Monday 10 August 2020

Cycling on the Right Track?

 


Apparently, 66% of adults in England agreed with the statement that it is "dangerous for me to cycle on the roads" (https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/aug/10/two-thirds-adults-england-cycling-dangerous-safer). This belief  that our roads are perilous for the cyclist is hardly new, but this negative view is a record high figure. Government enthusiasm for bikes on health (tackling obesity, by prescribing cycling) and 'green issues' (reducing the carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and particulates from cars) is all commendable but much will have to be done to change attitudes. Cyclists are only really safe, if they are largely separated from other road users and when the punishments for colliding with them are high. Much of the UK's cycle provision is currently not fit for purpose and it will certainly need a lot more than the £2bn promised for upgrading. One also has to appreciate that it could take quite a long time for people's perceptions to become more positive. 

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