Traffic volumes in
London before the Covid pandemic were already causing air pollution
that kills over 9000 Londoners every year, and producing CO2 emissions
that contribute to the looming climate catastrophe. Now, with the reduced
capacity of public transport due to Covid we need a safe alternative
that doesn’t involve burning oil to move around thousands of one and a
half ton metal boxes (cars), typically containing just a single
passenger each.
So it's good news that Ealing Council and the London
Mayor aim to to make it safer to walk or cycle. But to transform our city we need first class cycling provision. What does that mean?
First Class cycling
provision IS:
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… and it’s NOT:
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Smooth, broad, segregated cycle paths
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Narrow, patched & potholed routes, only a white line separating them from
traffic, full of speed bumps and parked cars.
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Continuous routes
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Broken by stretches of busy roads or dangerous junctions.
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Direct and uninterrupted routes that would be
straightforward and safe for a child cyclist.
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‘All around the houses’ routes with endless turns, multiple
buttons to press at controlled junctions, requiring frequents
stops and even dismounts to stay safe. Frequent stops (more than 5 times a mile) could double the energy required from the cyclist.
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Away from pollution hot-spots
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Next to highly polluted major roads
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Equipped with secure, convenient and dry parking at
destinations like schools, colleges, workplaces, shopping centres,
entertainment complexes and stations.
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Without anywhere genuinely secure to leave your bike.
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The Dutch have done it - why can't we?
We know first class cycling provision. is possible because the Dutch (and others) have done it. Take a look at these short videos about the truly inspirational cycling facilities in Holland:

"How the Dutch got their cycle paths" [6 minutes]
"Utrecht: Planning for People & Bikes, Not for Cars" [13 minutes]
What are Ealing doing?
A
map by active travel charity Sustrans enables
people to view their local authority’s response to the Covid-19
crisis in the provision of safe infrastructure for walkers
and
cyclists. (Note: On the Sustrans website, to see the map, you need to open the link “
head to the map here” near the end of
the article).
You can catch up on what Ealing Council is planning by viewing this video from Julian
Bell, Ealing Council leader, about new cycle
lanes.
Ask for more!
If you can suggest a cycling improvement, contact your councillors. You could also add your suggestion to this interactive map
that allows people to suggest improvements for walking or
cycling: WidenMyPath
How about ...

- Secure covered bike parking in town centres and supermarket car parks.
Facilities for a cycle rickshaw service to take you and your shopping home. Or speed-limited, electric TukTuks.
- A safe route across a busy junction.
Links:
Ealing Cycling Campaign
Video by Dave Watson: Top Tips for Cycling in London
"
How cycling could help solve the coronavirus transport crisis" - video from The Guardian.