Learner drivers are given lessons in bike safety

With the tension between cyclists and motorists reaching boiling point, something positive is finally being done to tackle the number of cyclist deaths on Britain’s roads.  Learner drivers will now be taught bike awareness, thanks to two of the UK’s biggest driving schools AA and BSM. Both of these driving schools will include a new segment on driving safely around cyclists. Driving instructors will undergo training backed by the Driving Standards Agency and the Department for Transport, to enable them to educate new drivers.

AA president Edmund King said “I am personally committed to breaking down the ‘two tribes’ attitude displayed between some drivers and cyclists. Often we are the same people. I am convinced that this initiative will change attitudes and save lives.”

Head of BSM, Mark Peacock said “Successfully teaching a learner to drive safely around cyclists means instilling a good attitude as well as the necessary practical driving skills. Understanding why cyclists behave in certain ways, such as avoiding potholes or how they are affected in strong winds, is key to being safe around them.”

This is a great step in making UK roads much safer for cyclists to use. However, there will still be thousands of motorists, who won’t have undergone such training and have a negative attitude towards cyclists on the road. This negative ‘I own the road’ attitude is what causes accidents and fatalities between cyclists and car drivers on our roads. Hopefully this new segment, will be enforced and be a must have for all learner drivers and tested on the driving theory test.

What is the best high security bike storage?

The Annexe is Asgard’s toughest bike shed,

Fitted with a range of strong high security features to keep your bikes protected from theft. Take a look at its key features here.

1. Door security bolts

This bike shed features tough door bolts as an added security measure.

2. Galvanised steel

All Asgard metal bike sheds are all made from galvanised (weatherproof) steel, for tough storage.

3. Reinforced panels

The Annexe secure bike storage unit boasts reinforced doors, panels and hinges for the best bike security.

4. Hooks available

Heavy duty hooks are available to purchase, these are ideal for hanging helmets and cycling accessories. These hooks are easy to fit as Asgard sheds are already pre-drilled to accept them.

5. Rain guard

Bad weather is no match for the Annexe bike shed, as it is fitted with an integral rain guard designed to keep the bad weather out!

6. Shelving available

Heavy duty, galvanised steel shelves are available to purchase. Keep all of your cycling gear stored with your bikes.

7. Full metal base

Asgard bike sheds are fitted with a full integral metal base for security, this metal base can be bolted to concrete for extra tough storage.

8. LPCB Approved

The Annexe high security bike shed, has been approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board  to level 1, which may help to reduce insurance premiums.

9. Pick resistant lock

Fitted with a euro cylinder pick resistant locking mechanism, for the best bike security.

10. Tough locking system

The Annexe has a tough 5 point locking system, designed to keep thieves out!

Take a look at the full range of Bike Sheds from Asgard.

How much is your garden shed worth?

Is your garden full to the brim? You’ll be surprised at how much the items stored in your garden shed are worth.  A study conducted by Net Voucher Codes, found that in the average garden shed £2080 worth of items can be found.

Worryingly this study also revealed that 29% of people don’t put a lock on their sheds.

Valuable items in your garden shed

• The most valuable items found in a garden shed are bikes, with the average family storing £600 worth.
• On average we have £450 worth of garden tools
• The average amount of garden furniture we have adds up to £350
• Lawnmowers in our shed average at £250
• Children’s toys average at £230

Now that you know the amount of money that is sitting in your garden shed, you should become more careful when it comes to storing your items securely.  Putting a lock on your garden shed is the very least you can do to protect your garden shed from theft. As we know, garden shed theft is a very real problem and these only increase during the summer months.

A garden shed alarm is also another way to protect your stored garden items. A motion sensor shed alarm is available from Asgard, the home of secure steel storage.

Asgard metal garden shed

However, if you would like something more substantial, Asgard has a range of metal garden sheds. These are sturdier and more robust than the average wooden garden shed.  Made from tough weatherproof steel, these metal garden sheds are fitted with tough pick resistant locks to help keep thieves out. Find out more about Asgard on their website.

The best way to share a bike locker

The Asgard Double Ended Bike Locker, is the best way to share bike storage in a secure way, without leave your bike at risk to theft. This bike locker allows you to store 2 bikes independently, ideal for sharing!

1. Stores 2 bikes

This bike locker is designed to store up to 2 bikes separately of each other.

2. Includes storage hooks

Heavy duty hooks are provided with this bike locker, perfect for hanging helmets.

3. Internal locking point

This bike locker is designed to be shared, an internal locking point has been included as an added security measure.

4. Can be secured to a concrete base

Asgard bike lockers are supplied with fixing bolts, which can be used to secure the bike locker to a concrete base for added security.

5. 3 point locking system

A 3 point locking system is fitted to both doors on the Double Ended Bike Locker. Each door is operated by a different key, for private individual access.

6. Pick resistant lock

This bike locker is fitted with a euro cylinder pick and drill resistant lock.

7. Internal steel divider

A steel divider is fitted inside this bike locker, to securely separate your bike from the other.

8. Galvanised steel

The Double Ended Bike Locker is made from strong galvanised (weatherproof) steel, as are all Asgard storage units, for the toughest bike security.

9. Easy assembly

Asgard bike lockers are easy to assemble and are provided with step by step instructions. An installation service is also available.

10. Ideal for down the side of a house

This bike locker is designed to provide space saving bike storage and is ideal for sitting down the side of a house or flat.

View the full range of Asgard bike storage to find the perfect bike store for you.

Riding a quad bike – the law

Thinking about getting a quad bike?  Here are a few things that you need to about the law and riding a quad bike.

Do quad bikes need to be registered and taxed?

Quad Bikes must be registered with the DVLA and the bike must have number plates. However if you are using off-road, you do not have to tax or register your quad bike.

Does a quad bike need an MOT certificate?

A quad bike that is being used on the road will need a valid MOT certificate if the bike is more than 3 years old.

Do I need a driving licence to drive quad bike?

To be able to drive a quad bike on the road you will need to have a full car licence or a category B1 licence if it was issued before January 1997. However if you are using your quad bike off road, you don’t need a driving licence.

Do I need insurance to drive a quad bike?

To drive a quad bike on the road, you must have a minimum of third party insurance.

Can I carry passengers on my quad bike?

If you want to carry passengers on your quad bike, you can only do so if your quad bike is designed to carry passengers and has the correct number of seats.

Do I have to wear a helmet when on my quad bike?

You do not have to wear a helmet while driving a quad bike, but it is recommended.

10 tips when buying a used Quad Bike

When buying anything used, you should always carry out a thorough inspection. Buying a used quad bike is no different, below is a list of things that you should check out before making your purchase.

1. Inspect the undercarriage for any serious dents or damage.

2. Check the frame inspecting the shock mounts, A-arm mounts and intersections for any signs of rust.

3. Check the engine oil to see if it is contaminated.

4. Use a torch to look for any rust in the gas tank.

5. Take a look at the air box and filter, as this can collect water and damage the engine.

6. Test all lights, the engine shut off switch and key switch.

7. Test all of the brakes, making sure they operate correctly and look out for damaged or cracked cables.

8. Inspect the exhaust, looking out for any holes.

9. Check the steering by moving the handle bars back and forth. This will identify worn tie rod ends or steering stem bushes.

10. Check the condition of the tyres, making sure they are not too worn. If so you can negotiate on the price of the quad bike.

When you purchase your new quad bike, make sure you keep it locked up securely.

Quad bike theft is on the rise, especially in rural areas, protect yourself from becoming a victim. Asgard has a secure quad bike garage, designed to keep your quad bike/ ATV safe. Made from strong weatherproof steel and fitted with high security features for tough storage. Find out more about this quad bike garage on the Asgard website.

Features of Asgard large metal sheds

If you are looking for large storage for your gardening to keep anything from old empty plant pots to garden furniture, look no further. Asgard large metal sheds offer fantastic outdoor storage in a range of sizes and are fitted with a wide range of features.

Large outdoor storage from Asgard

1. Galvanised steel

All Asgard metal garden sheds are made from Weatherproof steel, for the toughest storage.

2. No exposed screws

There are no dangerous exposed screws or sharp edges.

3. Easy assembly

Even though they are big, Asgard large metal garden sheds are easy to assemble and come with step by step instructions. An installation service is also available.

4. Accessories

Shed accessories such as hooks and shelves are available to purchase and allow you to maximise your storage space.

5. Ventilation system

Asgard sheds are fitted with a unique ventilation system to minimise condensation.

6. Integral metal floor

The integral metal floor adds more security to the metal shed.

7. Low maintenance

Metal sheds are low maintenance.

8. 10 year warranty

All Asgard sheds are suplied with a 10yr warranty as standard.

9. Pick resistant locking mechanism

This pick resistant locking mechanism helps keep your stored items safe.

10. Tough locking system

Tough locking systems help keep thieves away!

See the full range of large metal sheds from Asgard.

Top tips for buying your first static caravan

So you’ve decided that you want to purchase a static caravan. Here’s a list of key things that you should think about before making your purchase.

What are the costs involved?

Make sure you set yourself a realistic budget for how much you can afford to spend on the static caravan itself. Not forgetting that this isn’t the only cost that you have to worry about. There will also be annual costs to pay such as: a pitch fee, management fee, utility charges and insurance.

If you are purchasing a brand new caravan, check if the price includes the transportation to your chosen caravan site.

Brand new or pre owned?

Check with the park owners, how long you are allowed to keep a static caravan on their site before you replace it. Some parks have no age limit, whereas others have a maximum of 15 years.  Bear this in mind when purchasing both brand new and second hand. If you are purchasing a pre-owned static caravan, you only have the balance of years left on the lease before having to purchase a new one.

Location

Take the time to carefully consider where you are going to have your static caravan.  Do research and create a short list. Visit each place that you are considering, making sure you see all of the facilities that are available and visit the nearest town. If possible, speak to other caravan owners at the park.  Also consider how long it will take you to get to your caravan, from your home and will the distance allow you to use it regularly.

When do you want to visit?

Check when the holiday park is open, as they typically close during the winter months to allow for essential maintenance. Generally caravan parks are open for a maximum of 10 months a year and there may be some restrictions on how long you can spend there in one go.

Is it pet friendly?

If you are a dog owner, make sure you check that the park is pet friendly beforehand.

Static Caravan essentials

You will need to purchase new items for your caravan, just to make it liveable. Items you’ll need include linens, cutlery, crockery etc. Take this as a good opportunity to clear out the overflow from your home.  If you find your caravan is quickly overflowing with stuff, you’ll be able to purchase a caravan storage unit from Asgard. These metal sheds sit outside your caravan and are the ideal way to store surplus caravan items securely.

Asgard Caravan Site storage

Remember owning a static caravan is a very worthwhile investment, if you plan on using it regularly you’ll save time and money on expensive holidays abroad.

Alan Titchmarsh warns gardening is undervalued

It’s safe to say that the majority of young people aren’t interested in gardening, it can be seen as a chore or something that just ‘old’ people do.  Alan Titchmarsh has spoken out, warning that gardening is undervalued. Alan has said that young people must be taught that gardening jobs are not for the “thick dull and unadventurous”.

Alan stated that gardeners work is “undervalued by Government, by the population and by young people in particular – in every instance because they just do not understand the breadth of what we do and its importance in terms of the well-being of the planet and its population”.

A study conducted by some of Britain’s leading horticultural organisations has shown that more than 70% of companies are struggling to find skilled workers and more than 80% of those businesses surveyed believed it is the poor reputation of horticultural jobs. Due to the perception of horticultural jobs, 19% of companies have been forced to recruit from abroad and 10% of vacancies took over a year to fill.

The Horticultural Trade Association director Carol Paris said “With such a serious skills shortage in the sector we need to change perceptions to show the diversity of exciting opportunities that exist within horticulture and how this can offer a serious and rewarding career for talented people.”

Interested in working in horticulture? Take a look at the Horticulture jobs website to find vacancies in your area and to learn more about career prospects in the horticultural sector.

Statistics provided by the Telegraph.

Asgard MD cycles from Northern France to Spanish Boarder

Asgard doesn’t just sell bike storage units, the staff have a passion for cycling too, which may explain why their bike storage units are so good!

Staff from the Asgard offices have previously taken part in charity bike rides and weekends away spent cycling up mountain tops, but the Asgard Managing Director, Nick Hewitt, has taken it to the next level!

Who needs a Sat Nav?

Along with a group of friends, he attempted to cycle from the northern tip of France to the Spanish boarder in just 9 days. This would be a mighty challenge for a lot of people and I’m sure I would have given up after the first few days, but Nick and the team managed to beat their target, completing the 848 mile journey in 8 and a half days after spending 54 hours on their bikes. But it wasn’t all work and no play, they managed to fit in some fun along the way at various vineyards and enjoying some lovely French cuisine.

They made it!

The trip didn’t go without its hiccups though, with Sat Navs broken on the first day, wrong turns and flooding. But thankfully they all made it back in one piece!  They call themselves ‘The Yorkshire Terries’, a fitting name I think. The ‘Yorkshire Terriers’  team is made up of Nick Hewitt, Garry Ogden, Rupert Pearson, Oliver Garside, Robin Litten, Matt Milbourn and Andy Mullins. Take a look at the highlights of their journey here.