Latest news with #citydwellers
The Guardian
20-07-2025
- The Guardian
Hackney birdsong? Stolen Lime bikes the new sound of summer in the city
Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep, beep. Was that exhausting to read? Well, imagine if that noise was the soundtrack to your summer. To the ire of many city dwellers this year, it is. The piercing and persistent sound, something akin to a half-bothered fire alarm you accidentally set off, has been everywhere. Its origin? Lime e-bikes, specifically the stolen variety. The bikes, which have become ubiquitous in London and other cities, cost 27p a minute to ride, plus a £1 unlock fee in the capital. Those hoping to get around without paying a penny have resorted to naughtier (and noisier) ways of doing so. There are video tutorials available online on how to break into Lime e-bikes. When someone manages to bypass their lock and ride around for free, it emits a continuous beep, beep, beep sound. The noise is supposed to be a deterrent – a sonic advertisement to all who pass by that the rider is a cheat – but considering how prevalent it has become, it seems as though boosting a bike has become not only an acceptable course of action but even a lifestyle choice. On a balmy Friday afternoon in lush and leafy Clissold Park in east London, I played the beep, beep, beep sound to sun seekers, who recognised it instantly. During the course of our conversation, offending e-bikes sped around people, including children, along the park's paths. Ellie Roberts said she heard the sound daily, describing it as the 'birdsong of Hackney'. 'It doesn't keep me up but it bothers me,' said Roberts, 47, who works in advertising. 'It's an indication of low-level crime on an ongoing basis.' Her friend, Sinead McKenna, 49, is more fond of the persistent sound. 'I quite like it, it's the sound of the summer,' said the solicitor. Schoolkids are often seen whizzing around on the beeping bikes, despite under-18s being banned from using the service. 'I genuinely like [the sound] because I think if I was a kid, that's what I'd do,' said McKenna, laughing. 'It's the fact that Lime is making a lot of money and they have a responsibility. I don't blame the kids for it.' There was little sympathy for Lime in evidence. 'Why is it that they can make money off public space?' said Sebastian Eyre, 34, who runs a pizza company. 'I don't actually mind [the sound] because it's usually kids. Lime have done their evil, so let the kids get a free ride.' Eyre, who lives in Sydenham, said he heard the dreaded beep, beep, beep 'a couple times a day'. He reckons in his pocket of south-east London people are riding stolen bikes 'nine time out of ten', based on how often he hears the sound. A small stroll outside the park, on a road where cafes and bakeries that are the calling card of gentrification lie, Lime bikes were also seen whizzing up and down. Clad in Lycra and a bike helmet seldom seen on those zipping around on Lime e-bikes, John Villeneau said there had been a 'massive increase' in the number of them available in the area. 'If you just go to any of the pubs, there used to be a group of 10 bikes outside. Now, there's like 50. There's just hundreds of bikes outside on a Friday night because everyone Limes it up and Limes it back,' said the 59-year-old non-practising solicitor. He said he hears the beep, beep, beep sound a lot but doesn't mind it. 'If you're forced to take a Lime bike and not pay for it and you have to put up with that noise yourself, who cares? I don't care,' he said. He has given the e-bikes a go himself, but he's not a big fan. 'I'm not keen. They're expensive and I can't be bothered. The last couple of times I've ridden them into town, you have to go to a designated place and all that crap.' Jane, 68, a former teacher, who did not want to provide her last name, visited Clissold Park for the first time in over a year since moving out of the area. She said she had heard the beep, beep, beep sound twice since entering the park. The current stereotype seems to be that it is only young boys who drive the e-bikes recklessly, but Jane thinks this is incorrect. 'I don't think it's just young people, I don't think it's just young boys or young men. I think it's everybody,' she said. 'When you get on those bikes, everybody turns very selfish.' A Lime spokesperson said: 'We know that the vast majority of people use our bikes responsibly, and we take instances of them being stolen, damaged or misused very seriously. Previously, our hardware team has successfully delivered several targeted improvements to stop bikes being used fraudulently. 'We are developing further measures to counter the latest attempts to damage and fraudulently use vehicles. We are also working with TfL and local authorities to hold offenders to account and we urge the public to report any incidents they see, including time and location, so we can take appropriate action.'
UAE Moments
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- UAE Moments
Best Premium-Looking Cars Under $40K in 2025
Looking for affordable luxury cars 2025 that look and feel premium without breaking the bank? You're not alone. Mid‑20s city dwellers crave sleek design, upscale interiors, and smart tech—all on a budget. In this guide, we'll take you through 11 standout models that deliver the high-end experience at realistic prices, so you can ride in style without splurging. Best Premium-Looking Cars Under $40K Cars that feel fancier than their price tag—without punching holes in your wallet: Mazda3 Grand Touring Starting price: ≈ $30K Sleek exterior with premium LED headlights Leather seats, aluminum trim, and a 360° camera Tech-rich cabin with Bose audio, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto Volkswagen Jetta Starting price: ≈ $21K European-inspired styling with sharp LED DRLs Refined ride with turbo engine, confident handling Feature-rich cabin: digital instruments, safety assists Hyundai Elantra Starting price: ≈ $21K Modern design, clean lines, bold grille Spacious interior with dual screens and HUD Strong warranty & safety tech for peace of mind Under 30K Cars That Look Expensive Affordable doesn't mean cheap. These rides punch above their price: Kia K4 (~$22–24K): Bold dual-screen dash, panoramic sunroof, aggressive styling Toyota Camry Hybrid (~$30K): Hybrid efficiency, leatherette interior, 12.3″ touchscreen, ~51 MPG Subaru Impreza (~$24K): Standard AWD, solid build, upscale feel with optional premium trim According to The Car Connection, new-budget cars now include smartphone-ready features and safety systems—a major upgrade over old basics. Best Affordable Luxury Sedans 2025 Want true luxury on a budget? These sedans deliver entry-level elegance: Compact Luxury Cars Under $35K Luxury mindset meets compact pricing: In 2025, you don't need to empty your bank account for a luxury feel. These affordable luxury cars 2025 deliver on design, comfort, and innovation—all under $45K. Ready to ride in style?
The Guardian
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
These words of defiant unity followed the horror of the 7/7 bombings. Imagine what we would hear today instead
Today, at 8.59am, the teeming mass coursing through King's Cross station in London fell silent. It continued to move, because the world must turn, but the hubbub ceased. Moments earlier, a strangely quiet, sombre loudspeaker announcement marked the moment the 7/7 terrorist bombs exploded in that station and elsewhere in the capital in 2005, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770. The capital moves on, but the capital remembers. I stood still for a minute underneath the glowing light of a digital clock. People offered knowing glances and nods as they passed to catch their trains. At the time of the bombings, I covered London and the London mayoralty for the Guardian. I remember being called by colleagues asking for information about what they had been told in the initial moments was a giant electrical failure on the London underground. I had been warned that week about the fears in official circles that some sort of terrorist attack was possible, if not likely. I rang a contact. 'It's not an electrical incident, is it?' 'No,' they replied gravely, 'it isn't.' Some things I have forgotten, but others stayed with me. The calm in those stations, even amid the horror, even when no one knew if there were more bombers, more devices. The relative calm on the streets. City dwellers are like dysfunctional families, and no less in Britain's capital. They bicker over nonsense and trivialities, but pause all that when something serious occurs, when they need to find the ties that bind. Thirteen people died when the youngest bomber detonated his device on a No 30 double-decker bus not far from King's Cross, in Tavistock Square. All buses stopped that morning, but by the afternoon, they were running again and Londoners were boarding them. One thing I remember acutely is the reaction of the then London mayor, Ken Livingstone. He was a controversial figure throughout his time in public life, first as a two-fingered salute to the Thatcher government during his leadership of the Greater London council and then as the lefty mayor that righties never liked, but, in the early years at least, could never quite dislike. For a time, he was formidable. It didn't last, and by the end of his time in politics, he had pretty well obliterated goodwill and overshadowed his political accomplishments with shocking, recurring comments referencing Hitler and disgraceful remarks rightly condemned as antisemitism. He resigned from the Labour party in 2018, having been suspended two years earlier over his comments, which were exacerbated by his denials of any antisemitism in the party. Livingstone apologised for any offence, and insisted his comments were not antisemitic. In 2023, it was announced that he had Alzheimer's and has retired from public life. When Livingstone was clever and sensible, I praised him. When he was stupid and offensive, I said that too. The Boris Johnson-supporting London Evening Standard, my former employer, once implied I was an uncritical Livingstone crony, pointing to an independent research project commissioned by City Hall I had worked on. But a multitude of my stories critical of Livingstone gave easy lie to that. So this is not a blithe attempt to rehabilitate Livingstone. But 20 years ago, on the day of 7/7, as London mayor, he gave an example of political leadership in the face of trauma and despair. It was just what was needed at the time, but it also highlights the inadequacy of the community stewardship we too often accept as normal in our national politics, and the current primacy of an approach that actively creates division as its modus operandi, seeking incremental gains regardless of the collateral damage. In a hastily called press conference, in a dark suit, in a steady voice, but with eyes slightly watering, Livingstone said: 'I want to say one thing specifically to the world today. This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty and the powerful. It was not aimed at presidents or prime ministers. It was aimed at ordinary, working-class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christian, Hindu and Jew, young and old. It was an indiscriminate attempt to slaughter, irrespective of any considerations for age, for class, for religion, or whatever.' That isn't an ideology, he said: 'It isn't even a perverted faith – it is just an indiscriminate attempt at mass murder and we know what the objective is. They seek to divide Londoners. They seek to turn Londoners against each other. I said yesterday to the International Olympic Committee [London had just secured the 2012 Olympics] that the city of London is the greatest in the world, because everybody lives side by side in harmony. Londoners will not be divided by this cowardly attack. They will stand together in solidarity alongside those who have been injured and those who have been bereaved and that is why I'm proud to be the mayor of that city.' Finally, he said: 'I wish to speak directly to those who came to London today to take life. I know that you personally do not fear giving up your own life in order to take others – that is why you are so dangerous. But I know you fear that you may fail in your long-term objective to destroy our free society and I can show you why you will fail. 'In the days that follow look at our airports, look at our sea ports and look at our railway stations and, even after your cowardly attack, you will see that people from the rest of Britain, people from around the world will arrive in London to become Londoners and to fulfil their dreams and achieve their potential. They choose to come to London, as so many have come before, because they come to be free, they come to live the life they choose, they come to be able to be themselves. They flee you because you tell them how they should live. They don't want that and nothing you do, however many of us you kill, will stop that flight to our city where freedom is strong and where people can live in harmony with one another. Whatever you do, however many you kill, you will fail.' It is hard to reconcile how pitch-perfect that was with his later, awful treatment of one of London's cherished communities. But on that day, he took an approach that absolutely chimed with me and many others. It said, we are London, we are diverse, we are fiercely unapologetic about who we are and how we live. You, the attackers, don't like it – and, by the way, we don't really care; we reject you. London salutes its dead and wounded. London moves on. And it's not just London: up and down the country, there are, for all the challenges and difficulties of doing so, communities seeking to live that way, preyed upon by extremists who, for their own ends – be they political, social, ideological or criminal – seek to achieve exactly the opposite. Twenty years on, reject them too. Hugh Muir is a Guardian columnist
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Travel + Leisure
25-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
NYC Is in the Middle of a Brutal Heat Wave—but These 14 Essentials Can Help Keep You Cool, From $7
New York City is deep in the first heat wave of the season, and stepping outside feels like walking straight into a sauna. Between sweltering subway platforms and sun-soaked sidewalks, staying cool requires strategy—and heat wave-ready essentials. The key? Breathable fabrics, loose silhouettes, and smart accessories that offer real relief from the heat. Below, you'll find 14 pieces that make getting through this brutally hot time just a little more bearable. From airy linen pants and moisture-wicking mini dresses to portable neck fans, each item is designed to keep you cool without sacrificing style. If you're not worried about navigating the city in triple-digit temps, these picks also double as great summer travel essentials. Prices start at just $7. A breathable pant can go a long way in keeping you cool, especially when it's made with a linen-cotton blend and a wide-leg silhouette. This pair works as an elevated alternative to shorts for warm city strolls or travel days when airflow is key. Pair with a tank and flat sandals for an easy, polished outfit that stays comfortable in rising temps. This loose-fitting romper was made for heat waves. The open back and breezy shape allow for maximum airflow, while the stretchy fabric offers flexibility for everything from city walks to beachside lounging. Style it with sneakers and a baseball cap for daytime or sandals and a tote for vacation-ready ease. When it's over 90 degrees and the sun's relentless, a cooling towel can be more effective than just water and shade. Activated by wetting it, the towel instantly drops in temperature to help cool the skin. It's ideal for dog walks, outdoor workouts, sightseeing, or even standing on a subway platform that feels hotter than the forecast. The towel stays cool for hours and folds down small, making it easy to keep in your bag while on the go. This cool-dry shirt is engineered for sweat-prone days, thanks to moisture-wicking fabric and breathable micro-vent panels. The four-way stretch allows for full range of motion, while the silky finish keeps the shirt from clinging to skin in the heat. Whether you're running errands, heading on a hike, or catching a long-haul flight in warm weather, it's a reliable choice that balances comfort with function. Not all sneakers are created equal in the heat. The New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi V4 Running Sneakers are designed for warm-weather activity, thanks to their breathable mesh upper that allows airflow around the feet. They're lightweight yet supportive, making them a strong option for long walks, sightseeing, or even navigating hot city streets during a commute. The design blends comfort and style, so you can wear them with activewear or casual outfits without sacrificing aesthetics. In a heat wave, carrying a personal fan can make a noticeable difference—but a hands-free neck fan goes one step further. The Zhzw Portable Neck Fan uses dual-cooling technology and a quiet turbo system to circulate cool air around your face and neck. It's ideal for outdoor walks, festival days, dog park visits, or just trying to survive your morning commute. It's particularly useful if you're traveling somewhere tropical or humid and want portable relief without bulky equipment. For both city dwellers and summer travelers, this wearable fan makes overheated days much more manageable. Matching sets are having a moment—and this one happens to be lightweight and heat wave-friendly, too. The breezy material and relaxed fit help regulate body temperature, while still offering a polished, put-together look. It's an easy outfit option for vacation dinners, rooftop lunches, or walking around the city on a hot day. The beauty of a two-piece set is how easy it is to mix and match—wear the top with linen pants or denim shorts, and style the shorts with a tank or button-down. It packs easily and resists wrinkling, making it a solid option to throw into a weekend bag. When the sidewalks feel like they're radiating heat, lightweight sandals are a must. These Crocs sandals combine breathability with durability—they're waterproof, featherlight, and cushioned for all-day wear. The streamlined design looks sleeker than typical Crocs but still offers the same comfort. Soft, flexible straps hold the foot securely without digging, while the open design promotes airflow. Whether you're hitting the beach, heading to a casual dinner, or strolling through the city, these sandals offer reliable comfort without bulk. This sporty mini dress does more than look cute—it's made with Columbia's signature cooling and moisture-wicking technology that actively works to lower your skin temperature. The fabric offers UPF 50 protection, making it ideal for sun-soaked days whether you're boating, hiking, or simply walking to brunch. Its active silhouette makes it easy to wear with sneakers or slides, and it packs well for warm-weather getaways. The G Gradual cropped pants are a solid alternative to shorts when you want coverage without sacrificing ventilation. Made from moisture-wicking polyamide and featuring a four-way stretch, they're ideal for travel, hikes, or long walks in the sun. The relaxed, tapered fit allows air to circulate while still looking tailored enough to dress up with a tank and sandals. Their quick-drying properties make them a smart pick if you're dealing with sweat or an unexpected summer storm. Cropped hems keep the lower legs cool, and zippered pockets add a practical element for carrying small essentials while out and about. A mini dress is a summer wardrobe staple, and this one combines breathability with on-trend style. It's made from a lightweight blend of tencel and linen—two fabrics known for staying cool and wicking moisture. The loose fit, boat neckline, and open back allow for plenty of airflow, even on days when the air feels heavy. Great for warm-weather travel or weekend brunch in the city, this dress is equal parts comfort and sophistication. During a heat wave, it's just as important to help your pets stay cool—especially if your apartment doesn't have central AC. This cooling mat activates instantly when your dog or cat lays down, using breathable fabric and gel-free technology to provide relief. One pet owner who purchased it shared, 'This dog cooling mat has been a lifesaver during heat waves. My dog loves laying on it, and the cooling effect is noticeable,' one pet owner shared. A good linen tank top is a piece for hot weather, and this one blends viscose and linen for a soft, breathable finish that stays cool throughout the day. The sleeveless design and back button details elevate the look just enough to pair with trousers, linen pants, or even a midi skirt. The range of shades make it easy to style for summer travel or everyday wear in the city. Whether you're exploring a new destination or just trying to stay cool while running errands, this stylish tank keeps things breezy. When sunscreen alone isn't cutting it, these UPF 50P arm sleeves add a protective barrier that also helps cool your skin. Designed with a four-way stretch and moisture-wicking fabric, they're ideal for outdoor workouts, bike rides, or even walking tours in high sun. The cooling fabric helps regulate your body temperature and offers coverage without the bulk of a long sleeve shirt. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Telegraph
Hay fever explosion earlier than usual
A hay fever explosion is taking place earlier than usual this year, experts have said. The start of spring was the driest since 1956, with half the expected rainfall in April and only a quarter of the long-term average in March, according to the Met Office. The Environment Agency (EA) has warned that there is a 'medium' risk of summer drought and potential hosepipe ban without sustained rainfall. Dr Adrian Morris, of the Surrey allergy clinic, said the warm weather has meant people are having more symptoms of hay fever 'earlier this year'. 'People are having more symptoms earlier this year, they don't respond to the standard medications as quickly – their complaint is that their symptoms are less effective,' he said, adding 'it's more apparent this year'. He added that the increase in hay fever this year was because of a combination of high pollen counts and an increased resistance to antihistamines. 'Worse with city dwellers' 'It's possibly because the pollen counts are getting higher, and there is a thing called tachyphylaxis, where your body seems to not be as responsive to the antihistamines as it was before,' he said. 'There has definitely been a much greater occurrence of hay fever in recent years. This year we've seen that the pollen count is very high, and people are much more symptomatic.' 'People are afraid to go out of doors to the park, and we find hay fever is worse with city dwellers than countryside, because diesel mixes with the pollen and drives it deeper into their airways.' The Met Office has said the dry weather provides 'the perfect weather conditions for pollen production and release' and 'the early onset of the pollen season'. It explained that 'unseasonably mild winters, warm springs and dry summers in recent years have led to plants growing more vigorously and a longer, stronger growing season.' Hay fever sufferers should 'install pollen filters in your car if they are not already fitted' and 'drive with windows closed', the Met Office advised. Professor Gideon Lack, a professor of paediatric allergy at King's College London, said that he has also noticed a rise in patients with hay fever over the last week. He said: 'In the last week, I've noticed a rise in my patient population with hay fever', adding more broadly that there has been an 'explosion' of hay fever over the course of the 20th century. He added that there has been some evidence of the pollen season being longer in recent years because of global warming. 'Increased global warming' He said: 'There has been some evidence that the pollen season may be longer with increased global warming. The pollen season starts earlier and that can lead to higher pollen counts which would increase the duration of the pollen season and also therefore the duration and severity of hay fever. 'Typically its warm weather follows a period of wet weather where there is plenty of warmth and enough moisture for pollen to be produced. 'We've had good rain earlier and now we are entering a period of sustained warmth which is what produces pollen. Hay fever can be particularly severe after thunderstorms. 'Some seasons will be lower depending on the pollen count, and there will be fluctuation from year to year. At the moment the pollen count is high.' He recommended 'a long acting antihistamine' which he said would 'deal with the whole body and with itchy skin and will protect the eyes and nose.' For longer-term protective treatment, Prof Lack advised immunotherapy, where the immune system is flooded with pollen to switch off the body's rejection response which results in longer-term improvement. He said that in severe cases of hay fever, the body can break out in 'itchy skin and raised welts'. 'Worsening of eczema' 'Hay fever can cause worsening of eczema, itchy skin and raised welts – which we call hives. This can occur especially when people sit on the grass wearing shorts, and the legs can become covered in a red, raised blotchy rash that looks a bit like a nettle rash,' he said. 'Hay fever can affect the skin more severely as well and cause swelling of the eyes and face to the point where the eyelids are so swollen they are almost closed.' He also encouraged those struggling with hay fever to invest in 'a nasal steroid spray, and antihistamine eye drops'. He said that a combination of the two should give you a 50 per cent reduction in symptoms, but needs to be taken daily during the pollen season.
