There’s been a lot of coverage in the media here in the UK regards cycling the last few days. Not just the terrible accident suffered by Chris Froome or Geraint Thomas’s fall and withdrawal from the Tour De Switzerland. The additional focus has been on general cycling participation and our infrastructure.
Ever since the Olympic games in 2008, cycling has been growing in the UK. This has been a direct link to the success seen by our elite athletes, but also the realisation of the health benefits the sport brings. Cycling has become the new golf, is something that I’ve read and heard said a number of times.
Now though, the focus on British Cycling’s aim to increase female participation in cycling to 1 million by 2020 is under threat. Why?
Well in a recent survey 64% of women said they felt unsafe cycling on Britain’s roads. I totally understand this result.
My recent riding up in Norfolk highlighted an issue that’s not just local to were I live – the Close Pass. Motorists, not all I must say, sometimes do not leave enough space between car and cyclist. I need to take my shoes and socks off now to be able to count the amount of times I’ve nearly had a wing-mirror replace my right elbow!!!
Cycle lanes around towns and cities are just merely a gesture, a ‘tick in the box‘ exercise for local councils. How many cycle lanes near you are actually worthwhile?
The message is finally getting through to the powers that be, campaigns are being fought, by influential people, to improve our cycling infrastructure. Which is great to see?
Someone who I’ve admired for a long time is Olympic Champion and former Pro-Cyclist Chris Boardman (he’s also from the same part of the world as my Dad, so another plus!!!). He was appointed to sort out this issue in Greater Manchester, he’s their Cycling and Walking Commissioner.
I read an interview with Chris Boardman recently that highlighted what he wants to achieve in Greater Manchester.
- Introduce 75 miles of segregated cycle lanes
- Introduce 1000 miles and shared walking and cycling paths
- Reduce car journeys
The key point of these targets is the use of the words Segregated and Paths. Not a hollow gesture of a metre wide painted lane, close to other road users. Make it safer, invest in decent infrastructure and participation will grow? It will also stop money being wasted on unsafe cycle lanes? Nearly every European city I’ve visited recently has done this, dedicated cycle and walking lanes away from the roads. It attracts people to use them, it’s safe!!!
As I’ve said before; an increase in participation in cycling and in any sport is an advantage to the country and society. Why?
If people exercise more and become fitter then the health benefits are enormous. I can speak from experience; I’ve lost 3 stone/19kgs in weight and now no longer rely on my asthma medication as I did before since I started cycling.
Research shows that if cycling alone becomes as popular as a method of transport like it has in London, in other towns and cities, then the NHS could save £319million over the next 23 years. Higher participation and better infrastructure could save, prevent or avoid 34,000 cases of injury or illness. Surely that’s another positive reason for investment?
How can we achieve this?
Currently any fines issued to motorists goes straight to Central Government in England. It should be given back to Local Councils to improve road safety? That’s how it works in Scotland!!!
When deciding on how to invest this money, the analysis should include; how an increase in people walking and cycling from A to B has an impact on our health and environment. Sadly, this is currently not the case.
It’s not just our health, but the health of the planet we can help. Whilst researching the issues in the Greater Manchester area it was found that 250 million car journeys undertaken per year were less than 1 mile in length. Factor in other towns and cities and now think of the environmental impact these short car journeys have. Surely, these journeys could be reduced if our walking and cycling infrastructure was better?
Rant over, time to get off my soap-box!!! Until next time….
Man On A Push Bike 