Their first evidence session was an embarrassing disaster, but the Commons transport committee has ended up producing a half-decent report about getting people on bikes
Late last year I was quite rude here about a group of MPs after they discussed cycling. Not such a surprise this blog can be a robust place at times but I did nonetheless deliver a verdict of disheartening and shambolic. I might have even called them "dinosaurs".
Perhaps more of a surprise was that others were ruder still. Chris Boardman, the Olympic champion now recast as British Cycling's agitator and spokesman in chief, said the MPs should be embarrassed by their performance and that such as basic lack of factual knowledge in another arena would be classed as actual negligence.
We were concerned to hear about the cycle lanes that have not only failed to increase safety for cyclists, but were in some cases more dangerous than cycling on the carriageway. In too many cases our cycling infrastructure not only fails to protect cyclists, but also treats cycling as an add-on to roads an optional extra to be added if there was spare space, rather than a valid mode of transport, as entitled as motor vehicles to space on the road.
31st July to 31st August 2014, Tue-Sat 10am-4pm.
Evolution House, 78 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE
An exhibition of new work by ~ in the fields, Chris Helson & Sarah Jackets, Hadi Mehrpouya & Robert Powell, Donna Leishman and Calum Stirling, all commissioned by New Media Scotland’s Alt-w Fund.
The Alt-w Fund is for practitioners based in Scotland to make and develop new artworks, devices and applications that challenge the notions of what new media creativity can be. The fund supports artists to explore experimental and interactive practice, make use of technology as both medium and message, and recognise the changing role that digital culture has in our society.
A 116-mile overnight jaunt from London to the Suffolk coast is becoming a popular ride with hardcore cyclists and novices alike
I AM HERE.
WHERE ARE YOU.
The two-lane elevated orange Cykelslangen the latest of the city's continuous and safe bike lanes is a joy to ride as it wriggles its way over the harbour
After years of waiting (eight to be exact), Copenhagen finally got its missing link. Cykelslangen, or Cycle Snake, is an elevated orange bike lane, wriggling its way over the harbour, seamlessly connecting the highway and the harbour bridge. Up until now our only options consisted of pushing our bikes up and down steep stairs, or taking ridiculous detours, in a narrow space haphazardly shared with pedestrians.
Looking at it now, the solution seems so obvious: an elevated two-way bike lane at the first-floor level, leaving pedestrians on the ground, with the added benefit of a less stressful atmosphere. Even on our best behaviour, bad or insufficient city planning creates tension. But good design can relieve it, as is the case with Cykelslangen.
Dear Jim,
Please paint me the final round of Salvador Dali’s surrealist version of Countdown. One of the contestants is Danny Dyer and the other is the ghost of some swiss cheese. Naturally the clock has melted and Danny’s head has exploded whilst attempting to solve a particularly surreal crucial conundrum.
Ta very much,
Darryl
