I just watched part 2 of Global Cycling Network's (GCN) documentary on how transport planning is centered around the car.
Where I am, London UK, I moved home and was disuaded from car ownership with very high residential parking fees (£150pm). Having good public transport and cycle routes, I was easily able to adapt. I'll hire a car when I need to but feel the chane was positive for me.
Lots here won't cycle or let children play outside homes any more for fear of cars.
I wonder how different London and the UK might be if everyone child got a state sponsored Brompton when starting secondary school?
Perhaps cycling infrastructure would improve, Brompton lockers at stations, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc. More cycle lanes? Sheltered bike lanes?
Nations health improved? Health costs from cardiovascular related disease reduced?
I pondered Brompton because they are built to last and my petite partner can adjust to fit and I can also ride the same bike. A bike for life, kind of.
by Oli99uk
2 Comments
State-funded Bromptons…? Yeah, that’s a good use of public money. I wouldn’t say Bromptons are as built for life as any other standard road bike, and you can’t just buy their parts off the shelf.
I like to think most young people own a bike, but as you’ve recognised, there isn’t the infrastructure for it.
Indeed that’s a great idea to make safer city environment while protecting environment and improving public health.
There are even researches about how cycling, or some daily dose of workout not only helps with cardiovascular diseases but also with brain activities – thus better performance. (There’s a research that it helps with Pakinson’s and Alzheimer as well)
Having said that, I Brompton is a very pricy brand. Realistically, just a regular bike is fine I think.
If we make the city like Singapore – where you need a permit, which is VERY expensive, to own a car for 10 years. I think we can make some good bike cultures. In big DENSE cities, we really don’t need a car.
So I think if this is applied only super dense city, that can make the city much pleasant and less polluted with noise and air.