#BikeIsBest Advocacy Digest - Edition No.36
#BikeIsBest Digest Edition No. 36 | Tuesday, October 19th 2022 | View in browser
Hello and with autumn well and truly upon us, let’s saddle up for a blustery ride through this week’s news and happenings.
SUNNY WITH TOO LITTLE RAIN
With too little rain, further water restrictions are being mooted across the country. The impact of a dry, hot summer, made worse by climate change, is with us until next year - reminding us the need to act to cut carbon emissions - of which transport is a huge contributor - is urgent as ever.
BIG STORIES FOR CYCLING ADVOCACY
DON’T ANSWER STUPID QUESTIONS
Many in the advocacy world reacted with a profound sense of tiredness when cycle registration plates came up in the summer, and many were understandably reluctant to engage on the topic. Chris Boardman, in an interview with BikeBiz, says the key is to turn the issue around to problems that really matter, which cycling can solve: cost of living, reliability, equity, climate. In short, Boardman says, don’t give nonsense air time.
CYCLING DOMINATES TRANSPORT IN PARLIAMENT
Last week the transport secretary, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, and fellow minister Lucy Frazer, answered a series of questions in parliament on anything from the funding required to meet cycling targets, to cycle investment in the north. There were also questions on the fourth installment of the Active Travel Fund. In case we were in any doubt cycling remains on the agenda.
PLANS FOR HOLBORN TRANSFORMATION
Transport for London and Camden Council have unveiled plans to transform High Holborn, one of London’s most dangerous busy junctions. The scheme removes traffic lanes and introduces cycle lanes and cycle reservoirs, separating cyclists from traffic in time at junctions using advanced green phases. With long-term government funding finally secured in August there’s £80m a year dedicated for active travel schemes in the capital.
CARGO BIKES…GETTING IN DRIVERS’ WAY?
The Times has an interesting take on the growing e-cargo bike trend among parents, claiming they obstruct drivers. This lazy assumption roads are meant for cars, or that driving is somehow a more legitimate use of road space, needs challenging. Cargo bikes are a wonderful way of transporting kids, as Times Journalist Rosie Kinchen found - though it may take some people longer to figure this out.
EIGHT DECADES AND STILL FIETS-Y
One Octogenerian, issued with a £100 fine for cycling in a prohibited area in Grimsby, told the council officer to “stick it up your a**e”, adding he’d rather go to jail than pay. Barrie Enderby, 82, was fined using a recently renewed Public Space Protection Order banning cycling on pedestrianised Victoria Street. Campaigners see these “geographical ASBOs” as heavy-handed; there has to be a better solution than fining elderly men on their bicycles.
WELLS RECLAIMS CITY CENTRE
Many town and city centres in the UK are dominated by car parking and traffic, while others see a different future. As Adam Reynolds points out, Wells in Somerset removed parking during the pandemic on Market Place, and he says an outpouring of support led to the measures becoming permanent. A space once filled with vehicles is now outdoor seating and public realm. Chapeau.
OTHER HEADLINES
MAASTRICHT TREAT
I was back in the Netherlands at the weekend, giving me a chance to check out how good town planning favours walking and cycling over driving. A two minute walk, or a three minute cycle, is 13 minutes and a long detour by car in the city centre. What’s more, city centre car parking is underground and is not subsidised, at €4/hr - or you can park for free on the outskirts and take a bus. Many people do drive in the Netherlands but it’s not the only, and in many cases not the easiest, option.
INTERESTING GRAPHIC OF THE WEEK
Graph showing the types of cycle disabled people use - reminding us how important it is cycle infrastructure is designed for non-standard cycles, which can be longer and bulkier than standard cycles. Source: Wheels for Wellbeing national survey, published May 2022:
Source
ACTIVE TRAVEL PHRASE OF THE WEEK; MULTI-MODAL
A well-planned transport system enables users to choose the most appropriate mode of travel. This could involve cycling to the station to catch a bus or train to town, with cycle hire and good pedestrian realm when they get there.
Until next time,
Founder, #BikeIsBest
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