https://www.camdennewjournal.co.uk/article/heres-to-safe-cycling-in-london
Here’s to safe
cycling for all
“I HAVE been cycling
all my life and in London
for at least 15 years.
During my usual
commute to work last
week I experienced a very
close pass by a van.
This has made me think
why so many people do
not want to ride a bike for
short distances and prefer
a car. Safety!
I always try to
encourage friends that do
not currently cycle to do
so, as it helps to get one
fit and it is a low-impact
activity that causes next to
no pollution. But when
the majority reply their
main reason for not
cycling is because it is
dangerous, I find it hard to
come up with something
positive to say.
I want to praise
Camden and other
London councils for going
ahead with low traffic
neighbourhoods and
segregated cycles lanes
like Haverstock Hill,
which I have used, as they
are the only way to
encourage many more
people to ride a bike.
Cycling should be for
everyone, no matter how
old or young you are; it is
not just for the fit and the
recent weather should
make more people want to
ride a bike in the
sunshine. If we want
cleaner air many people’s
behaviours need to
change.
And while we wait for
safe lanes all around
London, it would help if
everybody was more
considerate.
Often I see people
riding dangerously,
pedestrians not looking
where they are going, cars
speeding… these
behaviours do not help
anyone feel safe.”
EMANUELA ARVATI, NW2