Thread by @BasilLangevin

When a senseless tragedy happens in our community, it can be hard to know where to place that despair and anger.

In the Netherlands in the 70s, families felt the exact same way. Then they mobilized and changed things. Let's learn from their example. 1/7

The Netherlands didn't always have the fabulous cycling and pedestrian infrastructure we know today. In the 70s, Dutch cities looked very much like our own. 2/7

In 1971, 3300 people in the Netherlands were killed by cars. 400 of them were children under 14.

Citizens were rightfully outraged and took to the streets to protest. Their slogan? "Stop the child murder!" (Stop kindermoord) 3/7

The mass adoption of cars was killing people, ruining cities, and destroying the environment. So protesters organized mass cycling tours through the cities to show that bikes were safer, healthier, and better for their communities. 4/7

Their calls were heard, and things began to change.

Cities created large car-free zones downtown, experimented with complete and safe cycling routes, and changed how they designed their streets. 5/7

This story is told in a fantastic 7-minute video. Watch it and get inspired. Then take action. 6/7

We can make the same change in #Saanich. We have the money, knowledge, and space. We just need the political will.

Cities are led by their citizens. We can all make a difference.

Join the protest for safer streets at City Hall on Friday at 2pm! 7/7

https://twitter.com/BasilLangevin/status/1468638838700478464