Cycling in Copenhagen: Streetfilms
Anyone up for getting some of our MPs, the mayor, some TfL mandarins and the heads of planning and development of all the London boroughs to go to Copenhagen? We can go Ryanair… I’m not fussed! I’m confident a day will be enough to prove a point…
It is difficult to understand why city officials and transport planners pay such scant attention to cycle infrastructure. Increasingly cities are becoming the places to live for access to opportunity and services. Investment in significant cycle infrastructure could only but enhance the quality of life, reputation and success of that city.
Bicycles generate hardly any noise, so cities may become a little quieter, they don’t emit fumes, so air quality might improve… Cycling is exercise (in a mild form too if you do it Copenhagen or Amsterdam style!) which, as well as making us fitter and combating our ever increasing sedentary lifestyles, releases serotonin and endorphins, the body’s own natural pills for happiness which would make us far more positive! Development of cycling infrastructure may also help reduce dependence on oil, which may in turn make us less like to go to war and help to protect the environment. Cycling also increases the chances of social mobility as it allows people to travel cheaply to work… More people working means a more confident economy that spends more, which attracts investment, which… Shall I go on..?
People argue that Copenhagen is years ahead… that London could never get to where they are… we can but we need to start now! With political will anything is possible! Infrastructure changes like this cost much less than building new train lines or roads!
With a firm commitment to developing cycling infrastructure, planners and highway departments can start ensuring that all new development accommodates cycling and has well placed street furniture that won’t impede the provision of cycling infrastructure!
Note to self: Must remember to bring a tape so we can measure the roads… Need to see if we can knock that silly argument on the head early on..!
