Today I've been reading a number of articles and postings mainly on social media about increasing conflicts between those driving motor vehicles and those walking or riding bikes – "those cyclists hold me up, they are in the way, they slow me down", go the arguments!
All too often it seems in such discussions opinions become very polarised and can degenerate into a verbal aggression that does nothing other than send participants mumbling away into a deep rage of increasing tension.
Traffic affects us all and indeed is the most raised issue in our own Whitchurch Neighbourhood Plan. Everyone wants to get where they want to go NOW - without any delays, hindrances, or inconvenience. That is a natural and understandable expectation after we have enjoyed many years of an unhindered 'freedom of movement'.
But times are changing and that freedom is becoming more difficult to maintain.
Headlines are more important than local action
Massive investment in million-pound headline-grabbing transport schemes, that have little effect on local journeys, are crippling our system and the country's finances. While billions are poured into reducing congestion at particular roundabouts and large junctions little is carried out at local level - to the pavements, walkways, cycleways and safe road crossing points.
Even if that massive multi-million pound grade separated gyratory is fast flowing, what use is it if you are blocked in at your own local front gate and cannot even reach it?
The vulnerable suffer most
Frustrations set in as this garden gate local congestion worsens. Tensions increase, fists get waved and dangers rise. The resultant mix leads to the most vulnerable usually suffering the worst consequences. Those who walk to school and the shops or cycle to local workplace have difficulty crossing roads, or dealing with increasingly aggressive road users. Drivers squeeze past each other or mounting the narrow Whitchurch pavements, while cyclists also take to footways in fear of their lives. None of this is good for the pedestrians trying to go about their daily lives.
Soundbites matter. Or do they?
Working together on integrated plans is essential, but our 'leaders' too often seek quick soundbite wins - ones that too often blame victims for not adapting while they fail to address the direct causes.
Its not just in traffic management/investment we are seeing this, but throughout other strands of society too - health, education, welfare, policing.
Meanwhile our they throw out a hi-viz here or print a leaflet there along with a press statement claiming how much they are 'doing'.
Meanwhile years pass, and we STILL wait for a safe route to Wells-in-the-Field.Come on hampshire County Council – this needs sorting NOW.
Is giving up the right option?
Today someone said they were "giving up cycling" – in some aspects an understandable reaction given the worsening state of our roads but is giving up a good option for a healthy, safe or sustainable future.
Over 80% of 'cyclists' are also drivers and nearly every driver is also a pedestrian. This issue goes deep into both the respect and care we have for each other while trying to live in a culture where government seems to give cares little for either.
Need for an integrated approach
All road users are on 'the same side' whatever mode of travel they choose. Let's remove those conflicts by understanding where the dangers are and addressing them realistically by an integrated approach.I'm hoping our Neighbourhood Plan may help here.
Only then can we create a pleasant safe environment for everyone.
Here endeth today's rant.
