Former Imperial College Rector, Lord Oxburgh, on the shockingly bad road provision for cyclists in the UK:
My Lords… Does the Minister agree that the provision made for cyclists on this country’s roads is hopelessly inadequate compared to the provision made by some of our mainland European neighbors? Indeed, if the Government wish to encourage cycling both for health and for other reasons, serious attention should be paid to that deficiency.
Source: Roads: Cyclists: 14 Dec 2006: House of Lords debates (TheyWorkForYou.com)
Hear! Hear!
I’ve written to Lord Oxburgh at the House of Lords to commend him for raising this issue in parliament. If you feel similarly why not do the same? Visit www.writetothem.com/lords.
I’m not aware you’re a cyclist as well, Mustafa?
I used to think cycling facilities were great in the UK, until I went outside London to other cities such as Birmingham, where cycle lanes in the city centre are almost non-existant or, if they are, very poor. People don’t cycle that much in these towns either; motor-drivers’ attitudes to cyclists too are appalling to say the least.
Which other European countries? Sorry, haven’t read the article. I know Sweden (Stockholm) is excellent for cycling, Belgium and the Netherlands as well, not sure about France though.
Yes, I’m a cyclist – although I had not done so for a few years before getting a bike again this year. I now regularly cycle into central London, as well as local cycling in north west London. Although I tend to get my Oyster card out if rain is forecast
Incidentally, I find cycle lanes in London, where they exist, to be mostly useless. I end up sticking to the main roads.
The Netherlands is indeed excellent for cycling. I quite enjoyed it when I was over there – it was actually what prompted me to get a bike again.
Dear Mustafa
I was in Denmark 2 years ago & got the impression they are keen on cycling too. I remember listening to the Minister’s response to my dad’s question on Radio 4 & was not impressed. Typical Ministerial fudge that was! Am surprised that you cycle through London. I come up fairly often & I either use the Underground or walk (where possible). Nothing would induce me to cycle in London! Cambridge is bad enough!