We're not all the same...

As I receive feedback from candidates, some are making assumptions as to what cyclists need. From my perspective, I see four different groups of cyclists that need to be catered for:

The commuter cyclist, who generally travels quickly in rush hour along major arterials to and from major centres or ferry terminals, needing:
- Cycle lanes along arterial roads
- Removal of potholes and remediation of dangerous drainage sumps
- Regular street sweeping to remove the broken glass from litter bugs and over-full recycling bins
- Hand rails and improved intersection design

School kids who need to get to and from school as safely as possible, who need:
- Off-road or wide "Share with care" footpaths
- Traffic calming measures and reduced vehicle speeds near schools

Recreational cyclists and families who travel at slower speeds to and around our magnificent parks, lakes and beaches who need:
- Continuous linked paths through parks and beaches incorporating quiet back streets
- "Share with care" facilities
- Reduced vehicle speeds

Latent cyclists - the biggest group of all. These are the folk who want to cycle or want their kids to cycle (they may even have a bike in the garage), but do not do so because it's perceived as too dangerous. Surely an indictment on our past and present transportation policies. Their requirements cover all the above categories.

The one requirement I haven't yet mentioned because it covers all categories is driver education and enforcement. Sadly many motorists show a callous disregard for cyclist safety, which has to be countered through better driver training, publicity campaigns, effective legislation and enforcement.

And finally, we'd all like clean air to breathe, thanks. More on that in another post.