Thoughts on #LiberateTheLane
Perhaps this would be another story if it was possible for me to ride a bike any distance, but for what it's worth, this is my honest take on Liberate, and prioritizing cycle infrastructure in general. I do want cycle lanes, but...
Perhaps this would be another story if it was possible for me to ride a bike any distance, but for what it's worth, this is my honest take on Liberate, and prioritizing cycle infrastructure in general. I do want cycle lanes, but...
1/ Public transport improvements subsidized by congestion pricing should come first.
That would have a far greater impact on emissions and congestion and lead to greater cycle safety.
More importantly, it would be seen as credible compensation for the unavoidable disruption.
That would have a far greater impact on emissions and congestion and lead to greater cycle safety.
More importantly, it would be seen as credible compensation for the unavoidable disruption.
2/ Currently it costs around $10 a day (regular *or* monthly price) for me to catch the bus to and from the city - more than buying 4 litres of petrol. Prices will have to drop a great deal before a car isn't seen as just slightly more expensive, and way more convenient.
3/ There should already be a shuttle across the bridge for bikes. Hopefully costing no more than one stage on the bus. I expect there would be a significant demand for it, which would help the cause for a dedicated path in the future.
4/ I don't think there's much chance of a lane trial actually happening (which probably means they will announce one soon 🙃). I worry that the protest will be a waste of political capital and that there will be a significant backlash, even if there is a trial.
5/ Many people I follow on Twitter that I respect a great deal support the highest priority for cycle infrastructure, but I see it as something of a Shibboleth that needs to be examined - I tend towards the anarchist zone on the political compass. Feel free to debate.
6/ True or not, many people do see bike activists as entitled, selfish, performative, punitive, partisan, coercive, and sanctimonious. @DavidSlack claims attendance was diverse yesterday - maybe it was - if you count the police.
subslack.substack.com/p/what-i-saw-a…
subslack.substack.com/p/what-i-saw-a…
7/ The separate bridge idea is great! It shouldn't be the first priority though. If we are serious about reducing emissions & congestion, greatly improved public transport (inc a bike shuttle) funded partly by congestion charges should be.
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