It is quite amusing to read excerpts of the long exchanges between cycle campaigners about the merits or otherwise of dedicated cycle lanes. If only all that verbal virtuosity was spent writing to authorities about deficient facilities. But the main point is that, as far as London is concerned, the debate is meaningless. The arena of action has shifted.
People of all ages, creeds, classes are clamouring to get on a bike. What is vital now is that they are offered the right bicycle for their style and requirements and that it is properly serviced. Let me give you an example:
The other day, an attractive young lady walked in our showroom with her bike, a hybrid with no lights, no mudguards and a basket. She complained the gears were not working properly: the bike had been purchased only a month before and the gears started skipping after a few days, but the shop where she bought the bike had a long waiting list for the workshop and did not have time to fix the problem, in spite of the promise of a free first check-up. So she went to another shop and since she was there, she purchased a basket. They had a cheap basket which they fitted on the handlebar. Problem is, it was the wrong basket for the bike: the bracket at the bottom of the basket was resting on the headtube; result: after a couple of weeks of use the bracket had scratched all the paint off and was burrowing in the metal. Shocking; and allow me to say, this was by the shop nearest to us, who has objected to our selling of Brompton folders, because they want to be seen as the local dealer.
So dear London campaigners, open your eyes: people want to ride bicycles; once they are on them, they will write letters to their Council demanding better facilities. What is important now is that new cyclists are not offered cheap mountain bikes, garish tabards and helmets, ill fitting accessories, but well equipped bicycles and stylish clothing.
Image by Kill the Bird
But as it stands half the letters will be from “bike advocates” clamouring for bike lanes that have been shown to be dangerous and the other half will be from people that are asking for their removal. The “Just Do It!” message is about as compelling as “why can’t we all get along?”. The issue of bike “facilities” is an important one that shouldn’t go away and if the wave of new riders getting onto bikes are injured because well-meaning “bike advocates” have encouraged ignorant city planners to provide dangerous facilities then a well-fitting bike basket isn’t going to be much comfort.
Sure, mechanically trustworthy bikes are as important as road markings, but neither to the exclusion of the other.
Yes Yes Yes. It’s just SO CRUCIAL that we experienced cyclists guide the casual cycling newcomers and pass on our advice and wisdom so that new cyclists keep on riding efficiently and enjoyably !
I agree with Velosopher 101%. Unfortunately what passes as the peak cycling organisation here in Victoria is too preoccupied with event management, alienating grassroot groups and partaking in corporate pissing contests. Sorry, I meant *partnerships*
Comparing the cities of London and Paris it is remarkable how different are the types of bikes that people ride.
For the most part london cyclists have been sold (by the likes of Evans) on bikes with too many gears, too much exposed componentry and inappropriate accessories. The typical cheap hybrid is good for a few months but more likely than not will develop problems with gear indexing, brake alignment and all the rest.
In Paris, people are riding old utility bikes with pedal-back brakes, hub gears (or no gears), dynamos. All very reliable. Chains are encased in full length metal chain guards. Parisians don’t have to worry about repairing their bikes every month or about getting grease stains on their clothes.
Poor product knowledge and retail support is not just confined to the bike trade. Ever tried to get a sensible demo at Carphone Warehouse?
On facilities, Velosopher has a point. At present there’s no political will to fund serious facilities because cycling isn’t a vote catcher. This is a numbers game. The more cyclists, the more will to do more for those cyclists, which attracts yet more cyclists etc. The virtuous circle.
People like TfL should campaign like mad, not just for more green paint but to embed cycling in popular culture. Why no bikes in The Bill? Or EastEnders? Why don’t we see Beckham on a bike? Or Kelly Holmes? They all ride for training. PR is where I’d start.
I’ve never seen mudguards/fenders as common as was the case in London when I was there in May 2004 (maybe only second to the Netherlands and Third World countries?), and I don’t think it’s just because of the climate so you comrades there are doing something right.
My sister, who was raised in a part of California where it rains a lot and now lives in Boston, allowed me to give her road tires for her MTB since she said she noticed her friends riding hybrids were having an easier time than her. So next I suggested she let me buy her some mudguards, to which she said “aren’t those for grandmothers?”
I think one of the biggest obstacles to more popularized cycling is the perception that cycling is a sport and the impractical coolness factor that comes with that image.