Protest group in appeal for better cycle lanes in Carlisle
Last updated at 10:58, Saturday, 27 June 2009
Cyclists took over Carlisle’s rush hour roads last night to campaign for better biking facilities in the city.
About 30 cyclists departed from West Walls at 5.30pm to launch the Critical Mass campaign to push for improved cycle lanes on some of the city’s most dangerous roads.
Waving banners, the group rode around the city, occasionally blocking off smaller side roads to give riders safe passage on their way.
Mark Lloyd was part of the ride and who has taken part in other Critical Mass protests in Kendal and Lancaster.
He said: “The idea is to take control of the roads for cyclists to encourage people to get out of their cars and cycle more, and to highlight how poor facilities in Carlisle are for cyclists.
“We want to make people more aware of cyclists and raise the profile of their problems.”
The Critical Mass campaign began in San Francisco, and has helped to encourage a transformation in provision for cyclists around the world.
But despite other organised campaigns being held in Carlisle, yesterday’s ride was the first bike protest of its type the city has seen.
The event had no formal organiser and Mr Lloyd described it as a ‘coincidental coming together’ of like-minded people who had met at the previous events.
It had no formal route, instead allowing the cyclists to choose their own way around the city, highlighting the problems they face.
Mr Lloyd, who lives in Stanwix, Carlisle, added: We didn’t want to cause a lot of disruption – there’s already a lot of disruption at 5.30pm on a Friday.”
First published at 09:02, Saturday, 27 June 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
I have read all these comments listed above and I would like to clarify a few issues that have arisen. 1) The cyclist does pay road tax. 80% of adult cyclists are also motorists and therefore subject to road tax. 2) The cyclist takes up little room and does not emit exhaust fumes which cause much proven ill health.
3) Sometimes cycle lanes are difficult to use. Glass & vehicles parked on them.
4) The motor vehicle is part of the traffic problem in terms of congestion, pollution, noise & accidents. The bicycle is part of the solution to the traffic problem.
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Why not join your local campaign group for Carlisle and get better facilities for cyclists? See http://www.carlislecycle.co.uk/
Posted by cyclenation on 29 July 2009 at 11:46