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T'other day I was interviewed at the BBC Bangor studio, for a half hour radio programme on cycling going out on the 6th March 06 (Eye on Wales). The interviewer said he had cycled around Cardiff with the predicable reaction, and had followed this up with a trip to Copenhagen, again with predictable reaction. He then said he had spoken to the city Mayor who proudly proclaimed the city's hierarchy priorities, ie pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and then cars.
But hang on. Why isn't cycling at the top ? A person on a bike is no less at risk of injury in a collision than the person on foot. Indeed but for many being too frightened to cycle, casualties would be much higher than pedestrians.
Research indicates that most urban pedestrian trips are measured in hundreds of yards (if that). And this is invariably linked to the use of a car or public transport. This pattern will not change significantly with all the 'walking' strategies in the world. As far as I can see these degenerate into 'walking officers' taking social inadequates for walkies. Starting locally, and then going further afield by motor transport.
With an alternative available which meets the requirements of convenience, flexibility, distance potential, speed, weight bearing capacity, comfort,health promoting, and socially inclusion, surely this should go right to the top of the hierarchy in order to reduce pedestrian dependency on petrol. Leave walking sacrosanct at the top, and nothing changes
Which is where the bike comes in - and my bike goes out.
Regards
Roy
CTC RTR Denbighshire/Conwy
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