Recent Comments
Author Archives: MrHappyCyclist
Myth: “But I have to park on the pavement.”
Parking on the footway (aka “pavement” in the UK) has become normalized to the extent that many people seem to think it is an entitlement. However, it causes obstructions for people on foot and causes damage to the footways themselves, … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Myths
Leave a comment
Myth: “Unsightly, invisible wand orcas”
Orcas are small semi-permanent kerb sections made of recycled plastic. The name derives from the black and white markings that make them reminiscent of a killer whale (orca) breaking the surface of the sea. Due to a fear that drivers, … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Beelines, Bolton, Myths, Space for Cycling
Leave a comment
A staggering level of ignorance from a councillor.
Before I start, I will preface this with “not all councillors”. However, I have noticed over the years that many (though not all) councillors are often seen pontificating on subjects that they have never studied, and pretending that they are … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Bolton, Space for Cycling
Leave a comment
Myth: “The data show this road is not dangerous…”
Using cycling and walking KSI data (data about how many people have been killed or injured whilst cycling or walking) to define which are “dangerous roads” is fallacious. The most dangerous roads tend to be avoided by people on cycles … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Myths, Space for Cycling
Leave a comment
Myth: “No need for anything; nobody was killed cycling here in years…”
Whilst preventing deaths and serious injuries is extremely important, these projects are not primarily about numbers of people killed or injured on the road; they are about making it possible for people who currently feel forced to use cars for … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Myths, Space for Cycling
Leave a comment
Myth: “These wands are dangerous; cars will hit them…”
Unless you are referring to self-driving cars, then what you really mean is: drivers will hit them with their cars. Anyone who is unable to drive in a 3.5 metre lane without hitting things at the sides should not have … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Myths
Leave a comment
The hypocrisy of consultation
The requirement to consult One of the problems that the DfT identified, regarding the Emergency Active Travel Fund measures first announced by Grant Shapps in May of last year, has been a perceived “lack of consultation”, partly as a result … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Beelines, Space for Cycling
Leave a comment
Myth: “Can’t do anything here, it’s a 40mph road!”
This, which can be found referring to any speed limit, not just 40mph, was actually said by a councillor recently in an attempt to oppose a cycle lane on a wide main road. As far as I know, there is … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Myths
4 Comments
New Low Traffic Neighbourhoods – levelling inequalities
An article published today in the Guardian, written by Antonio Voce and Peter Walker, reports on a study carried out by Rachel Aldred and her team showing, contrary to the claims of many opponents, that low traffic neighbourhoods (a.k.a. LTNs, … Continue reading
Posted in Article, Beelines, Space for Cycling
Leave a comment
Myth: “Emergency services won’t be able to get through”.
Filtered neighbourhoods typically allow motor vehicle access to all residences; you just have to use the designated route(s). For many decades, housing estates have been designed like this anyway and millions of people live in cul-de-sacs without having any fear … Continue reading
Posted in Myths
Leave a comment