Cycling. A healthy, efficient mode of transport, and a great alternative to the environmentally harmful motor vehicles that so many people choose to use. However, it is a concept that, at a place like Blackpool Sixth Form, is almost non-existent; it is like a myth that is only known to a diminutive minority of the college population. It was recorded that the biking bay contained just 25 bicycles during one day, meaning that 1.3% of students used a bicycle as transport.
Understandable, considering how eager young people are to revel in their first experiences behind the wheel. But, in this current climate of extremely expensive insurance and fuel, now is the time to make cycling as appealing as possible. Not just for students, but for everyone.
I myself am part of the minority that chooses the route of cycling, since my hometown of Poulton is just a mile or so away. By doing this, I now understand why students might choose to neglect this mode of transport. During the whole journey, there is just one cycle lane that is available. Just when you think you are safe and comfortable in this designated lane, it suddenly vanishes and immediately the vulnerable cyclist is heading helplessly for a daunting, murderous roundabout, abundant in vehicles rushing to work. It reminds me of being caught in crossfire. Along with this, there are the narrow, treacherous bends and to finish it off, right outside the college there is an array of parked vehicles on either side of the road, leaving precious little room in between for cyclists and two sets of traffic.
All this combined becomes a perilous journey for any cyclist, and it is not just this route that is lacking in cycle lanes.
With cycling becoming an increasingly promoted prospect in England, hopefully Blackpool Council will change this issue of cycle lanes. Already they have introduced new regimes such as the so called HUBs, which contain available bikes for the public and are designated along the promenade. This is a brilliant new regime- for people who want to go sight-seeing on the promenade. But how about the majority of people who need to travel to work everyday? There is no doubt that a lack of cycle lanes makes this method of travelling a lot more dangerous and deterring, and hopefully action will be taken to change this for the better.
Written by Cameron Woodall.
I think this is a great post that raises awareness of what cycling can be - mainstream transport that brings many benefits to the cyclist and society. Anyone who has visited Amsterdam will know how by embracing the humble bicycle towns and cities can be transformed from noisy, fume-filled car sheds into clean and pleasant environments for visitors.
ReplyDeleteThe issue of cycle lanes is a good point. However, although a painted white lane in the road might reassure some, I think the best way a person can gain the confidence to cycle on the road is to enrol onto the cycle skills confidence course run by the Council. I have done the course myself and have to say the knowledge and skills I gained have made my rides to work safer and more enjoyable. Roundabouts are no longer a problem!
To register your interest in the cycle course email travel.plans@blackpool.gov.uk