Build It and they Will... Complain, Probably

Lots of cycling announcements from the government today. I’m going to file all of it under good news.

Would I like it to go bigger and further, sure. Are there some token gestures in there rather than real big plans, sure. Is it all talk and no action at present from a bunch of truth twisters, sure is.

But I’m not going to let perfect, or even great, be the enemies of good.

Real Cycle Lanes

A promise of real, actual cycle lanes that meet a specifications (set out in Local Transport Note (LTN) 1/20) is the headline win. How many km of such lanes you get with the money set aside is another matter, but I’ll take it.

Poor cycle infrastructure is a waste. It wastes money and space and it is dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians and causes conflict.

It often entices novice cyclists with a promise of protection, only to abandon them when they need it most.

“Schemes which consist mainly of paint, which make pedestrians and cyclists share the same space, or which do not make meaningful change to the status quo on the road, will not be funded.”

This is music to my ears and an honest to god huge policy development.

Low Traffic Neighborhoods

Something surely even NIMBY drivers can get behind (lol, just kidding).

Power for councils to create low traffic neighborhoods. Prevention of rat running and the ability for communities to request street closure and more protection on school streets.

Rule and guideline changes

Strengthening of the Highway Code to better protect pedestrians and cyclists. Updates said to include recommending the “Dutch reach”, a method of opening car doors by turning and using the hand furthest from the handle, which forces drivers or passengers to look behind for passing cyclists.

Other potentially good stuff

• Cycle hanger parking in town centres, transport hubs, and residential areas.

• Bicycle training for children and adults.

• Ebike scheme.

• Repair vouchers.