#BikeIsBest Advocacy Digest - Edition No.88
#BikeIsBest Digest Edition No. 88 | Friday 3rd November 2023 |
Hello and a Happy Hallowe’en from the Hague - where it’s all treats, no tricks on the plentiful cycle lanes.
A PRESCRIPTION FOR LIFE
While I’ve been in the Hague, seeing the sights and cycling the cycle lanes, cycling itself has been busy helping keep us healthy and happy, and protecting the environment. It’s what’s known in the industry as a win-win.
BIG STORIES FOR CYCLING ADVOCACY
PEOPLE CYCLING INSTEAD OF DRIVING
The RAC’s recent ‘report on motoring’ revealed a staggering 30% of drivers aged 17-24 admit to making video calls while driving - a huge increase on previous years. More positively, 55% said they would drive less if public transport were better. More than half (53%) now generally walk or cycle short journeys, and 20% are replacing short car trips with active transport amid rising motoring costs.
CYCLING ON PRESCRIPTION
Last year the government announced funding for 11 local authorities to trial cycling on prescription. This means health professionals can provide support and guidance to get people strolling and wheeling, from cycling and walking groups, to cycle training, to free bike loans. This article reminds us just how beneficial that can be.
SUDS HELP CITIES’ RESILIENCE
Sustainable urban drainage systems, or SuDS, not only soak up water during heavy rain, but can help modulate the heat island effect of city streets. We know plants help keep us cool, and building them into cycle routes, as cities like Cardiff - and parts of London like Waltham Forest - are doing, is a great way to mitigate some of the impacts of climate change. More here.
JUSTICE FOR ROAD CRASH VICTIMS?
This eye-opening, and shocking, interview with solicitor Polly Herbert was so revealing about the challenges victims and their families face following a life-changing, or fatal, collision. In the latest episode of Streets Ahead, Polly explains some of the many challenges her clients face, and the wider issues with how our justice system deals with road crime and its fallout.
CAN CYCLING AND WALKING OFFSET SITTING?
A study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests daily cycling and/or walking can help offset the negative health impacts of long sedentary periods. In a long-term analysis of physical activity levels, those who were active for at least 22 minutes per day ‘eliminated the risk of dying early due to prolonged sitting’.
OTHER HEADLINES
HALLOWEEN TREAT
Just because it's Halloween, here's two fun spooky bike buses for you - from Coach Balto's in the US, to one of the ever-popular Cardiff editions.
INTERESTING GRAPH(IC) OF THE WEEK:
The RAC’s survey reveals the things drivers believe will cut car use in their nearest urban centre. Source:
ACTIVE TRAVEL WORD OF THE WEEK:
Sedentary lifestyle. A recent study found as little as 22 minutes of walking and/or cycling a day could help offset the harmful impacts of our sedentary lifestyles (i.e. the long periods we spend sitting down and being inactive).
Until next time,
Founder, #BikeIsBest
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