Alt Bike Culture - "Revolution, UK embraces the Bicycle.

Below is a link to a story in the UK's 'Independent," regarding UK's new found respect for the bicycle.THis story reports that bike trips about London have increased 50%. Within London each day, now cyclists complete 450,000 bike journeys.
Still, the report says, 328 UK bike riders were killed last year by motorists and the government that promised to support cycling only spends 1 pound per capita to advocate cycling. The London transport agency is planning a publicity campaign to soothe nerves between cyclists and motorists.
The report said the UK still has one of the lower percentage of population cycling compared to the rest of Europe. Countries with fewer residents cycling are Spain and Greece.
None the less cycling commute have doubled to 28% utilizing the existing cycling network.
The crucial argument for needed transport reform, I think. In 1906 the average speed of motorists was 12 miles per hour. In 2006 the average speed cars travel in London is 10 miles per hour. Also, since the tube bombings subway ridership is down.
the link.
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/transport/article656400.ece

Another story about excessive bike use in London
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4488146.stm

These cyclists are MPs and others who work in the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament)

Its easy to understand why cycling is increasing here in the uk. If just 2 senior politicos take to bikes, that means 5 or 6 boyguards pedalling behind them. Then there are their secretaries, pr consultants, hairdressers and make-up artists, script editors,girlfriends, boyfriends, and assorted paparazzi. And about 15 Lobbyists to make up the Minyan! Maybe petrol costing £1.00 / litre could also be contributing a little to the trend.

Its easy to understand why cycling is increasing here in the uk. If just 2 senior politicos take to bikes, that means 5 or 6 boDyguards pedalling behind them. Then there are their secretaries, pr consultants, hairdressers and make-up artists, script editors,girlfriends, boyfriends, and assorted paparazzi. And about 15 Lobbyists to make up the Minyan! Maybe petrol costing £1.00 / litre could also be contributing a little to the trend.

But unfortunately pollution is not down. The politicos' methane fumes--normally held in check by the limo roof, are free to contaminate the air when they ride a bike.