Thoughts on #LiberateTheLane
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...
1/ Public transport improvements should come first. Perhaps subsidized by congestion pricing designed to avoid being regressive.
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. Public transport should include an Uber style option for the disabled.
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 ๐). 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. 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.
What I saw at the cycle terror attackDiary of the last 30 hourshttps://subslack.substack.com/p/what-i-saw-at-the-cycle-terror-attack?r=1c8ad&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=twitter
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.
@mentions