Search found 606 matches

by PRL
4 Apr 2008, 9:33pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Interesting cycling debate in the Lords
Replies: 9
Views: 1801

reohn2 wrote:Good reading,but the lord's stating what we already know and have known for a very long time,will anything be done about motoized traffic and highway planning with regard to cyclists?that is the question.


Well we already know it but is is something of a shock to hear anyone at Westminster who does. One can but hope that the Minister took it seriously.
by PRL
4 Apr 2008, 9:28pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Welcome safety move
Replies: 12
Views: 2465

GrumpyGit wrote:That's very good and caring of them but we have to take some responsibility ourselves. It's not rocket science, where big vehicles like trucks and those evil bendy busses are concerned give them a wide berth!!


I am still embarrassed about an incident many, many years ago when I was young and foolish. I saw a truck ahead indicate left then move to right. "Oh", thought I , "he has hit the wrong indicator". Lucky he had good brakes.
by PRL
31 Mar 2008, 10:33pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Letter to CTC Head Office
Replies: 109
Views: 12062

Simon L6 wrote:
PRL wrote:
Simon L6 wrote:So, when I see Cameron running a Toucan crossing, I feel let down.


Hey ?? Running a Toucan crossing. AFAIK the red man is advisory. There is no law breaking here.


it's still poor. I don't do it, and I wouldn't expect people I was riding with to do it.


Sorry , why "poor" ??? .You come to a toucan on an empty road. Press the button and wait . The light changes just as someone comes down the road so both of you are inconvenienced. What is the point ?
by PRL
31 Mar 2008, 10:27pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Climate Change Policy
Replies: 80
Views: 9750

Sares has it right.

Sares wrote:The organisations listed by meic are enviro campaigning groups, and I agree that CTC should not take on the role of enviro campaigning generally, although where it intertwines with cycling (transport policy, land use, etc. ) then we should.

However, I still think we need a policy on climate change, and try to reduce our impact where we can. Many organisations whose primary goals are not environmental realise that climate change is likely to impact them, and are taking some actions (as they do affect their primary cause) to change how they do things.



People like RSPB (Birds) have a similar problem. Awareness of climate change but likely to add to it by their activities. ( and the effects of CO2 on climate are about as certain as you can get in the real world).
by PRL
29 Mar 2008, 10:38pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Cycle Paths and traffic Islands
Replies: 27
Views: 5542

drossall wrote:I suspect you are experiencing different traffic speeds and different carriageway widths. High speeds and just enough space for a car to squeeze by are bad news. No space or less speed = no problem. Plenty of space also = no problem.


Cycling England recommend either a gap of 2.7m or greater than 4m. I am putting this in all communications with my HA who are addicted to kerb build-outs with the same effect. :evil:
by PRL
29 Mar 2008, 10:31pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Shopping by bike
Replies: 40
Views: 7436

gilesjuk wrote:Plus you can't take home cheap electrical goods like TVs on a bike, they like selling this sort of stuff.



Oh yes you can with a trailer. I would recommend a Vitelli but unfortunately they seem to be no longer available. :cry:
by PRL
29 Mar 2008, 9:09pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Letter to CTC Head Office
Replies: 109
Views: 12062

Simon L6 wrote:So, when I see Cameron running a Toucan crossing, I feel let down.


Hey ?? Running a Toucan crossing. AFAIK the red man is advisory. There is no law breaking here.
by PRL
23 Mar 2008, 10:34pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Jumping Lights!
Replies: 20
Views: 3206

George Riches wrote:How about this


Regarding the use of a toucan crossing when the (advisory) red man is showing it is a pity that a CTC member is quoted as criticizing this sensible behaviour.
by PRL
17 Mar 2008, 8:59pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Good budget for cyclists?
Replies: 63
Views: 6472

Geriatrix wrote:Fuel tax is a case in point. It forms a significant proportion of the tax base and if the government attempts to reduce fuel usage it cuts off a branch its sitting on. I don't think I'm cynical in suspecting that the ineffective promotion of cycling and lack of public transport funding is not ineptness, but intentional protection of this revenue source.


I think they are quite blatant about it. In a cost /benefit study of a proposal which leads to a modal shift the lost taxation on fuel counts as a cost.
by PRL
16 Feb 2008, 10:01pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Not very sporting - so what?
Replies: 40
Views: 8058

Whilst recreational cycling can be classified as "sport" I can maintain that I have some interest in sport. If sport hast to be a matter of winning and losing (yawn!) I will have to found the "sport for none campaign".
by PRL
20 Jan 2008, 9:52pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Report on innovations in Netherlands, Germany & Denmark
Replies: 5
Views: 1214

Very interesting report - should be compulsory reading for DTp and all Highway Authorities. It seems that transport planners in this country are just hardwired to maximising flow of cars and find any alternative incomprehensible.
by PRL
16 Dec 2007, 9:09pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: So bike lanes don't work, do they?
Replies: 60
Views: 11002

Geriatrix:


In France motorists are not allowed to encroach closer than 1.5m from a cyclist. In Germany cyclists can cite drivers for driving too close and the driver can be fined/lose license points. When drivers start paying for their mistakes they start paying attention.


Do you have chapter and verse on those ? If so could you let the House of Commons Transport Committee know as they are launching an enquiry on road safety including:
How does Great Britain compare with other EU countries in its
approach to reducing deaths and injuries?
by PRL
16 Dec 2007, 8:54pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: cyclist killed
Replies: 186
Views: 22977

The house of Commons Transport Committee is launching an
inquiry into road safety.
How does Great Britain compare with other EU countries in its
approach to reducing deaths and injuries?
What further policies, not already widely used, might be
considered for adoption and what evidence there is for their success?

Interested parties are invited to submit written evidence no later than
Monday 18 February 2008.

If anyone has firsthand knowledge in the area this would be a good place to exert leverage.

Paul
by PRL
10 Nov 2007, 8:51pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Social network for cyclists
Replies: 7
Views: 1365

ahem I think you mean :
http://www.meandmybicycle.co.uk/
by PRL
10 Nov 2007, 8:47pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Stuck on the train!
Replies: 21
Views: 3857

We had a similar situation on the night of the August floods when the only way from Swansea to London was via Crewe. We were appreciative of being let onto a pendulino unbooked but less so when the train staff at Euston left our bikes locked in until I found the emergency door release. Which requires two people to operate - one to hold down the lever whilst the other opens the door.