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POPPING TO THE SHOPS ON A BICYCLE IS STILL SEEN AS ECCENTRIC IN THE UK
STRANGELY ENOUGH, I was going to write a similar comment [see editorial leader, page three, BikeBiz September 2013]. Having just returned from a road trip to Bruges, Paris and Honfleur it was very interesting to cycle in all three locations and see how attitudes changed. Bruges, as you mention, was fantastic, with bikes everywhere. People riding to work, for leisure and to do their shopping, with no impatience from drivers. Paris, although much busier, didn’t feel as rushed and drivers seemed relaxed, even up the Champs Elysees. Whilst Honfleur on the north coast is a little fishing village which, although busy with cars, again drivers had a different attitude. How do we bring this change in attitude to the UK is the question, and is it actually possible? Mark Loveridge
fast, some are more ponderous, all are fun and the freedom it gives to move about locally is quite liberating and potentially financially rewarding. So from the small funky Donky bike, to the fast Kona Ute,
“It’s not just that the
WHEN YOU do shop by bike it seems the most natural thing to be doing. It depends a little on your surroundings, but there should be nothing holding you back from doing the shopping by bike. Big bags of chicken feed and dog food to the weekly shop are all possible with the right equipment. And this is the crux of the matter, it’s not just that as you stated “it seems like the nation swallowed the car manufacturers’ myth that you need to get in a car to make ‘utility’ trips” but also that the cycle industry has pushed sports bikes to such an extent that some of the bikes we ride have trouble fitting a rear rack, let alone a Sunday dinner and a couple of bottles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. There are many machines now (well, a few, but enough for it not to be an excuse) that can carry more stuff, some are
nation ‘swallowed the myth that utility trips must be done by car’ but also that the cycle industry has pushed sports bikes to such a large extent.” Rob Bushill
from the chunky bakfiets box bike to the uber smart Harry vs Larry BULLITT and even the Gazelle Cabby where you can shop with a baby in a Maxi Cosi, there are bicycle options that make shopping by bike very simple and a positive pleasure. There are even racks and devices to help adapt your current bike to carry stuff
easier...And if you feel a little eccentric whilst cycling to the shops, that’s not really a bad thing is it? PS. I have a vested interest because I sell bikes that do more...I love low-maintenance comfy bikes that can carry stuff, kids, food, allotment
supplies...the bicycle is a wonderful invention, it needs to be reinstated to its rightful place as a relevant tool for local transport. Shopping is a big part of that. It can rejuvenate your local surroundings and shops. Being able to shop by bike, even if it’s just once in a while, is a wonderful option to have. Rob Bushill
THESE DIFFERENCES have been talked about for many, many years with very little change. Like the whole EU debate, we are different nations with different mentalities and cultures, constantly talking about the European model won’t and never has made any real impact. Accepting that we are closer to the US model and mentality, but without the space (like it or not) is important, then you can start to think about areas of adaptation, instead of continually whining about why can’t we change a whole nation and our cultural approach to be more European. The next thing you know someone will be having a conference about going Dutch! Billy Hunt
DO YOU TAKE YOUR BIKE TO GO SHOPPING?
“I take my bike in my Sainsbury’s. Nobody bats an eyelid and there’s nowhere outside to lock it up so I lean it against the BBQ fuel.” @alsbikes
‘HELMETS AREN’T ENOUGH, URBAN CYCLISTS SHOULD DON
ARMOUR, SAYS STUDY’ “I just had a great idea – how about compulsory airbags on the outside (body panels and bumpers) of all motor vehicles?” @StevoLaughton
“I used to know a messenger in Boston named Lugnut who wore football pads.” @JohnAMcCloskey
More at:
http://tinyurl.com/o29yy6d
This govt’s commitment to leccy cars whilst having almost total apathy to bicycles really really angers me. @gazza_d
More at:
http://tinyurl.com/nu4unes
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