Forum Topics

Reality Check.

I'm surprised, given this Forum's voluminous discussions of cycling, that the following report has not been aired. A recent article in The Times had as its headline - Bike sales at lowest level for 20 years.The Bicycle Association's Annual Market Data Report shows that pedal bike sales fell 22% last year with children's bike sales falling 28%. In the copy it stated; 'it appears that many people have lost their appetite for cycling, with one analyst estimating that only half of those who bought a bike during the pandemic were still riding it'.Thus the panglossian view of the usual suspects on this Forum that, and I paraphrase, cars are evil and cycling is the answer may have to think again. Ah, I can hear their response already and come rushing back with all sorts of figures about 'increases' in cycling. Indeed going from 1 to 2 is a 100% increase and those of us who walk, yes I repeat walk, round the area are not seeing this flood gate of cycling. A conundrum!?We are told that cycling is essential to saving the Planet which is being choked by the pollution from evil cars. Mmmmm, London's air has never been cleaner and if you look at the air quality measured in Hammersmith for March you will see it has consistently been good. It has to rise another 5 levels before it becomes toxic as the Mayor tells us at every turn.Unfortunately as threads on this Forum show, it is difficult to have rational debates (pros and cons) of transport policy/pollution/climate and that's the sad truth.

David Millar ● 1267d113 Comments ● 1265d

Vulnerable and disabled residents Tavel info structure

Reading on this forum it seems the most posters of the two lobby’s, are of the opinion the majority of disabled residents drive around the area.Some do, but the majority don’t, they rely on public transport as other residents do, but some make there own way using the pavement system, which has become so badly maintained.The pavements in the homefield ward  of Chiswick have become so bad in places, they have become impassable by what ever means a disabled resident picks to assist them to be independent and carry out  the everyday things that an abled bodied resident does without a thought.It angers me that while the pavements are uneven, slopes on the corner of roads are slowly sinking to become more like ski slopes, the tree routes are breaking up tarmac tree bases, providing a dangerous tripping hazard. The placement of street furniture is fast becoming a joke, doesn’t anyone ever think they could become a hazard to blind residents or those who chose to use other forms of  electric transport, such as  wheelchairs or mobility scooters .Try using a wheelchair or mobility scooter to travel from Staveley Road on the west bound pavement of Sutton Court Road to the Subway under under the A4, All of the hazards already mentioned are in between the bus stop and the subway. ( to those who jump in and say that’s the Riverside Ward I’ve said it )It’s about time Hounslow looked at what is really wrong with there travel infrastructure, so able bodied  and disabled residents can have a safer place to use their  legs or preferred electrical assistance to get around to the every day things like going to the local shops.It will keep  us independent and healthy

Bernard Allen ● 1268d19 Comments ● 1266d