A transport expert has recommended that cyclists, as well as motorists, should be subject to any congestion charge introduced in Cambridge – the British city with by far the highest proportion of people riding bikes for everyday journeys.
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Roger Hickford made the revelation today at a meeting of the Greater Cambridge City Deal, of which he is vice-chair.
Local campaigner and citizen journalist Richard Taylor was present, and relayed the councillor’s comments on Twitter.
At present, the identity of the expert, who apparently made the recommendation during the consultation process, is unknown; road.cc has looked through the responses that have so far been made public but we have been unable to find any such reference.
Another county councillor, Noel Kavanagh – who is Cambridgeshire County Council’s cycling champion – described the suggestion as “ludicrous.”
Jon Vale, politics correspondent for the newspaper Cambridge News, was also at the meeting, which he described as both “fascinating and bonkers.”
Mr Taylor also made his views on the issue clear.
The Greater Cambridge City Deal, established under a government initiative to invest in the regions, covers the Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council areas.
Focusing on innovation-led economic growth, issues it is addressing include provision of housing and other services for a part of the UK that is expected to see some of the strongest population growth over the next couple of decades, plus how people will move around to get to work and places of study.
Part of that has included consultation on whether Cambridge should join London and Durham in introducing congestion charge, and if so, which model should be adopted.
As to the issue of which mode of transport is most responsible for congestion, an iconic photograph commissioned by the German city Münster in 1991 (see Bikehub for the background) reveals it isn’t those who travel by bicycle or on the bus.
Just saw this which is sort of relevent...
I remember seeing an aricle about his art and travels by bike, it was really interesting. Didn't even think to seek him out on strava.
....And those injuried by motor vehicles over the same time would be great.
I feel the need to spread The Association of Bad Drivers far and wide....
In Lancashire, even the MOT testing garages(link is external) can't afford MOTs! Saw it again this morning- still no MOT since 9th February
The simple truth is that what's good for you may not be good for me. I've always found Lusso's shorts to be terrific but the most comfortable by...
(for 2023 versions of value)...Exactly! When I first read the review last night I thought "that's good value", then gave myself a good slap.
He adds nothing to the debate....
Murica, f*** yeah! Why isn't this at all surprising? I guess the surprise is they didn't shoot him.
Sounds like the council's drivers / maintenance contractors - and their street designers - aren't fit for purpose......