Cars ‘vital to 47% of UK drivers’
Almost half of British drivers say they could not substitute public
transport for any of their car journeys, an independent survey has found.
The study, by the Centre for Economics and Business Research, found that 47%
of drivers, some 15 million people, said they had no alternative.
A further
three million drivers said they would not give up their car, no matter how
expensive it became to run.
Next year it’s local election time in Darlington, so now is a good time to consider what the main political parties might be inclined to do for cyclists.
Received wisdom – and local experience – would suggest that the Conservatives will be the last party to take the side of the sustainable traveller and support stronger measures in favour of cyclists, pedestrians and bus users. But then their leader is a regular cyclist. And now their Party Vice Chair Sayeeda Warsi has produced an upbeat report on BBC’s Newsnight about a bold Republican initiative in Portland, Oregon to increase sustainable transport use.
Judge for yourself whether this kind of political cross-dressing might catch on here – Tony Richmond on a bicycle? You can see Sayeeda Warsi’s report here.
There are a number of council-led cycle rides coming up; details below. I will be going along to the Salters Circular ride on the 13th.
Salters Circular Off Road Ride
Sunday 13th August
Start: North Road Station 11am
Duration: 3 hours
Mostly following quiet roads this is a ride that covers some of the countryside north of the town – there is a sizeable portion of off road riding. This ride is suitable for mountain bikes.
More info from the council website:
CYCLISTS are being invited to join a ride taking in the quieter roads and green lanes of Darlington this weekend.
The Salters Circular ride, organised by Darlington Council, takes place on Sunday, August 13, and will lead cyclists through some of the countryside north of the town.
Much of the ride will be on loose surfaced paths and the event is most suitable for people with mountain or strong urban bikes.
Anyone interested in taking part should meet at North Road Station at 11am. There will be a refreshments break at Preston-le-Skerne and the ride will end at 2pm.
Women’s Ride to Walworth
Sunday 20th August
Start: Dolphin Centre 10am
Duration: 3 hours
A ride exclusively for women and led by women to Walworth stopping for ice cream at Archer’s Ice cream parlour. The ride will be suitable for women of all ages and abilities.
Nature Reserves Ride
Wednesday 23rd August
Start: Dolphin Centre 1pm
Duration: 2.5 hours
A ride for children accompanied by adults that visits a Local Nature Reserve. The ride will go along quiet roads and traffic free paths and there will be activities arranged by the countryside team on our arrival.