Election - Is there a "Cyclists Vote"

[Drago]

Don't click that link. Take it from me, once read it can't be unread!

 

[Markymark]

She would be my mp.

 

[downfader]

Here's a UKIP leaflet

http://i.imgur.com/ejjlFWy.jpg

"Just because they receive a Government grant doesnt mean they have to spend it."

Err yes, they're obligated otherwise they have to hand it back. See the fiasco in the New Forest last year. What a bunch of morons

 

[Dan B]

I can't help feeling that cycling wouldn't automatically be seen by some people as 'a hobby' if there were less emphasis on wearing the right lycra+helmet uniform and riding the right carbon bike, and more acceptance of cycling as a cheap, inclusive and environmentally friendly form of transport (as in, e.g., Holland). Sorry if that sounds a little like 'we brought it on ourselves', but ... maybe some of us did a bit?

While I think I see your point, a bit, I remain cautious about any tendency to blame cyclists for their own misfortune on the basis of what they're wearing. Also, "vehicular cycling" - which is in many places still the only kind of cycling which is currently practical - is a whole lot easier when the cyclist is moving at vehicular speeds.

But I think Boris bikes and the like are probably a move in the right direction for making cycling look normal anyway

 

[crazyjoe101]

I can't help feeling that cycling wouldn't automatically be seen by some people as 'a hobby' if there were less emphasis on wearing the right lycra+helmet uniform and riding the right carbon bike, and more acceptance of cycling as a cheap, inclusive and environmentally friendly form of transport (as in, e.g., Holland). Sorry if that sounds a little like 'we brought it on ourselves', but ... maybe some of us did a bit?

If I was walking 10 miles into work I would not do it in suit shoes, similarly, If I was riding 10 miles into work I would not wear my work clothes or even normal sports clothes because I do not find them particularly comfortable over much distance at speed on a bike.

In short, if I am riding my bike for anything much more than a spin Dutch style to the shops then I will be in lycra etc. because it is more comfortable. That said, I do see where you're coming from, although if anything I have more 'issues' with motorists when bimbling about Dutch style in normal clothes than when I'm kitted up and bombing it, probably because I'm so much slower.

Back to the OT though, I don't think there is a cyclist's vote. Anyway, for me cycling represents a consideration in a larger process of deciding where to place my vote, not the primary factor.

 

[mjr]

If your bike isn't comfortable to ride in ordinary clothes for distance, it's probably the cycling equivalent of

I know I joke that Specialized is the boring equivalent of Ford cars, but the real equivalent, the sturdy family bike, is disappointingly rare on our streets. Imagine if motoring transport policy was dominated by open top sports cars drivers and the politicians mostly thought of sports cars but had as little experience of using them as they currently do. It complicates things.

 

[Dan B]

If I had to commute to work on the "sturdy family bike" it'd be almost as boring as taking the bus, and without even the attraction of being able to read a book on the journey

 

[snorri]

[QUOTE 3641458, member: 9609"]I have a major dilemma with my vote, he is a very keen cyclist and has spoken up for cyclists on many an occasion - but he's a Conservative....[/QUOTE]
It's not really such a dilemma, Transport being a devolved issue our MPs have minimal say on cycling policy in Scotland anyway,
Unless you are one of those who support the controversial view that Scottish MPs should vote on rUK issues..

 

[mjr]

If I had to commute to work on the "sturdy family bike" it'd be almost as boring as taking the bus, and without even the attraction of being able to read a book on the journey

I think you may have forgotten how boring taking the bus is. Riding a city bike is still riding and still feels marvellous. You won't get the sportstyle rush of speed, but the rest is all still good.

 

[crazyjoe101]

If your bike isn't comfortable to ride in ordinary clothes for distance, it's probably the cycling equivalent of

I know I joke that Specialized is the boring equivalent of Ford cars, but the real equivalent, the sturdy family bike, is disappointingly rare on our streets. Imagine if motoring transport policy was dominated by open top sports cars drivers and the politicians mostly thought of sports cars but had as little experience of using them as they currently do. It complicates things.

You are entirely correct! I do have a 20 to 30 year old Raleigh rigid which I occasionally use when I can't be bothered locking up the good one but I just prefer my road bike, and if I'm going far it's going to be in the right equipment.

I do see the sentiment behind your argument but I don't think the majority of the non-cycling public view cycling solely as a sport, do they look at people weaving through rush hour traffic in cities and relate them to the MAMIL?

 

[jarlrmai]

They take whatever view of cyclist supports whatever point they are trying to make at the time.

Cyclist has accident, probably a lycra clad wanna be Bradley Wiggins lout on a "30mph Bike" going too fast.
Stuck in a traffic jams, probably caused by cyclists, they can only go 5 mph and hold everyone up.

 

[mjr]

I do see the sentiment behind your argument but I don't think the majority of the non-cycling public view cycling solely as a sport, do they look at people weaving through rush hour traffic in cities and relate them to the MAMIL?

I'm not sure, but I have felt it's a problem among councillors and council officers, with some crud-for-cycling designs excused with a daft claim like that most adult cyclists are sports ones who will use roads no matter how hostile they are so the design only needs to cater to 8-year-olds who like a challenge (when it would be better to design the cycle routes to be attractive for all).

I did a web search and of the first 15 results, 7 feel like transport cycling http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/ http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/info/20020/cycling http://liverpool.gov.uk/parking-travel-and-roads/cycling/ http://www.southampton.gov.uk/roads-parking/travel/cycling.aspx http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/travel-transport-and-road-safety/cycling https://www.stockton.gov.uk/arts-culture-and-leisure/cycling-and-walking/cycling-in-the-borough/ https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/cycling/cycling-in-thurrock and 6 feel more sports cycling http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/rte.aspx?id=475 http://www.solihull.gov.uk/cycling http://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/leisure/sports/cycling.htm http://www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/parks-and-outdoor-activities/cycling http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure/outdoorleisurefacilities/cycling.aspx http://www.westlancs.gov.uk/more/your-community/roads-and-travel/cycling.aspx while 1 just seemed too rubbish to tell https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/cycling and one was a PDF from the Forestry Commission which didn't seem fair to include (of course it's sports).

So I think there's a bit of a challenge and it could be helped if we elect some ordinary people who ride bikes.

 

[snorri]

I'm not sure, but I have felt it's a problem among councillors and council officers, with some crud-for-cycling designs excused with a daft claim like that most adult cyclists are sports ones.

I think you're right, after commenting to an official regarding the numerous short comings and hazards on a 2 mile stretch of joint user path, the official boasted that he was not a cyclist but had managed to cycle the length of the path unscathed, therefore it would have presented no problems for anyone who claimed to be a cyclist and that would be the end of any discussion re path improvement .

 

[Dan B]

Stuck in a traffic jams, probably caused by cyclists, they can only go 5 mph and hold everyone up.

while going through red lights and riding on the pavement. At the same time

 

[mjr]

Right. I think our group can't run an organised LCC-style structured candidate-lobbying campaign on top of everything else we're trying to do (with some members involved in the election campaign for various parties), so I'm asking our more social-network-y helpers to ask any council candidates they find to post their views on cycling to our web page or facebook page and leaving the MP candidates to CTC's www.voteBike.org.uk site. Then we'll try to keep track of who says what, let local bike users know their candidates' views before polling day and see who gets elected.

Are there other things you think we could try? Ideally with a very good bang-per-buck, so we still have time to ride bikes occasionally!