Another positive Southampton article

[downfader]

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/8924013.We___ve_saved_thousands_by_getting_on_our_bikes/

Hopefully this will be seen by some as normal behaviour, and they'll consider taking their kids in this manner too. My workmate rides his kids to school on two kiddie chairs, does his shift and then rides to the school again to pick them up. I think sometimes he alternates it with his missus and their car. He's/they've saved a LOT of money by becoming a single-car family. IIRC he has one kid in nursery and one in primary school and theres a couple of miles between the two.

Usual nonsense in the comments.. but I think people are starting to see them as whingers, LOL!

 

[Adasta]

I ride my bike on the pavement but always ring my bell to let other pedestrians that i am approaching. NO WAY would i ride on the busy roads around Southampton and NEVER will !

Giving downfader ample time to prepare a shoulder-charge as he strolls along the pavement!

 

[downfader]

Giving downfader ample time to prepare a shoulder-charge as he strolls along the pavement!

Hey.. I've only done that 4 times.

Actually the best and funniest thing I ever did to a pedallestrian was pretend to be drunk, wander into their path and try and hug the guy. He got the message and rejoined the road.

 

[Paco de Bango]

I live nowhere near Southampton, but I'm becoming quite an avid reader of the Echo's cycling articles.

Don't diss the comments... they're by far the best bit!

 

[downfader]

I live nowhere near Southampton, but I'm becoming quite an avid reader of the Echo's cycling articles.

Don't diss the comments... they're by far the best bit!

I read lots of local papers from other towns, such is the greatness of the web. The Bournemouth Echo is also another great one, same publisher as my local. The Argus is out in the other direction, but lots of interesting cycling stuff had been printed there too.

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

I get quite envious reading these articles from other parts of the country. I see nothing like this Southampton campaign here in Bolton, Salford or Greater Manchester; just rather pathetic efforts at narrow or stupid cycle lanes to allow the councils to tick some boxes. Good to see that it is happening, though.

 

[downfader]

I get quite envious reading these articles from other parts of the country. I see nothing like this Southampton campaign here in Bolton, Salford or Greater Manchester; just rather pathetic efforts at narrow or stupid cycle lanes to allow the councils to tick some boxes. Good to see that it is happening, though.

It has taken time and effort by the SCCampaign, the Council and various riders offering their story as to how much they save, or how much weight they've lost.

I think sometimes you have to start the ball rolling, start to write a couple of letters showing how positive cycling has been for you, perhaps send in the odd daft poem or throw-away photo. Get in touch with editors, let them know when stories are occuring, if people are doing charity rides (they love this) or festivals, etc.

 

[MrHappyCyclist]

I think sometimes you have to start the ball rolling, start to write a couple of letters showing how positive cycling has been for you, perhaps send in the odd daft poem or throw-away photo. Get in touch with editors, let them know when stories are occuring, if people are doing charity rides (they love this) or festivals, etc.

Of course, you're absolutely right. I guess we have already started in a small way:

<de-cloaks>Here. I'm the old git in the yellow cycling shirt - the Christie tee shirt was too small for me (but should fit now).<re-cloaks>

I'll see what we can do (or what group I can join that already exists).

 

[BSRU]

They only write about short journeys, within the city, what about the logistics of longer journeys especially with two kids.
As "interesting" as Swindon is, are family enjoys our trips out of town and would not be practicable by bicycle.
I cannot imagine Longleat safari park is very enjoyable on a tandem.

 

[DrSquirrel]

You say its being seen as the norm - though they do look a bit crazy with all the HV tabbards and such. No offence to anyone I hope.


They m ention they have a pair of tandems, that "cost around £300 each", I assume its one of these Viking or alternative cheapies from ebay. Anyone got any real world experience with them etc


(home educated, veg boxes... sounding like vegetarian hippies... next they will be growing their own food on a small holding, nothing wrong with that of course!! )

 

[Riverman]

I live in central Southampton and have lived in Southampton for over 10 years. IMO unless someone is disabled or quite elderly there is simply no need to drive a car round here. By UK standards Southampton is relatively flat (well perhaps apart from Thornhill way) and as the common literally cuts the city in half, it's a very important shortcut for cyclists that makes many journeys faster by bicycle.

To be honest, I'm fed up of seeing people drive to the shops to buy bread and milk. Or how about the person who does a two mile commute to work every day in the car, then spends £60+ a month for gym membership just to use the exercise bikes. It's unbelievable.

PS: by the way downfader, where abouts are you in soton? I'm off to Spain and Portugal for a few weeks but after that if you fancy going for a ride, I'm all for it.

 

[gemsno4]

I live in central Southampton and have lived in Southampton for over 10 years. IMO unless someone is disabled or quite elderly there is simply no need to drive a car round here.

To be honest, I'm fed up of seeing people drive to the shops to buy bread and milk. Or how about the person who does a two mile commute to work every day in the car, then spends £60+ a month for gym membership just to use the exercise bikes. It's unbelievable.

I totally agree that anywhere in what is a pretty small city is normally quicker by bike. When I moved here 18 mths ago I was shocked about a) the level of public transport use and b) the level of bike use. Both seem to be minimal. Public transport is pretty poor as far as I can tell, but far more people could be cycling.

I commuted to work twice by car, it took 40 minutes each time. By bike it was 20, down to nearer 15 once they opened the itchen cycle path - and I have to get up hill on the way home on the hilly side of the river. Yet still people from work thought I was crazy, even more crazy once they found out I had a brand new company car sitting on the drive.

One guy was banned from the work car park and asked me about riding a bike instead. He decided the bottom of Shirley High St to Ocean Village was too far and paid £8 a day to park instead . Journey of approx 2 miles max. He is earlier 20s and fitter than me so no excuse there.

The more articles like this that appear the better I think, but nothing will beat just seeing more totally normal people out on bikes, and if it encourages that all good. Alternatively seeing the same cyclist pass you in a 1/2 mile queue of traffic every day like some people must see me at Woodmill Bridge surely should make someone think....