A little later, the cars moved a little faster and the motorist concerned caught up with Tom before grinding to another halt. This prompted further verbal assaults on Tom, but with a different response. His limit had been passed, and he leant into the driver s car, took out the ignition key and tossed it into the adjoining field before cycling gently onward. This episode is a good example of how it s difficult to be a cyclist when the infra-structure is against you, and that cars and cycles don t mix easily. Achieving a sustainable transport system will ultimately depend upon people choosing to behave in sustainable ways, but the wise choice could be made much easier if we as a society got our act together and supported individuals to make that choice.
British roads are smelly, noisy and dangerous, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
There are now encouraging signs that this situation is about to change. Among these is the decision to establish a 6,500 mile National Cycle Network of traffic free cycleways and traffic calmed or minor roads. Designed to provide stress-free cycling and walking, the network will be within 2 miles of 20 million people. Due for completion in 2005, it is intended that 2,000 miles will be open by 2000, and 42.5 million has been pledged to the project from the National Millennium Fund. British cycle manufacturers have also pledged 1 million.