Promoting walking and cycling as an alternative to using cars

Editor—Regarding the content of the paper by Ogilvie et al on promoting walking and cycling as an alternative to cars,¹ I am disappointed to see that the various “interventions” have such negligible effects on behaviour. I have been cycling for over 40 years, in Britain, all over Europe and, for the past 20 years, in Australia.

In Sydney traffic conditions are so dangerous to cyclists that my riding is reduced to a Sunday morning ride with friends and occasional organised rides. I am disillusioned that my children cannot enjoy the affordable freedom and pleasure that cycling gave me in my youth.

If an infrastructure “intervention” increased my frequency of cycling, or made it feasible to commute to work, I would see that as a great improvement.

Most drivers seem wedded to the comfort of their cars and the protection they offer from the elements. Compared with public transport, cars give people the freedom to go where they wish, when they wish. There is also a social cocooning effect.

To give cycling a chance of competing on the comfort and protection front I believe a whole new approach needs to be considered. I'm thinking of covered, off road cycleways. There needs to be a serious trial where cyclists are protected from rain, strong winds, exhaust fumes, and, in places such as Australia, the damaging rays of the sun.

Of course the cost of this level of “intervention” is unthinkable in the present car dominated era. In the near future though, dwindling petrol stocks will force governments to focus on alternatives. Perhaps this is one worth pursuing.