What Can Be Done to Promote Cycling?
Posted by admin on December 20th, 2011Whether you live in London or not, you must have heard of Boris’ Bikes? These pay as you go bikes were introduced into the centre of London in summer 2010 and have grown in popularity ever since with numbers having increased from the initial 5000 bikes and 315 docking stations to 6000 bikes and 400 docking station now.
More than 4 million journeys have been taken on these unique looking bikes which is spectacularly good for a brand new scheme that many thought would not catch on, but it has, and cycling and environmental activists have been happy to see cycling promoted so publicly and effectively.
Lead by Example
If you want to see more and more people taking to the streets by bike to reduce pollution, make roads safer and be generally healthier, then here are some ideas as to exactly what you can do to help.
Initially you can start leading by example. Get a bike and ride it every chance you get, including to work. You will save money, avoid difficulties parking, possibly get there quicker and hopefully have fun. Talk to your friends, colleagues and family about cycling and hopefully in time if enough people catch on it will just become part of our culture to cycle.
Lower Speed Limits
Support calls to lower speed limits in town centres and residential areas. There is no need for cars to be able to go 30 mph in town so if you see a petition to reduce a speed limit, do your best to support it. Better yet, start campaigning for reduced speed limits yourself. If people see cycling as safer than it is now, they will be more likely to get on their bike.
Increase Parking Charges
Drivers will scream blue murder when prices do go up, but it may just be the factor that makes them finally give up taking their car everywhere. They may not get on a bike exactly but at least if they get public transport, its one less car on the road, making roads safer, which will in turn encourage more people to cycle. Lobby your local council for increased parking charges.
If the UK is ever going to develop its cycle culture into something more robust and respectable then councils need to start putting in proper cycle lanes, creating more one way systems and closing more streets to cars. It’s not a war against cars; it’s a way of helping everybody to enjoy the major benefits of having everyone cycling.
One day the scale will tip and cycling will get the respect it deserves, and we will all benefit as a result.
What’s stopping you from cycling?
Pepper Hack is a keen cyclist. She uses a combination of hybrid bikes and simple Raleigh bikes throughout the year to ensure she is always able to hit the road.