| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Putney & Wimbledon Conservators | |
| Posted by: | Jonathan Callaway | |
| Date/Time: | 25/09/10 21:11:00 |
| I think a lot of the problem comes from shared use spaces where cyclists and walkers can (legitimately) use the same paths such as the towpath and the paved gravel track around Richmond Park. All good cyclists will know that pedestrians have priority in these shared spaces. A lot seem not to know or not to care. But they are allowed to go there and why not, if they are considerate? I do not accept that cyclists are responsible for turning footpaths into mudpits - there are plenty of examples where walkers have done that all on their own. Most paths need maintaining and when they aren't of course they will deteriorate. I am not a member of the LCC but here is a link to their 2008 annual report which tells you all you need to know. See page 10 for funding sources. The report is on their website. http://www.lcc.org.uk/documents/London%20Cycling%20Campaign%20Report+Financial%20Statements.pdf I like your analogy to Beijing 30 years ago. Then everyone had a bike and there was no pollution. Now, with their massive push to catch up with and overtake the West, they have 50 mile traffic jams, city gridlock and horrendous pollution. Here, I think it is absolutely valid to seek ways of encouraging people to use their cars less, whether they switch to a bike or to anything else which pollutes less. Air pollution, very largely from traffic fumes, is a huge problem in London. The police, so I understand, were handing out written warnings and taking names and addresses, but fining those who were found to be repeat offenders. So it seems a lot of cyclists actually heeded the first warnings they got. That looks like a bit of a result to me. There are still plenty of cyclists going west on the pavements of the URR, but not as many as before now that word is getting around. |