Re: Cycling in parliament


Bob Johnstone wrote:
Chris Gerhard wrote:
<URL:http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060509/halltext/60509h03.htm#column_24WH>

Thanks for the link, Chris. It certainly is refreshing to read the words
of these sensible MPs, rather than the daily twaddle that this country's
political journalists serve up. I would, though, take issue with what
seems to be the fundamental thrust of Mark Lazarowicz's speech. He says
that "the biggest single factor that influences the trend in cycle use
in the UK" is "the provision of resources", by which he seems to mean
resources for the building of special cycle facilities. The factors that
have discouraged me from cycling in the UK have been dangerous drivers
and not being able to afford to buy a house within cycle-commuting
distance of my place of work. I feel that the issues of town planning
(raised by Martin Horwood in connection with the siting of railway
stations) and law enforcement (raised by David Drew in connection to
motorists using mobile phones) are far more important than advanced stop
lines and cycle lanes.

Nevertheless, I'd still like to propose three cheers for Mark
Lazarowicz: hip-hip!

Indeed. It was a mostly sound debate.MP's by their nature are, like
doctors, interventionist. It would be a shame to see lots of crappy
white paint instead of the things that bring real benefits:

Training children to cycle safely from an early age
Encouraging people to use the road as more cyclists = more safety
Enabling cycling through making destinations cycle-accessible.

It really requires a social acceptance of cycling by other traffic.

Shame about the h*****, but at least we have their names and can
educate them in an appropriate manner.

...d

.

Relevant Pages

  • Draft briefing document (was Re: Highway Code amendments)
    ... My current draft is as follows (outline ... The promotion of cycling, especially utility cycling, is important for ... Use cycle routes when practicable, ... The advice on negotiating roundabouts ...
    (uk.rec.cycling)
  • Re: how to convince someone cycling isnt dangerous
    ... I have come across websites that give convincing arguments that cycling ... I tend to cycle about a metre out from the kerb. ... PS And WHY are you not cycling to work EVERY day? ...
    (uk.rec.cycling)
  • Re: Cylcling in Europe
    ... Oh I agree with your comment about "Landes". ... All part of the rich tapestry of cycling life! ... I have cycled on several voies verte and cycle tracks in France and I ... route is utterly boring, excellent surface but follows an old railway ...
    (uk.rec.cycling)
  • Factsheet - Cycling to School
    ... The London Cycle Campaign have online factsheets. ... Cycling is a great way to combat this. ... Increasingly schools are promoting cycling for children over 9 years ... infants and small children who can ride in child seats or in child ...
    (uk.rec.cycling)
  • Continuing Hassle from motorised traffic -- a little rant
    ... encounter on my daily cycling jaunts. ... Every time I cycle on road for any distance I ... Most off these are caused by drivers simply not being aware of the space I ... camping tour in Europe every year. ...
    (uk.rec.cycling)