News from Elsewhere

David Zipper – January 4, 2023
The downside of heavy, overpowered trucks and SUVs
American car executives keep insisting that there is no trade-off between saving the planet and having a hell of a good time behind the wheel. “What I find particularly gratifying,” Ford’s executive chair, Bill Ford, said in April as he unveiled his company’s new electric truck, “is not only is this a green F-150, but it’s a better F-150 … You’re actually gaining things that the internal combustion engine doesn’t have.” Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, sounded equally bullish in a recent social-media post: “Once you’ve experienced an [electric vehicle] and all it has to offer—the torque, handling, performance, capability—you’re in.”

Andy Boenau @Boenau
How to explain car-oriented transportation planning: “Welcome to the restaurant. Let me tell you about our menu. Pizza is all-you-can-eat, and it’s free. Everything else costs $50 each, is a tiny portion, and takes 8 hours to prepare. So, what can I get you?”

The Green Party has criticised the government’s recent announcement that £32.9 million will be set aside to help councils across England build a network of cycling and walking experts, claiming that the new funding “doesn’t come close to delivering the active travel resolution we need”.

David9694 Aug 13, 2020
Running this one up the flagpole to see who salutes… 
I just don’t remember this being a thing until recently, now it seems a daily occurrence.
Could it be that there are drivers not up to the job, too many cars; should houses be made to ride in single file, shops put on high viz, why are we putting newer buildings in danger like this, it’s irresponsible. 
‘A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “Dorset Police was called at 12.48pm on Thursday, August 13, to a report of a collision involving a car and a wall outside Iceland on Poole Road in Bournemouth.
“It is reported that the vehicle was also in collision with a pedestrian, but they did not require medical treatment.”

Successful pilot extends cargo bike use to all global IKEA retailers

If you’ve suffered a near miss, close pass or are the victim of any crime on the road while cycling, here’s what you need to know about reporting it to the police and submitting your footage…

Laura Murphy-OatesLast modified on Thu 5 Jan 2023 10.17 GMT

For most cyclists, bike theft feels like an inevitability. It’s just one of those risks that you are doomed to face any day you take your bike out. Such is the fear I have of my pride and joy being stolen – yes, I am one of those people who consider my bike to be my most important possession – that I rarely, if ever, lock it up outside. At home, it stays inside. At work, I take it into the building. If the bike is outside, I’m either on it or in close proximity to it.

Alfie Packham and Guardian readers