Freewheel on two wheels
Posted 4 months ago 0 responses
Recent TFL figures show a 91% increase in the number of people cycling on London’s major roads since 2000. Sounds impressive, until you realise that cycling’s overall ‘share of journeys’ compared to walking, car, motorbike, tax, bus and rail across Greater London is less than 2%. Our affable and shambolic mayor recently expressed a desire to go beyond TFL’s 2025 target of 5%. Why so? Well, it’s estimated that another 800,000 more souls and 400,000 more cars will be added to this fair city by 2025, placing further strain on our infrastructure.
Now, numerous studies recommend that improving conditions for cycle use and boosting cycling numbers is the cheapest way of ensuring London’s transport and road system can cope with the city’s growing population. Yes, these studies may have been carried out by organisations with a vested interest and, of course, it is not the only option. But it’s worth considering. It’s also worth pointing out that we all need to do more exercise:
You’ll also be doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint. There’s also the financial benefit. Many companies offer the ‘Cycle-to-Work’ scheme where employees can purchase a bike and all the lycra they need out of their pre-tax salary and repay it on a monthly basis. You’ll no longer have to pay travel costs each day, for example, nor sit next to the sweaty commuter with the cheap aftershave. Of course, its useful to have changing facilities near, or in, the office, but commuting by bike is worth considering. And we all know that exercise improves mood and concentration, so promotion is inevitable according to made up research.
On the flip side, of course, you have to look like an idiot; cope with psychotic motorcyclists; rabid van drivers and too-close-for-comfort HGVs’; occasional near death scenarios, punctures and pelting rain…….
But if you’re considering it, or just want to get a feel of London by bike – the second [name of evil corporate sponsor deleted] London Freewheel event is taking place in London on Sunday 21st September 2008, involving a mass guided cycle ride into London from hubs in four locations. The centre of London will be closed to cars and vans between 11 am and 4 pm – a noble attempt to reduce casualties amongst the expected 100,000 riders.
The rides into the centre will be from local hubs in Highbury Fields, Victoria Park, Clapham Common and Ravenscourt Park. Acting as meeting points, the hubs will give riders the opportunity to have free bike checks and cycling advice will be on hand at each. There will be rest and refreshment opportunities on the way to the final central rendezvous at St James Park. The routes will take in the sights of London from a bicycle, clearly.
Expect the routes to offer views of Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. You do need to register to participate but it is free. At St James’ park, the organisers plan a carnival atmosphere, with entertainment including live music, cycling angels and jugglers. The jugglers may be on bikes and wearing lycra. Who knows.
