#BikeIsBest Advocacy Digest - Edition No.35
#BikeIsBest Digest Edition No. 35 | Friday, October 14th 2022 | View in browser
Hello and with everyone back from party conferences it’s an important reminder how essential it is for us to keep making the case for active travel - not just from a decarbonisation standpoint - but for economic growth. Active travel can reinvigorate our high streets and sustainable transport will help unlock more house building.
EVERY DAY’S AN ACTIVE TRAVEL DAY…
And with Cycle to School Week over, we can perhaps ask, in a similar vein to Marina Hyde, what just happened?! For some lucky kids - those with safe routes and, in many cases, determined parents - every week is cycle to school week, but they’re still very much in the minority in the UK. Cycling shouldn’t take determination, it needs to be easy.
BIG STORIES FOR CYCLING ADVOCACY
CYCLE TRAINING FOR ALL?
The Bikeability Trust, the charity delivering cycle training to children and adults in England, wants cycling recognised as a life skill like swimming, and for all kids to have the opportunity to learn to cycle from 2023. A recent survey revealed just 14% of parents are confident teaching their kids cycling using the Highway Code, and many want safe cycle routes (59%) and driver education (30%) to improve conditions.
END EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP LOOPHOLE, SAY CAMPAIGNERS
Cycling UK is calling for an end to the ‘exceptional hardship’ loophole that lets drivers with maximum points dodge driving bans. Campaigners have long highlighted the disconnect between the behaviour of repeat offenders and the penalties they face. Cycling UK asks the government to consider the exceptional hardship caused to victims of road danger, instead of the perpetrators.
AND BAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS?
The government’s Think! Campaign caught a lot of flak during cycle to school week after suggesting kids invest in hi-vis and helmets to keep them safe cycling and walking, and slightly fudging the advice on riding two abreast. Messaging done well can educate road users but this campaign still has a way to go.
EBIKES FOR SANTANDER CYCLES
The capital’s iconic cycle hire scheme gets 500 new ebikes in its fleet - joining the likes of the West Midlands in embracing the joys of electric assist. Disabled cycling charity, Wheels for Wellbeing, is among those welcoming the news, as e-assist helps more people enjoy the benefits of pedal power.
$1M CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE AWARDS
Former New York mayor, Mike Bloomberg, has launched a $1m cycling fund for global cities to compete for. Winners will receive expertise in designing infrastructure and engaging with residents, as well as the cash from Bloomberg Philanthropies.
OTHER HEADLINES
SUPERMARKET PARKING DONE RIGHT
I spotted a great example of good cycle parking at a newly-built Aldi at the weekend. The sheltered cycle racks, handily placed at the supermarket entrance, have good natural surveillance, and use decent Sheffield stands - no wheel benders.
PARKS DONE RIGHT
Some parks are still used as through-routes for motor traffic but in London the Royal Parks is slowly clawing back space for people, with trial road closures in three London parks - Richmond, Greenwich and Bushy, to be made permanent.
INTERESTING GRAPHIC OF THE WEEK
The carbon emissions of different modes of ground transport.
Source
ACTIVE TRAVEL PHRASE OF THE WEEK; BIKEABILITY
The cycle training standard for England, delivered by the Bikeability Trust. Bikeability levels 1-3 encompass everything from traffic-free cycle handling to tackling complex junctions on a bike.
Until next time,
Founder, #BikeIsBest
Not for you? unsubscribe from this list.