"Those who wish to control their own lives and move beyond existence as mere consumers—those people ride a bike." —Wolfgang Sachs
Let us take you back in time, to the days of Cardiff's industrial past. Barges brought coal, iron and steel up and down the valleys to the port and out into the wide world. But then at the turn of the 20th century the world changed. The barges started to disappear, the canals were paved... Continue Reading →
Some time ago we had a little chat about marketing. We talked about how car manufacturers had become experts at selling people the lifestyle, but conveniently gloss over the realities of motoring. However, we also came to the depressing realisation that nobody is really trying to sell us utility cycling, or the benefits of seeing the cycling as a mode of transport. Even the pro cyclists on our screens were selling us cars. Until now that is...
If and when the world does start to return to something resembling 'normal', chances are it is going to look very different to the one we've just left. No longer will it be acceptable for trains and buses to resemble the mosh pit of a Pantera gig, with people eager to maintain a safe distance from each other. Furthermore, the road network is unlikely to cope with a surge of new drivers on the morning commute. Some of us are going to have to find a new way to get to work.
Wow, I completely missed February. It's funny, time just seems to fly by these days. It could be a side effect of my advancing years, but more likely having so much going on that there's barely any time to take stock. The truth is, things have been rather hectic out in the real world, away... Continue Reading →
As a society we've become very good at overlooking the costs of many things, whilst quibbling over every last penny of others. One thing we are especially good at brushing under the rug is the cost of motoring, not just to our own wallets but to society as a whole. We're going to need a... Continue Reading →
As part of the North Road cycle lane upgrade the builders have had to close off the gate which forms part of the Bute Park Commuter Route. Until the 8th September, access to the park will be by other means. The council has Tweeted the map below. Alternatives... They are suggesting using the entrance to... Continue Reading →
The new Nextbike hire scheme has official launched in Cardiff and most of Cardiff's inner city areas now have at least one station.
If you live or work in Cathays, Roath, Grangetown, Cardiff Bay or any of the other locations coming online as we type this, you can go and rent a bike.
So, how do you get started?
There are two words that are often used interchangeably when it comes to cycling, 'Encouraging' and 'enabling'. Both are positive-sounding words beginning with the same two letters and ending with the same three, but that is where the similarities end.
One thing the snow can give us is a sense of perspective. Just like at Christmas, everything stops. We stay at home; we spend time with our families and we get out and walk places. Our world falls silent.
How many of Cardiff's businesses would be willing to sign up to something like this?
