The frogger, the switcheroo, the pop-up and the invisible bike lane
THERE IS a perversely ingenious network that criss-crosses Dublin, appearing, disappearing, morphing into something else entirely. It is the city’s system of cycle lanes. Although, “lane” is not always the best description. Cycle-coasters, would perhaps best describe their adrenaline-boosting thrill-a-minute properties. Read article
Cut ’em off at the pass: A bus crosses lines marking the cycle lane on South Great George’s Street. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Submission to Road Safety Authority
Cyclists must steer clear of the threat of parked cars
Car “dooring”, or being hit by an open car door, poses significant risks for cyclists, yet many cyclists ride eye-wateringly close to parked cars.
I once attended a cycle instructor training course, where one of the first things we learned was to ride “a door and a bit more” away from parked cars, even on narrow roads. To many cyclists this is counterintuitive as moving cars can feel – and act – like the most threatening thing on the roads.
The danger comes either from hitting a door or swerving to avoid one and falling into the path of oncoming traffic. Read article
A chance to get on our bikes for the school run
We have a cycle-to-work scheme – now it’s time to encourage a cycle-to-school culture to give kids exercise and unclog traffic. Read article
Students from St Conleth’s College in Ballsbridge, Dublin, trying out the Canal Way cycle route, which goes from Portobello to Sheriff Street along the Grand Canal in Dublin.Photograph: David Sleator
Healthy transport = Healthy lives
People have always wanted to reach destinations quickly, safely and efficiently. But as the UK transport environment has become increasingly complex, transport’s impact on health has become unnecessarily harmful – to the point where it is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
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Nothing new here for likely readers of this blog, but good to see the BMA flying the flag.
… and another IT article on lack of exercise
Which do you think is riskier?
Some situations seem far more dangerous to us than others, but the perceived risk is often quite far from the truth, writes NIAMH DORNAN … If we look at the numbers only, a different picture can emerge. The lifetime risk of dying in an air crash is 1 in 7,178, according to the National Safety Council of America. This is far lower than the 1 in 98 chance of dying in a car crash or the 1 in 701 chance of being killed as a pedestrian. Cyclists face a 1 in 4,381 chance of dying on their bicycles over their lifetime. Read article
UK cities face ban on heavily polluting traffic
Twelve UK cities and urban areas may have to ban or fine heavily polluting traffic from their centres within months after the European commission refused to allow Britain more time to reduce dangerous exhaust emissions, according to air quality campaigners Read more
Minister Kelly announces €4.5m funding for 11 ‘Active Travel’ towns
Initiative will lead to a more cycle friendly culture across the country
Public Transport Minister Alan Kelly has today announced over €4.5 million funding for walking and cycling infrastructure as part of the ‘Active Travel Towns’ Programme.
The initiative sees eleven successful Irish towns granted funding for local cycling and walking strategies – including new cycle-lanes, provision of walkways and behavioural change initiatives in local schools and workplaces to encourage people to switch their transport mode. Continue reading Minister Kelly announces €4.5m funding for 11 ‘Active Travel’ towns
John Liu’s misguided mandatory helmets call for NYC’s bike share
New York City’s chief fiscal officer seems to think he’s a road safety expert. But did he even look at the numbers? … [ … more confusion over Helmets – see links under Cycle Helmets ]. Read article