Cycle lanes - not used

Richard53

It's as well to remember that, until quite recently, the Dutch were as wedded to their cars as we seem to be. It was only the appalling number of child casualties that made the Dutch decide to promote cycling as a viable form of transport and build all the cycle paths. I think it was as recently as the 70s. It took a massive amount of will and a huge investment, but also a change of attitude. It can be quite unnerving in NL to have cars give way to you. One route I took followed a main road, and at a big crossroads the cycle path crossed the other road. I was astounded to be waiting politely for a car to pass (an MGB, as it happened) to have the car screech to a halt and look puzzled as to why I wasn't crossing in front of him.


Of course, in NL, everyone cycles - grannies, businessmen, children going to school, people shopping - and the usual style of bike is laid-back and easy-going. There are relatively few Lycra-clad speed merchants, and the pace is quite gentle. Almost no-one wears a helmet - I did, for the first day or two, and got some strange looks.


We could do it here (although our wetter climate and greater number of hills would make it harder) but the will has to be there across the whole population - and I doubt that will ever happen in the UK.

Nasqueron

Richard53 wrote: »

There are relatively few Lycra-clad speed merchants, and the pace is quite gentle. Almost no-one wears a helmet - I did, for the first day or two, and got some strange looks.

Lycra is quick drying and wicking which makes it great for commuting as you can hang the kit up to air and it's dry before you go home. I don't see why people have this big thing about lycra as if you need to be a pro or a wannabe pro and zoom around at 25mph all the time to wear it. I wear lycra on my commute, if raining or hot it's nice to know the kit is ready for a ride home from just normal office temperature unlike say a cotton shirt

Johno100

Richard53 wrote: »

It's as well to remember that, until quite recently, the Dutch were as wedded to their cars as we seem to be.

They still are, they have higher per capita motor vehicle ownership than we do in the UK.

Richard53

Nasqueron wrote: »

Lycra is quick drying and wicking which makes it great for commuting as you can hang the kit up to air and it's dry before you go home. I don't see why people have this big thing about lycra as if you need to be a pro or a wannabe pro and zoom around at 25mph all the time to wear it. I wear lycra on my commute, if raining or hot it's nice to know the kit is ready for a ride home from just normal office temperature unlike say a cotton shirt

I wear Lycra too when it's appropriate. I was using the term as shorthand for road riders (speed/racing/fitness) as opposed to utility riders (shopping, social journeys, leisure). The vast majority of Dutch riders are in the latter category, although I know there is a big overlap.


If I offended any Lycra-wearers, it was unintentional and I apologise.

Richard53

Johno100 wrote: »

They still are, they have higher per capita motor vehicle ownership than we do in the UK.

Indeed. But they seem to have grown beyond the my-car-right-or-wrong mentality that many Brits have. It's the attitude that is important, rather than the bare ownership stats.

Norman_Castle

Rosemary7391 wrote: »

It would be really nice if we could get away from thinking that cycle paths have to run along roads. Roundabout where I used to live, I always thought it would've been an excellent idea to put one in along the canal, and link up all those villages to the two major centres of employment. It's okay at the ends, but the central bit is far too overgrown for safe cycling. Obviously we then need sensible infrastructure around the towns as well.

There's a sustrans cycle route near me which uses the tow path for part of the route. Some tow paths near me have had the surfaces improved and are very useable. Apparently there are plans to do more but obviously it takes time and money.
They're good for cyclists but also regularly used by wheelchair users and people in mobility scooters.

fred246

I watched 2 youtube videos last night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_h7dZhMgV4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq28fU2AuMU

zoothornrollo_2

Richard53 wrote: »

It's as well to remember that, until quite recently, the Dutch were as wedded to their cars as we seem to be. It was only the appalling number of child casualties that made the Dutch decide to promote cycling as a viable form of transport and build all the cycle paths. I think it was as recently as the 70s. It took a massive amount of will and a huge investment, but also a change of attitude. It can be quite unnerving in NL to have cars give way to you. One route I took followed a main road, and at a big crossroads the cycle path crossed the other road. I was astounded to be waiting politely for a car to pass (an MGB, as it happened) to have the car screech to a halt and look puzzled as to why I wasn't crossing in front of him.


Of course, in NL, everyone cycles - grannies, businessmen, children going to school, people shopping - and the usual style of bike is laid-back and easy-going. There are relatively few Lycra-clad speed merchants, and the pace is quite gentle. Almost no-one wears a helmet - I did, for the first day or two, and got some strange looks.


We could do it here (although our wetter climate and greater number of hills would make it harder) but the will has to be there across the whole population - and I doubt that will ever happen in the UK.

Someone with sense and without blinkers, thank the lord....