#BikeIsBest Advocacy Digest - Edition No.85
#BikeIsBest Digest Edition No. 85 | Wednesday 11th October 2023 | View in browser
Hello and welcome to BikeIsBest, where the sun always shines and the cycle path,
is always clear of obstructions.
LIES, BIG LIES AND DISINFORMATION
It was World Mental Health Day on Tuesday. We know active travel, getting out into nature and exercise, are great for our physical and mental health, and it’s crucial more people have access to this low-cost, life-giving means of travelling and enjoying life.
BIG STORIES FOR CYCLING ADVOCACY
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Getting out on our bikes does wonders, including for our mental health. This year, the global theme is ‘mental health is a universal right’, about which ECF have shared their thoughts, while RoadPeace reminds us there’s support out there when we need it. As Miss Omar puts it, it’s OK to not be OK, and to ask for help.
A DECADE OF PROGRESS?
Chris Boardman says he is “fascinated” to see the impact of Wales’ recent 20mph rollout. He was in Wales celebrating a decade since the introduction of the Active Travel Act (Wales), which mandated Welsh councils to map, develop and improve cycling and walking routes. Progress on the ground, though slow, is taking shape.
BIG BIKE REVIVAL…
Now in its ninth year, Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival has another round of funding to help people get back in the saddle. Events around the country will include ‘Dr Bikes’, as well as learn to ride and riding skills sessions. This people-focused side of cycling is crucial in growing pedal power nationwide.
DISINFORMATION
Following some warning signs in the debate around ULEZ rollout, the Guardian, and disinformation specialists, Valent, looked into the online spread of disinformation on the topic and found one of the most sophisticated campaigns to spread falsehoods, ever. We interviewed Valent on Streets Ahead podcast about it, and you can listen here.
WHAT IS A 15-MINUTE CITY?
Speaking of which. In the hyperbole around LTNs and 15-minute cities, it’s important to remember these are simply traffic management schemes of the type that existed for decades. Department for Transport officials have gone so far as to say the concept ‘does not exist’ in the ways it is often portrayed.
OTHER HEADLINES
PULLING DOWN BARRIERS
A new guide, out this week, explores how to remove access barriers on cycleways. Disabled cycling charity, Wheels for Wellbeing, has helped Sustrans explore ways to make the case to ‘bash the barriers’ that hamper disabled or non-standard cycle users from off-road paths. It shouldn’t be left to campaigners, but standard practice, to remove these barriers and anything that keeps legitimate users from these paths.
INTERESTING GRAPH(IC) OF THE WEEK
The evidence on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in London. Source:
ACTIVE TRAVEL WORD OF THE WEEK:
Disinformation: Deliberately misleading information; not to be confused with misinformation, which can be described as simply getting the facts wrong.
Until next time,
Founder, #BikeIsBest
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