#BikeIsBest Advocacy Digest - Edition No.34
#BikeIsBest Digest Edition No. 34 | Wednesday, October 5th 2022 | View in browser
Hello and while the big news this week isn’t necessarily about cycling, there’s never a bad time to remember our faithful friend, the humble bicycle.
CYCLING ON THE UP, GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS
Last week the government released travel data revealing cycling as the most resilient means of transport over the last couple of years. Previously released household travel survey data showed cycling rates were down - but without the context of all other modes this painted a very partial picture. Travel across all modes were still down in 2021 against pre-pandemic levels, apart from cycling.
BIG STORIES FOR CYCLING ADVOCACY
CYCLING UP, NOT DOWN
The data rollercoaster continues as rates for driving and public transport were released, alongside cycling, in the latest road traffic estimates from the Department for Transport. It showed cycling miles were up 46.1% in 2020 and 15.7% in 2021 above pre-pandemic levels, while all other transport modes fell (see below graph). Household survey data released last month showed numbers of people regularly cycling had dropped 7%.
CRASH NOT ACCIDENT
After years of campaigning by road safety professionals, police and academics, crashes will now be referred to as collisions, not accidents, in official documents, the Department for Transport says. This reflects concerns the presumption crashes are accidental masks the responsibility of those involved, and efforts to tackle dangerous behaviour on the roads.
ACTIVE TRAVEL FUNDS ARE COMING
Active Travel England has indicated the next round of funding for local authorities, along with their assessment of councils’ active travel progress so far. While most are still to reveal theirs, the West Midlands was earmarked £3.1m, which will help build resource and delivery capacity across the region.
FREE DRIVERS FROM THE ‘BURDEN AND TYRANNY’ OF CAR OWNERSHIP
That’s what London Cycling Campaign CEO, Ashok Sinha, told the Labour Party Conference fringe event last week. Road.cc reports Ashok warned of the climate impacts of unsustainable carbon emissions and the need for drastic reductions in car miles. Ashok has long highlighted the need to disincentivise driving and enable low-carbon alternatives.
SEVEN THINGS ABOUT 20MPH IN WALES
The Welsh government has highlighted seven things about 20mph speed limits to create a positive narrative of the changes. From September 2023, Welsh roads with street lights will be 20mph by default, reducing road deaths, and following many European countries’ leads.
OTHER HEADLINES
A WINDOW TO THE NETHERLANDS
This footage filmed at a junction in the Netherlands shows just how many people can move through a space on cycles and on foot, given safe routes. This is eminently possible in the UK, too.
#BIKEISBEST PODCAST APPEARANCE
I recently chatted with the Cycling Industry News podcast about all things active travel advocacy and #BikeIsBest, media narratives, the cycling industry and inspiring cities around the world.
INTERESTING GRAPHIC OF THE WEEK
The latest government road traffic estimates show cycling’s growth while other modes declined, in both 2020 and 2021, setting the record straight about the latest transport trends.
Source
ACTIVE TRAVEL PHRASE OF THE WEEK; EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP
Context. Whether talking about the relative risks posed by different road users and their behaviours, or road usage by different mode types, one number means nothing without some broader context. Cycling miles dropped 20.8% between 2020 and 2021 simply because 2020 was such a bumper year for cycling during lockdowns.
Until next time,
Founder, #BikeIsBest
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