Sunday 13 November 2011

Hundreds turned out for the Tour du Danger

Saturday's 'Tour du Danger' had an amazing turnout of people who want to be able to ride their bikes without fear and, more importantly, want a London where those who currently daren't ride a bike will be able to do, feeling and being safe - something the Cycling Superhighways are signally failing to deliver currently.

It was a peaceful ride and pedestrians took photos, clapped, smiled and voiced their support. I loved the smartly dressed female tourist standing in the middle of the Strand repeatedly saying 'Fantastic, Fantastic, this too is just starting in Valencia'. We'd clearly made her day.

The throng of cyclists behind me meant I was relaxed enough to be able to cycle one-handed and take a photo, albeit not a good one, over my shoulder as we left Hyde Park Corner and entered Park Lane - something I wouldn't conceive of doing in its normal race track mode.
Bravo to all those who took part - we hope it will encourage the politicians and Transport for London to step up their efforts to create a London where children will enjoy cycling to school and visit friends, and where their mothers will feel confident in letting them.

1 comment:

  1. Charlie,
    Thanks for all your hard work and to everyone involved and who took part.

    Unfortunately, we've a long way to go. It's depressing how many people don't 'get' the multiplicity of potential benefits of encouraging cycling to: drivers; pedestrians; residents; employers; small businesses; the NHS and the wider economy.
    The failure of many people to understand the realities can be laid at the door of the the media, especially rags like the Daily Rant, which spreads disingenuous clap-trap, like the zombie myth of 'road-tax'.

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