#BikeIsBest Advocacy Digest - Edition No.87
#BikeIsBest Digest Edition No. 87 | Friday 27th October 2023 |
Hello and welcome to a very stormy week in #BikeIsBest, both literally and figuratively.
CARGO-TASTIC, HEALTH LOVES CYCLING AND AN ADORABLE TRAFFIC LIGHT TWEAK
With war and extreme weather, here and around the world, things can look fairly bleak right now. Nothing I can say is going to make any of that better but I can offer a small slice of cycling-related positivity, as a mild distraction.
BIG STORIES FOR CYCLING ADVOCACY
CYCLING BOOSTS MENTAL HEALTH
Young people’s mental health can be improved by regular cycling, a US study has found. Against a background of declining adolescent mental health in the US, more than 1000 middle school kids across 20 schools had a 6-8 week programme of cycling skills and physical activity. After the programme, the proportion of children in the ‘critical risk zone’ dropped from 26% to 21%, with all children in the group benefiting.
PLANNING NEEDS BETTER HEALTH
New research looks into the role of urban planning in health, wellbeing and illness - connecting respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses and traffic pollution. It links traffic curbing measures like Low Emissions Zones, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and other measures to boost cycling with reduced admissions to hospital, and fewer deaths from heart attacks and strokes.
E-CARGO BIKE HIRE
E-cargo cycles are pricey and, like cars, most of us probably don’t need one all the time, so hire schemes are a great idea. Camden and Colchester are just two councils introducing new hire options for residents, adding to a growing number of local authorities recognising the power of the pedal.
ACCESSIBLE CARGO CYCLING?
This cargo cycle can be attached to a wheelchair. Wheels for Wellbeing welcomes the recognition of disabled people as cyclists and employees. However, the disabled cycling charity says, ‘we need to see a lot more progress with accessible infrastructure (pavements, cycle paths etc) and buildings (step-free, accessible doorbells etc) to make this really work’.
LEADING LIGHTS
A traffic light that allows a group of children on a bike bus through at once, has won an award. Glasgow’s Ultra Smart Cycle System, “which gives the lead rider of the bike bus temporary control of the traffic lights at Shawlands Cross, scooped the top prize for an 'Exemplary Approach to Active Travel and Public Space' at the National Transport Awards in London”, says Glasgow City Council. They also shared this brilliant video of the lights, and the kids, in action.
OTHER HEADLINES
CAPITAL’S LTN ROLLOUT CONTINUES (MOSTLY)
Across London there are new LTNs being trialled in Lambeth and Waltham Forest to name two, with plans under consideration in Islington, and at four locations around Waterloo station. Meanwhile, in Tower Hamlets, councillors are fighting back against plans to remove existing LTNs.
INTERESTING GRAPH(IC) OF THE WEEK
FietsProfessor, aka Marco te Brömmelstroet, and a MidJourney AI update of the classic Karl Jilg graphic depicting pedestrian accessibility on modern streets. Arresting stuff. Source:
ACTIVE TRAVEL WORD OF THE WEEK:
Drop Kerb. Those little (or sometimes not so little) dips in the pavement allowing wheelchair and mobility aid users, and those with buggies, to transition from pavement to road and vice-versa. It's crucial these are kept clear on both sides to help keep our streets accessible for everyone.
Until next time,
Founder, #BikeIsBest
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