Madam, – Besides living longer, being healthier and happier, looking better, having more disposable income, saving time and avoiding contributing towards climate change, what exactly does being on a bicycle offer society or the economy? It is possible that Conor Pope was just scratching the surface of the advantages of the bicycle when he listed his “Ten reasons to love cycling” (Pricewatch, June 13th).
Increasing the bicycle’s share of trips from its current 2 per cent to 10 per cent, in line with the targets of the National Cycle Policy Framework, will help make our cities more liveable for all. This brings with it cleaner air, less noise pollution and less congestion for those who have “no alternative but to drive”. A higher share for cycling as a means of transport leads to safer streets for all, thus creating further savings in the public health sector. Linking cycling with public transport for longer journeys, as is the norm in the Netherlands and elsewhere, benefits both public transport operators and local authorities. The benefit/cost ratios of investing in cycling far exceed those of other transport investments.
Evidence for all this has been mounting as the World Health Organisation and the transport research community is rediscovering the benefits that the bicycle brings. The solution to many of our urban ills seems to have been too obvious to notice for too long.
Proper planning for cyclists must be at the centre – not at the fringes – of the new government’s transport policies and indeed its public health policies. Initial announcements have been quite positive but for the duration of the Fine Gael/Labour Government, it means taking the subject as seriously as the need to invest in public transport or a new health care strategy. Like any societal change, it requires real political leadership to see it through. I look forward to seeing this happen. – Yours, etc,