Boris cycling map...

[jdtate101]

I don't live in London but it would be interesting to hear the thoughts of those who do, on this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-25444916

I'm not impressed with the anti-lycra rhetoric. Does he not understand that most people wear lycra cycling clothes because it's comfortable and suited to it's purpose? He also mentions ushering in a continental style of cycling culture, whilst COMPLETELY missing the central point of that message; respect for cyclists and removal of traffic hazards to them (separate infrastructure etc etc etc....)

Seems to me to be another half-arsed PR exercise that will amount to nothing yet again.

 

[Twelve Spokes]

I don't have a problem if they wear lycra and are faster than me/or slower.Then again in Holland they don't wear lycra or hi-viz,no?

 

[ScotiaLass]

I don't live in London either.
I said I'd never wear lycra. I do. Why? Because it's fit for purpose.

 

[Twelve Spokes]

I don't wear lycra because I don't want to be in with the "in" crowd.

 

[HLaB]

Making cycling normal/mainstream is a good thing IMO but to single out ostracise people who choose to wear lycra is not; nice going Boris you buffoon

 

[apb]

Think i was to first to vote yes.

I think it would be great to hear people who ride in London daily what they think of other major cities specially up here (Edinburgh, or if they dare Glasgow).

It's been a while since i've been to London. But what i hear infrastructure in London is moving in the right direction, albeit slower than demand. While Scotland seems reliant on charities like sustran and Westminster handouts, which there are none, and just ignore proper investment. Scotland is to busy spending billions on the A9, and a new Forth Bridge.

In Edinburgh we will soon have a tram that only replaces one Bus route and will be slower than that bus. This cost £800 million.

By the way, you lycra people

EDIT: BTW I'm not saying stop complaining, I think that is one reason why you are ahead of the curve. Keep up the pressure.

 

[RedRider]

Are we who wear lycra really this sensitive?
I dislike Johnson as much as the next person but not going to have a go at him for being anti-lycra. Seems to me he's having a go at one of the mental barriers to cycling amongst non-cyclists ie you need tight-fitting, specialist equipment and a sporty outlook. You really don't.
'Normal' clothing is fit for purpose too if the purpose is pootling to work/the shops/the pub. This is the sort of message that will get more people on bikes.

 

[Kies]

It looks pretty good. i usually get off at Paddington, and then go towards several sites in the city. the roads being suggested look ok. need more meat on the bone as to exactly which streets etc

 

[EthelF]

It looks to me like the mayor has largely taken the old London Cycle Network (sadly neglected under his tenure as he focused on his beloved but flawed Cycle Superhighways) and rebadged it. Nothing against the LCN in as far as it goes (handy for finding quieter routes in areas I don't know well, but not always very direct), I often use it, but simply rebranding it is not going to make cycling any more attractive to those currently put off by the perceived danger of cycling.

 

[wilkotom]

I don't live in London but it would be interesting to hear the thoughts of those who do, on this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-25444916

I'm not impressed with the anti-lycra rhetoric. Does he not understand that most people wear lycra cycling clothes because it's comfortable and suited to it's purpose? He also mentions ushering in a continental style of cycling culture, whilst COMPLETELY missing the central point of that message; respect for cyclists and removal of traffic hazards to them (separate infrastructure etc etc etc....)

Seems to me to be another half-arsed PR exercise that will amount to nothing yet again.

But you also don't need lycra for the shorter journeys that would be eminently suited to the London cycle grid. I cycle 12 miles to work and wouldn't be without it. I don't bother when I'm only going a short distance such as to the shops.

As for the map itself, having segregation on the bridges that aren't part of superhighways would be marvellous. I'm assuming that's what "main roads where interventions will be considered" means, if they're trying to encourage less confident riders on them.

 

[CopperBrompton]

A very positive move. I know loads of people who don't cycle to work through some mix of:
(a) thinking cycling is a sport, not a means of transport;
(b) being scared of traffic; and
(c) not being confident they could navigate on back roads

Boris isn't saying there's anything wrong with lycra (sensitive, much?), he's merely saying he wants cycling to be seen as an everyday form of transport suitable for everyone, not just those who cycle 50 miles before breakfast. Having clearly-signed backroad routes that parallel tube lines will deal with both (b) and (c) - more power to him.

 

[Bromptonaut]

Does Lycra make one over sensitive?

Used the old LCN routes for many years, mainly around Euston/Covent Garden/Holborn. Much nicer than the crowded streets and for those who know the route little if any slower either. Little bits of infrastructure, for example cycle only use of Bury PLace and contraflow link along High Holborn and into Newton St are low cost/high gain.

 

[albion]

The rhetoric here, as always with Boris, is to appease the non cycling car driver.

Again the self promotion is evident.

 

[steveindenmark]

I am going to look at YouTube and see how many commuters wear Lycra in Holland and Copenhagen. What I have seen in both places is that a commute to work is not often used as a training ride due to the volume of bikes, so the Lycra is left at home.

Spot the Lycra;


View: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vyrTx9SXkVI


Steve

 

[albion]

So how come London did not get renamed when Boris became mayoral king ?