Does Britain need a better cycling infrastructure?

With Great Britain winning so many medals in the cycling events, the big topic of the moment is will this spur the government to invest into a better cycling infrastructure. Wouldn’t that be a fantastic legacy to leave behind after London 2012? Currently on Britain’s roads bikes and cyclists are seen as guests, they are seen by the majority of drivers as a bit of a nuisance, getting in the way and slowing down the flow of traffic. Isn’t it time that Britain’s roads became ‘home’ for cyclists.

Cyclists should feel at home on Britain's roads

Many cycling accidents could be avoided and the motorist and cyclist would finally be at peace with one another.…we hope.  A better cycling infrastructure would also encourage more people to take up cycling, especially as a form of transport, due to the increased safety it would provide. Drivers would also receive benefits from this, no more worrying about the cyclist in front of you that is quickly approaching. The list of benefits for this could go on and on…but I won’t!

It is understandable why many people don’t like to cycle on main roads and busy traffic routes, roads can be scary and daunting for everyone from the novice cyclist to those with handfuls of experience and with Lorries and buses whizzing past, who wouldn’t be slightly afraid.  If a better cycling infrastructure was implemented into the UKs busiest cities, the roads would be a happier and safer place for everyone and more people would be likely to start cycling.

Copenhagen cycle lane

Many cyclists are hoping to have something similar to the cycle infrastructure of Copenhagen, with its cycle paths, super bikeways, cycle parking and integration. Their network of cycle paths is made up of around 350km of path, some with their own signal systems. The super bikeways are currently being developed, to create a network with surround municipalities. Britain can take ideas from Copenhagen’s cycling culture and adapt it to suit our own. Our current cycle lanes are not adequate,  sufficient  or safe enough and need to be improved if we want to get more people on their bikes.

Here are Shedforce we love cycling, so we are all for anything that would make cycling more comfortable for everyone. Let’s hope that London 2012 will trigger the big investment that cycling on Britain’s road’s needs.