Letter to the Argus

The following is a letter/email I've sent to The Argus, a Brighton newspaper. Brighton has had its share of issues regarding cycling and the route in question is said to have been plagued by cars parking in it, or cyclists choosing either the road or the pavement instead. These are signs that things have been a) designed wrong (to not enforce or restrict motor vehicles is dangerous as well as annoying/frustrating), and b) that perhaps some cyclists or potential cyclists don't know the facility is there in the first place.

Most of the comments on The Argus (online and in print) have been negative and anti-cycling. I consider this a chance to put forward a different view and support some of the cyclists that have tried to defend redevelopment:


I read with interest the exchanges about your cycle facilities on Old Shoreham Road and similar. It seems to me that many people are against cycling in this respect because they perceive it will disadvantage them in some capacity.


What they need to do is look abroad at other cycle schemes and see the benefits that these actually bring the motorist (when they are done well).


Motor traffic flow is very much smoother in places like The Netherlands due to sensible and effective cycle planning. The school run does not clog the roads as safe and convenient cycle facilities are at hand. Delivery and long distance drivers can get about with ease as cyclists see the benefits to good infrastructure and chose that over the shared road.


It is not a "war" or "murder" and such language only devalues any subsequent concern. Hyperbole should ideally be replaced with logical debate.


The UK is at a transport revolution crossroads (to use a pun). We have little more space on the roads for cars. Private cars are indeed overused, sometimes abused: where cycling, walking, public transport or motor-cycling can be used instead.


Transport planners realise this. They do actually realise that cycling offers a great solution for local travel in cities and towns for up to 10 miles distance. Certainly for less. If they keep hitting a wall of idiocy and selfishness on the part of some drivers (certainly not all) then things will grind to a halt. If you think roads are congested now, think on.


Cycling will help reduce obesity and other sedentary lifestyle problems. It will help clarify the air (motor traffic does not produce just CO2 but a variety of sulphates and nitrates, not to mention carcinogenic particulates, as well as brake and tyre dust). It will make towns and cities quieter and happier places, and reduce the KSI figures and severity dramatically (and motor vehicles are involved in the vast majority).


Cycling is part of a major solution Britain has been craving for.