"Cycling is the most democratic form of transport."

[Simonb]

This is what a chap said to me on the train the other day as
we discussed the Southwest Trains' decision to introduce new
sprinter trains on our line -- with space for only 2 bikes
as opposed to about 6 or 7!

I took him to mean that cycling is democratic in that it
does the least amount of harm, while at the same time being
obtainable by the largest number of people. Thoughts?

[Dwb]

"Simonb" <sbennett@YOUAREALLHEATHENSwiderworld.co.uk> wrote in message
news:406e9b34$0$63624$5a6aecb4@news.aaisp.net.uk...

>
> I took him to mean that cycling is democratic in that it
> does the least amount of harm, while at the same time
> being obtainable by the largest number of people.
> Thoughts?

Surely that would be walking?

You can walk for free - the only cost the one to create you
in the first place.

[Simonb]

> Surely that would be walking?

Yebbut... Walking's slooww.

[Dwb]

"Simonb" <sbennett@YOUAREALLHEATHENSwiderworld.co.uk> wrote in message
news:406ec846$0$63627$5a6aecb4@news.aaisp.net.uk...
> > Surely that would be walking?
>
> Yebbut... Walking's slooww.

But still more democratic then cycling.

[Richard Corfiel]

On 2004-04-03, dwb <parc_erom@crossdata.co.uk> wrote:
>
> "Simonb" <sbennett@YOUAREALLHEATHENSwiderworld.co.uk>
> wrote in message
> news:406ec846$0$63627$5a6aecb4@news.aaisp.net.uk...
>> > Surely that would be walking?
>>
>> Yebbut... Walking's slooww.
>
> But still more democratic then cycling.

Non are viable if you can't walk or cycle. I got quite
jealous watching cyclists when I was unable to cycle
or a while.

It would be good if more people cycled, but those who can't
need to be catered for too.

- Richard

--
_/_/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/_/ Richard dot Corfield at ntlworld dot
com _/ _/ _/ _/ _/_/ _/ _/ Time is a one way street, _/
_/ _/_/ _/_/_/ Except in the Twilight Zone.

[Vincent Wilcox]

Richard Corfield wrote:
> On 2004-04-03, dwb <parc_erom@crossdata.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>"Simonb" <sbennett@YOUAREALLHEATHENSwiderworld.co.uk>
>>wrote in message
>>news:406ec846$0$63627$5a6aecb4@news.aaisp.net.uk...
>>
>>>>Surely that would be walking?
>>>
>>>Yebbut... Walking's slooww.
>>
>>But still more democratic then cycling.
>
>
> Non are viable if you can't walk or cycle. I got quite
> jealous watching cyclists when I was unable to cycle or
> a while.
>
> It would be good if more people cycled, but those who
> can't need to be catered for too.
>

They are, they have 2 tonne 4WD V8 Thunder Patrol Meister
sofas, the great blousing jessies. ;)

[McBain_v1]

Originally posted by Simonb
This is what a chap said to me on the train the other day as
we discussed the Southwest Trains' decision to introduce new
sprinter trains on our line -- with space for only 2 bikes
as opposed to about 6 or 7!

I took him to mean that cycling is democratic in that it
does the least amount of harm, while at the same time being
obtainable by the largest number of people. Thoughts?


Hmm... I wouldn't say that cycling is the most egalitarian form of transport. Whilst we'd all like to think that we all have the same rights when we are on our bikes, I don't think that this is true.

For example, cycle couriers are routinely labelled as pavement terrorists who only ride because it gives them an excuse to dress like an extra from "Pirates of the Caribbean" and go tear-arsing around the streets, gleefully disregarding all rules of the road. Whereas peaceful roadies are often regarded as helmetless speed merchants who occupy valuable tarmac and hinder motorists progress.

Besides, if a train guard who knew he only had 2 spaces for bikes on "his" train was presented with three cyclists, two of whom are attractive lasses in lycra and the other is a sweaty beardie type, I don't think he'd make a democratic decision about who to let on first... ;)

[Richard Bates]

On Wed, 07 Apr 2004 08:44:34 GMT, in
<SbPcc.66733$bC2.66460@fe14.usenetserver.com>, McBain_v1
<usenet-forum@cyclingforums.com> wrote:

>Besides, if a train guard who knew he only had 2 spaces for
>bikes on "his" train was presented with three cyclists, two
>of whom are attractive lasses in lycra and the other is a
>sweaty beardie type, I don't think he'd make a democratic
>decision about who to let on first... ;)

Sweaty-Beardie bloke goes in the designated cycle area.
Attractive lycra-lasses get made welcome in the guard's
"office". That leaves room for one more cycle...

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