public place, but we’re pretty sure it wouldn’t have the same effect at some one’s home. Make sure your bike is fully protected from theft at home, by keeping it locked away securely and out of sight.

If you’re looking for secure home bike storage, Asgard metal bike sheds offer fantastic protection against theft. See the full Asgard metal bike shed range here.

Statistics provided by BBC News.

How can I store 4 bikes?

Asgard 4 bike storage features

The Access 4 bike shed is the best selling bike shed from Asgard. This bike shed is popular because of its large easy access double doors, easy lift up lid and shrouded locks.

Take a look at the rest of this bike sheds features:

1. Galvanised steel

This 4 bike shed from Asgard is made from strong weatherproof steel, the same as all Asgard metal storage units.

2. Metal shed 10 year warranty

Asgard sheds come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

3. Bike shed accessories

Shelving and hook accessories are available to purchase, adding more storage space to your unit.

4. Unique shed ventilation

All Asgard metal storage units are fitted with a unique ventilation system to minimise condensation.

5. Gas assisted lift up lid

The Access 4 bike shed has a unique gas assisted lift up lid.

6. Easy assembly

This metal bike shed comes with easy to follow step by step instructions. An assembly service is also available.

7. Integral metal floor

Security is added with an integral metal floor.

8. No exposed screws

Asgard bike storage units feature no exposed screws or dangerous sharp edges.

9. Two Shrouded locking points

This bike shed is fitted with two shrouded locking points, designed to keep thieves out!

10. Fits up to 4 bikes

Fit up to 4 bikes securely in the Access bike shed.

See the full range of Asgard bike storage.

Bike racks instead of car parking spaces?

Would you rather have cycle racks outside your home instead of a parking space? Cambridge city councillors are planning on doing just that, as parking spaces in tightly packed terraces could be replaced by cycle racks if residents choose.

This will be trialled in as an idea in intensely developed areas.  Martin Lucas- Smith the campaigners chairman stated that he had been approached by households living in the area that wanted on street bike storage. Councillors have said that they would be interested in testing out this idea, but realise that any changes would have to be carefully thought out as car parking spaces are also in heavy demand.

However this does raise the question as to whether it will increase the amount of bike thefts in the area. If large quantities of bikes are kept in a specific area every night, they are very likely to become targets for bike theft. As Cambridge is one of the worst places for bike theft in the UK, these bicycle racks could just encourage bike thieves in the area. It will be interesting to see what residents in the areas think of this idea and whether the scheme will be successful when trialled.

Anti-theft bike stand

A new bike stand has been designed to offer cyclists secure bike storage in cities.  This new concept of bike stand is an anti-theft lock stand created by R&D Core. The bike stand works by rolling the bike into grooves in the ground.  When the stand is activated, a lock attaches the bike frame to the stand and two bolts slip through the spokes of each bike wheel, immobilising the bike. The user can then access their bike using smartphone or smartcard. This new concept may be just what is needed to stop bike theft away from the home in its tracks.

New concept bike rack

Although many bike users are most concerned about their bikes safety when out and about, the majority of bike theft actually occurs at the home. Never underestimate the importance of secure bike storage at home. Reports of home bike theft are always increasing and as summer approaches, garden shed thefts will also be on the increase and your bike will be vulnerable. If you store your bike in a standard wooden garden shed, it is unfortunately only a matter of time before it will be stolen. Make sure you have the best protection for your bike at home with a strong metal bike shed.

Asgard best selling bike storage

These bike sheds from Asgard are made from strong weatherproof steel, fitted with tough locking systems and come with a wide range of features. Take a look at the full range of secure bike storage from Asgard.

Information provided by Bikebiz

What is the best way to store 3 bikes?

The Asgard addition 3 bike shed, is one of the best ways to store up to 3 bikes securely at your home. If you are looking for a way to store your bikes, take a look at the key features of this all metal bike shed from Asgard.

Asgard 3 bike shed

1. Galvanised steel

This 3 bike shed from Asgard is made from strong weatherproof steel, the same as all Asgard metal storage units.

2. No exposed screws

Asgard bike storage units feature no exposed screws or dangerous sharp edges.

3. Easy assembly

This metal bike shed comes with easy to follow step by step instructions. An assembly service is also available.

4. Unique shed ventilation

All Asgard metal storage units are fitted with a unique ventilation system to minimise condensation.

5. Low maintenance

Metal bike sheds are very low maintenance.

6. Metal shed 10 year warranty

Asgard sheds come with a 10 year warranty as standard.

7. Bike shed accessories

Shelving and hook accessories are available to purchase, adding more storage space to your unit.

8. Integral metal floor

Security is added with an integral metal floor.

9. Pick resistant locking mechanism

This pick resistant locking mechanism is designed to keep thieves out!

10. 3 point locking system

A 3 point locking system helps keep your bike and stored items locked away securely.

Find out more about the full range of Asgard bike storage on the Asgard website.

Beware of bike theft

With summer not so far away, more people will be using their bikes and these longer days means an increased risk of bike theft.  According to the home office, in the months of June, July and August bike theft rises by an extra 25%! Recent reports have already been made this year about the increasing problems with bike theft and many areas are struggling to tackle the crime. This is particularly notable in places where the number of cyclists is significantly higher than average, such as Cambridge where 52% of residents cycle at least once a week and due to the large number of cyclists in the area, Cambridge has been named the UK bike theft capital.

Make sure that your bike is protected from theft this summer, by keeping your bike secure whenever it is not in use.

Bike security at home

• Make sure your bike is covered by insurance
• Invest in a secure bike shed
• Don’t leave your bike unsecured in front of your home
• Don’t store your bike in a shed which has windows
• Use a ground anchor or shed alarm for additional security

Asgard twin bike locker

Bike security when out

• Lock your bike in a busy and well lit area
• Try and leave your bike in an area with CCTV
• Use 2 different types of lock
• Make sure your bike is covered by insurance