Interesting times...

[magnatom]

I just received the latest newsletter from Cycling Scotland (can't find it online).

It has a very good and very positive article in it comparing cycling just now to road running in the 60's and 70's. It talks about the fact that in the 60's anyone out running on the roads/paths was seen as a bit of a lunatic and laughed at (i.e. are you mad). However, things changed and now you have events like 10k's, marathons etc, which are severely oversubscribed, and you see runners out all the time.

The author questions if the same is about to happen, or is possibly in the process of happening to cycling. Are we on the cusp of a new era of cycling where cycling becomes the norm, even aspirational (i.e. to complete sportifs etc).

The article got me thinking, and I wonder if some of the recent negative press that cyclists get, is in fact a good sign, i.e. that cycling is becoming so prevalent that it has now become the issue that it never used to be.

I really hope this is right, and I have a feeling, looking at the increases in cycling I have witnessed over the last few years, that it might just be right!

The two wheeled revolution isn't coming, it's happening now!

 

[MacB]

I think there may well be a point there, there's also the fact that, in my driving lifetime alone, driving has become far less pleasant. Cycling has been a revelation for me, I was getting seriously sick of the car. I used to stay at the office until 8pm just to make my drive home quicker.

I suspect that the impact on mental health, of sitting in traffic, is more serious than it's been given credit for.

 

[thomas]

well, they say there's no such thing as bad press.

 

[joolsybools]

Vive la revolution! I think its starting especially in this economic climate we're all sick of hearing about. I can't really find any disadvantages to cycling apart from other peoples behaviour

 

[HJ]

I got the same news letter, I think there has been a change in resent years there are far more cyclist on the road. Unfortunately there are also more cars and that is not good for anyone...

 

[hulver]

I'm reminded of a couple of Ghandi quotes.

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

 

[Bollo]

I think there may well be a point there, there's also the fact that, in my driving lifetime alone, driving has become far less pleasant. Cycling has been a revelation for me, I was getting seriously sick of the car. I used to stay at the office until 8pm just to make my drive home quicker.

I suspect that the impact on mental health, of sitting in traffic, is more serious than it's been given credit for.

Yessir! We were having some office banter a few weeks ago about journeys to work and it got me thinking that I'm the only one that regularly enjoys my commute - not tolerates, but actively enjoys.

 

[downfader]

I'm reminded of a couple of Ghandi quotes.

Thats why he was a great man.

I think the past year has seen a whole raft of newbies commuting to work by cycle due to the financial crap that has hit home. I think people are also realising that 5-10 miles on a bike isnt that far and is a pain in the bottom with a car.

Every house has atleast 2 cars here. Every flat has atleast 1. Theres just no more space to park them and yet they keep coming. Roads I used to cycle down as a kid that used to be empty are now a third of the size as you're cycling down the middle to avoid parked cars. Cars have to drive carefully down the middle or they connect - I can get away with it easily - another positive of cycling.

I have started to note several positive articles in the papers (yes, even the Daily Mail) where cycling is being encouraged. Havent got time or moola for the gym? No problem, get on a bike to work. Sick of being stuck in traffic - two wheels best. I have seen these two mantras in the Mail, Sun, Mirror, Star, Times and Telegraph now.

I would honestly say we are only at the foot of a big hill as yet. It could all go wrong if the newbies arent encouraged and the naughties discouraged.

 

[Ian Johnson]

I just dont understand the people who hate cyclists and want them off the roads. Dont they understand the more cyclists there are then there will the less cars on the roads, so the drivers who insist on using cars will probably see their journey times increase too but some are so thick they dont see it that way, They should be thanking cyclists for taking more cars off the roads not hating them.. Some even would like to see cyclist banned off the roads ..crazy,yeah lets ban cycles and all take to our cars and create the mother of all congestion.

 

[Goffins]

I think there may well be a point there, there's also the fact that, in my driving lifetime alone, driving has become far less pleasant. Cycling has been a revelation for me, I was getting seriously sick of the car. I used to stay at the office until 8pm just to make my drive home quicker.

I suspect that the impact on mental health, of sitting in traffic, is more serious than it's been given credit for.

I think you hit the nail on the head, I've always been a car nut but now it's just madness, I'm only 27 and have been driving for ten years and in that relatively short amount of time It has become a diabolical experience.

I don't even live in a city so when I have to venture on or near the M25 for instance I just want to get out the car, pat the gray faced people on the head and give them a cuddle.

 

[upsidedown]

I think there's lots of reasons; money, cycle to work, congestion.
I know we give the government stick, but some of their initiatives like cycle to work are having a positive effect.
Wasn't there a council somewhere that was going to charge companies a tax on company car parking spaces ? If they ever do it might concentrate the mind.
Part of me thinks that the government would not want to lose VED revenue, but they must make on reduced healthcare, increased work attendance etc.

 

[Toshiba Boy]

I think you're correct. When I first commuted by bike to work (1984), I would quite often be the only cyclist I'd see on the 30 mile ride. Compare that to the numbers I now see here in Somerset, let alone Bristol. Great stuff