Cities Fit For Cycling: My MP's Response

Cycling has been higher up the political agenda than usual recently, thanks, in part, to The Times' "Cities Fit for Cycling" campaign, and also many others. It has promoted ideas and fostered debate on some key issues, for example: earmarking "£100 million a year towards world-class cycling infrastructure", and that "20mph should become the default speed limit in residential areas where there are no cycle lanes."

As with all all-encompassing campaigns there are some things which could be improved. For example, it calls for "world-class cycling infrastructure", but avoids the S-word, segregation, which even the Evening Standard managed to include back in 2007.

I was inspired to contact my MP (Sarah Teather, LibDem, Brent Central) and encourage her to attend a debate of Early Day Motion 2689 on 23rd February. The bill now has 111 signatures, although my MP's is not one of them, parliamentary protocol discourages / disallows signing of EDMs by Government ministers. She is, however, "delighted that the Motion has received so much support."

S**t Cyclists Actually Say

In keeping with the "S**t .... say" meme there's a "S**t Cyclists Say" clip.

I have to own up to asking "What does this weigh?" quite a lot. (ed. And I don't even own a road bike, yet)

Even sillier are some answers cyclists have actually given to a Survey by Bicycling Magazine.

Definitely some tough questions (source, pdf).

The Social Cycle (image intensive)

Cycling can be a rather solitary activity.

Being self-propelled means a cyclist can go their own way, sharing an occasional knowing look with fellow pedallers. You could always go cycling with friends, in a club ride, or even take part in "Silly Commuter Racing".

Sadly the law does not take kindly to cyclists having a chat during a ride.

The UK Highway Code (rule 66) states:

You should ... never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends

This is not a legal requirement, however riding 3 abreast could count against you in court (for example for determining liability following a collision). However, in Nebraska, USA, cyclists must ride single file.

People in cars have it easy. The metal box cuts out (some) street noise, and with space for 4 or so others, you can conduct a conversation in (relative) comfort.

And of course roads are designed with cars 3 abreast in mind. Just imagine how many cyclists you could fit across a 3 lane motorway.

TfL still don't "get it"

Update: TfL also sent a (different) email to drivers.
Update 2: TfL actually sent 3 different emails, confusing.

TfL has just sent the following "Travel information reminder" email:

Dear XXXXX, I am writing to both cyclists and drivers to remind them to take care on London’s roads. Cyclists are reminded to: Be aware of blind spots all around large vehicles. It’s often safer to hang back Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they have seen you Not ride through red traffic lights. It’s dangerous and you can be fined £30 Allow space between you and parked vehicles. Doors may be opened suddenly Cycle training courses are available in most London boroughs. For more information, please visit tfl.gov.uk/cyclesafety

Yours sincerely,

Ben Plowden Director, Surface Planning

This is missing the point. Cyclists can do all these things, be "very road aware", but it is not enough to keep them safe. 
It is not solely up to cyclists, or just cyclists and drivers, TfL have responsibility as well. For providing inadequate and dangerous provision for cyclists and pedestrians.

The above email also advises "drivers ... to take care on London's roads," but all the emphasis is on cyclists' responsibilities.

TfL could easily add:

Drivers are reminded to:

• Give cyclists adequate room.
• Look before opening their doors.
• Not violate Advanced Stop Zones.

But instead they chose to focus on everything that cyclists do wrong. Perpetuating myths such as "all cyclists jump red lights," and creating more anti-cyclist sentiment rather than aiming for safer roads for everyone.

Edit: More info discussing TfL's responsibilities, and its failure to meet them.

Freedom to Pollute

Last week I argued that motorists are unusually privileged by being:

"...free to pollute the environment and thereby kill blamelessly."

I attempted to put a cost on deaths related to vehicle pollution, and came to the figure of £14.5bn per annum. For simplicity I made some hasty approximations, figures from 2001 and ignored the costs of healthcare.

Since then the Environmental Audit Committee has published a report stating that poor health related to pollution costs £8.5bn-£20bn per year.

The Driver Privilege Checklist

On Saturday readers of ibikelondon & Cyclists in the City, cycle campaigners such as LCC and possibly even Boris Johnson will tour the 10 worst junctions for cyclists in London. Meanwhile Boris sticks to his guns insisting that roads aren't the problem (hint: they are, in part).

These issues are not confined to London. Kristin Mueller-Heaslip, a blogger from Toronto, has identified another problem: the privileged position of drivers.

The Knowledge by Bike.

I was out and about in London all day yesterday, had a wander around Hyde Park and stuck my nose in the Sexual Nature Exhibit at the Natural History Museum. I urge you to make use of Britain's free public museums while you (still) can.

I was not on my bike, but I did see a lot of people about, especially in the park. One individual caught my eye on the road outside my house. The cyclist appeared lost, and was rearranging a map on a handlebar fixing. I asked him whether he was lost and he replied; "No mate, I'm doing The Knowledge."

On yer Bike!

I have just started cycling in London. I had been taking short test journeys since I moved 2 months ago, but my commute will be starting in earnest from next week. It can be a bit hair-raising, though I am lucky enough to have a 2 mile route from my front door along part of the London Cycle Network, complete with off-road cycle paths and properly signed along quieter roads.