"Whilst we recognise the merits of promoting cycling as a leisure activity for the individual - delivering personal health benefits and helping to improve the environment for all - this form of travel is unlikely in the near future to be a major means of commuting.We ourselves aren't convinced that it should be encouraged as a leisure activity if it slows down important people -and the same goes for walking. There could be designated "leisure areas" -call them parks- to which people could drive and try walking and cycling before driving home.
Like we say, we were a bit disappointed by the radio program, as it viewed the fact that the number of cyclists on the road to meet the ambitious goals of the city as "a failure". The fact that there are more now than ever before is what constitutes the failure in our eyes. It has legitimised cycling in some parts of the community.
We are surprised therefore that the BBC radio took such a pro cycling stance in the radio program, because they are uusally on our side. Top-Gear, Horizon documenting car crashes safety improvements without discussing the fact that some of the most expensive cars on sale have the worst pedestrian safety scores.
They are on our side for the following reason: they are important, so they drive to work. That means not stopping for anyone even walking a bicycle over a zebra crossing, here on Whiteladies Road, just by the BBC offices.
Note however, the driver of F59XHW doesn't drive down the bus lane before the left turn, it always indicate before turning. We would drive down the lane and then turn without indicating, and we think Jeremy Clarkson would too. Signalling communicates intent to the opposition.
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Jeremy Clarkson is obviously our hero but I think we may have found a local hero to rival him. The BBC news article quoted Geoff Gollop whos words below will surely raise a cheer to all Bristol Traffic readers.
"The leader of the opposition Conservative group on Bristol City Council, Geoff Gollop, said the new cycle routes were to the detriment of motorists.
He said: "The Cycling City initiative brought in match-funding which has delivered new cycling routes but these have largely been achieved at the expense of the majority of road users - by reducing road space or capacity.
"Whilst we recognise the merits of promoting cycling as a leisure activity for the individual - delivering personal health benefits and helping to improve the environment for all - this form of travel is unlikely in the near future to be a major means of commuting. "
Can we make him our mascot? Please show your appreciation of him at every opportunity (particularly at election time!)
I can't think of one example where the above quoted "to the detriment of motorists" is true. Where is he thinking of?
Just done some digging on Cllr Gollop. He lives in Fallodon way, Henleaze and works in Great George Street, Bristol. A commute of 2.7 miles – extremely cycleable and actually a nice route.
But, he is an important accountant and so probably drives this I am sure showing his commitment to the motorists rights, despite the Whiteladies road congestion on that route.
A true hero.
Maybe we should invite him to come with us by bicycle. Redland green to hampton road, then aberdeen road to cotham hill, briefly up to woodland road, all the way down to park row, one way over park street and at work. The only cycle city facility is the Redland Green path, and that's through a park.
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