Cycling is becoming a political football, and that’s welcome
March 1 2012 12:01AM
The Labour Party’s “cycling summit” today is significant, partly for the valuable proposals that will no doubt emerge, mostly because the event is further proof that cycling has arrived as a mainstream political issue. If HM Opposition is seeking to embarrass HM Government for being insufficiently pro-bike, that can only lead to a positive outcome for the embattled city cyclist.
The summit comes after a Commons debate on safer cycling last week. That debate was well attended by MPs, many happy to admit that they had been pressured to do so by their constituents. This is democracy in action, a lobby flexing muscles it never knew it possessed, elected representatives seeking to solve a problem some probably never knew existed.
Meanwhile, the priority given to safe cycling in London is set to be a major issue in May’s mayoral contest. The incumbent, Boris Johnson, and his challenger, Ken Livingstone, are already competing hard over who is more hopelessly devoted to the cycling cause. Up and down the country, local councils are keen to pump up their cycling credentials. Cycling has become an issue on which any credible planner, official or politician must inform themselves, take a view, and woo voters.
The Times has been campaigning for Cities Fit for Cycling for a month. There are immediate goals, not yet achieved. Trucks must be fitted with sensors. Lethal junctions in London and elsewhere must be redesigned as a matter of urgency.
Britain needs proper cycle routes, funded by private sector investment and a fixed percentage of the budget of the Highways Agency. Talking about cycling may bring political gain. Actually doing something will bring much more.
More Bike love in today's Times leader:
Cycling is becoming a political football, and that’s welcome
March 1 2012 12:01AM
The Labour Party’s “cycling summit” today is significant, partly for the valuable proposals that will no doubt emerge, mostly because the event is further proof that cycling has arrived as a mainstream political issue. If HM Opposition is seeking to embarrass HM Government for being insufficiently pro-bike, that can only lead to a positive outcome for the embattled city cyclist.
The summit comes after a Commons debate on safer cycling last week. That debate was well attended by MPs, many happy to admit that they had been pressured to do so by their constituents. This is democracy in action, a lobby flexing muscles it never knew it possessed, elected representatives seeking to solve a problem some probably never knew existed.
Meanwhile, the priority given to safe cycling in London is set to be a major issue in May’s mayoral contest. The incumbent, Boris Johnson, and his challenger, Ken Livingstone, are already competing hard over who is more hopelessly devoted to the cycling cause. Up and down the country, local councils are keen to pump up their cycling credentials. Cycling has become an issue on which any credible planner, official or politician must inform themselves, take a view, and woo voters.
The Times has been campaigning for Cities Fit for Cycling for a month. There are immediate goals, not yet achieved. Trucks must be fitted with sensors. Lethal junctions in London and elsewhere must be redesigned as a matter of urgency.
Britain needs proper cycle routes, funded by private sector investment and a fixed percentage of the budget of the Highways Agency. Talking about cycling may bring political gain. Actually doing something will bring much more.