Shopping Locally, Cycle Lanes and ..... Looking Stupid

“Cycled into town again today. Along advisory cycle lanes that that don't mean much to many motorists. Cycle lanes that appear and disappear for no apparent reason. In streets choked with motor traffic even outside rush hour. Overtook by drivers apparently desperate to overtake no matter what might be coming the other way or how little space there might be between us. Despite this almost all cycle parking spaces were full with bikes of all kinds. Parked outside shops who’s owners are at best lukewarm about bicycles, or oblivious to the evidence of the benefits of bicycle use for the local economy and physical environment. Did some shopping in some local shops, as people on bicycles have done since bicycles were invented , and for years before motor cars appeared on the roads to take local people to distant and out of town shops. And people on bicycles will still be doing when the price of petrol or traffic choked streets makes more people realise it's better (and usually quicker) by bicycle.”

I wrote this a little while ago. Since then I have cycled into town regularly and could have written this after each occasion. I exchanged a few emails with the organiser of a local campaign to encourage people to shop locally about the importance of people riding cycles to go shopping and the importance of these people to the local economy. I informed of the research that has shown their contribution to the local economy is greater than those who drive in by car, and urged them to consider this in their campaign. I have to say I was slightly disappointed with the response as the website noted my comments and the research, but then described the campaigner's own views about the “advantages” of the motor car and the “disadvantages” of the bicycle; not feeling safe riding in heavy traffic etc, and not wishing to look” stupid”. Mmmmm. Wonder what his cycle-riding customers would think about that. Leaving the comments about looking stupid. These are exactly the reasons to develop cycling infrastructure....

Oh, the campaigner did say that perhaps he wouldn't look so stupid if he rode a Pashley.....

After a series of emails with the county council about the state of the worn out paint on New Walkergate in Beverley, and the possibility of green shading being used to continue the cycles lanes through the zig zag areas either side of pelican crossings, where no other lane markings can be used, I have been informed that these will be re-painted and the green shading introduced. One small victory? I hope so.

Bikes, Trains, and Politicians

I talked in my last post about the difficulties, (or rather virtual impossibility) of transporting bicycles by train. Since then I have had a series of emails with Northern Rail, and  Sky, or rather British Cycling. The latter have made it clear that they are concerned with, and funded only, for the sporting side of cycling, but would like to see more cycles used for transportation. They pointed me in the direction of the Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC) saying the more comments they get about cycles on trains the more likely things are to change. My email to them was specifically about difficulties getting to Sky Rides by train but this wasn’t commented upon. When I emailed back saying I had become an ambassador for The Cycling Embassy of Great Britain and how I wanted to see Dutch-style infrastructure, I got an email back thanking me for my interest in British Cycling. Sorry guys, I have very little interest in British Cycling until you take any active interest in cycling as transport.

Northern Rail didn't address my comment at all, even about the loss of revenue for them. They stated they give priority to foot passengers as they clearly see it as walking versus cycling passengers. i.e either / or. What a dreadful marketing ploy, trying to defend a crap service and missing out on so much extra revenue because they can't see beyond this.

There is now increasing recognition that the Government is isolated over its cycling policy and the vote in the House of Commons in favour of taking up the recommendations of the “Let's Get Britain Cycling” report” which the Government has not signed up to. The Labour Party Lab 8 point manifesto on cycling gives a commitment to the “long term funding of the infrastructure needed for dedicated separate safe cycling routes”, with monies from the roads budget being ring-fenced for this.

Now that would be a start. But don't get too excited yet....