I believe the Reading test centre has closed. Seemed to be a lack of DVLA^▸ (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) signage when I went by the other day.

Possibly a not very helpful multi-modal option. It is normally cheaper not to go via London. The Wexham Park to Bracknell bus (53?) and then a Reading Buses 4 to Wokingham station, then the Noth Downs line to Gatwick and change for Hassocks. Depends on how much time you have to waste. Also check service 53 because I believe it doesn't run seven days.

Sorry I am used to doing odd multi-modal things with the Brompton.

I believe the Great Western Railway used to run buses. Like a few railway companies they tended to be multi-modal operators, most notably the coastal ones running ferry services.

I notice that some traffic lights in Reading seem to have been changed to very short phase and cycle times. Doesn't do much for the safety of cyclists. Is this just the normal attitude of Reading BC to cyclists, or does the quote above suggest that there has been a national direction.

Not sure where to put this item. The BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) news for Berkshire has the following item https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1wdje7ve9wo.

The 1910 picture, or similar is used on Reading Buses and credited to the Museum of English Rural Life (MERL). MERL has a large on-line photo archive, which I haven't got the hang of using and find most frustrating, but end up down interesting rabbit holes.

I am sure somebody on the forum will identify the 3-car EMU^▸ (Electric Multiple Unit).

Certainly less than a mile, the arthritic knees won't have it. But normally do at least 15 km a day on the bike.

I think I still have my original brown HGV licence book somewhere.

I stumbled over these interesting DfT^» (Department for Transport - about) research documents the other day https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/moments-of-change-and-travel-behaviours. Not directly relevant to driving licences and the highway code but interesting to consider when trying to change thinking. Part of the input is from what used to the government "nudge" unit, which I think were shunted out when the previous administration found some of their suggestions too radical/sensible.

Changing the Highway Code, regrettably, is unlikely to change behaviour on its own.

For most people the Highway Code is something people "mug up on" for the driving test, and never look at again. How many people have a copy of the new Highway Code? When did people last look at the Highway Code? A possible Graham poll?

Thank you for your hard work. You appear to be doing better than LHR.

Whenever I have to cross Poole level crossing it is a Saturday and it is crammed. Don't know what it is like without the street market. While I am waiting in the crowd I wonder how it compares with Shoreham by Sea. Shoreham used to be reputed to be the level crossing that was closed longest.  I don't know if that was a fact or the Shoreham motorists in a hurry to get nowhere.

I have to acknowledge that I am not a great fan of another runway at Heathrow.

"It certainly seems Heathrow's eggs are all in one basket." Adding another runway would make the situation worse; Gatwick, o
Luton or Stansted if you must.

Is all this another example of induced demand, as seen on roads? Build more and you get more, ad infinitum. Ironic that there is another closure of the M25 this weekend.

From BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) Live coverage

Nearby rail services are also taking a hit
It's not just flights - trains around Heathrow are also being disrupted today.

The Heathrow Express, which connects the airport with Paddington station, says there are no services in either direction today, and is advising people not to try and travel to the airport.

On the Elizabeth Line, Transport for London says there is no service between Hayes & Harlington and Heathrow Airport, with severe delays between Paddington and Hayes & Harlington.

So far, Transport for London says that there is good service on the Piccadilly Line.

Is this a single point of failure?
How many other airports/airfields could be at similar risk?

Hope somebody has a spare transformer in the (very big) cupboard.

Sounds like another reason to visit the Watercress Line
https://www.forcesnews.com/heritage/wwii/iconic-ww2-steam-train-built-women-takes-tracks-once-more
Not many ladies obvious in the restoration team.

I have just started reading Laura Laker's book "Potholes and pavements" which is a trip round the National Cycle Network.

In the back there is a reference to "Study of disused railways in England and Wales - Potential cycle routes" published by HMSO in 1982. Produced by John Grimshaw for the Department of Transport. A copy can be found at https://files.websitebuilder.prositehosting.co.uk/4e/a6/4ea60cd3-c959-422f-a256-ce418dc3238f.pdf which only appears to be a part copy.

It obviously relates to a very different world to now, but there are some interesting facts and graphs before Excel (or maybe Supercalc). The Bitton-Bath & Ashton-Pill Bike Path is used as a case study.

Looks like I have two interesting books to read.

Unfortunately I have not found the map that is supposed to be part of the report.