By Adrian Betteridge
We were in northern France last month and took every opportunity to get around on foot and by bike.
The transformation in how people travel is astonishing.
We knew that, since 2020, Paris had transformed itself with hundreds of miles of new cycle routes. But we hadn’t realised that Dunkirk, Calais, St Omer and Lille have all changed in the same way, creating continuous and dedicated space along every main route.
It was lovely to have this space provided but, with our UK mindset, we were initially very cautious where we might meet traffic.
Cue the next surprise – drivers unfailingly look out for and give priority to people on foot or on bike.
They give space to pass in narrow streets, give way where a path crosses the road and stop on roundabouts to allow you to continue across an exit.
As a result, walking and cycling is by far the easiest way to get around and almost everybody making short journeys is doing it, leaving the roads clearer for those who need to drive.
Since the 2022 update to the UK Highway Code we’ve been required to show the same consideration to vulnerable road users here. It just isn’t happening (yet).
Poor publicity of the new expectations and legacy road markings don’t help, whilst the small number of vocal opponents to any attempt at progress show how far we have to go.
As one small step towards changing this culture, on Saturday, August 13, WATCH is organising Wokingham’s first ‘Kidical Mass’ ride.
We’ll ride with our children on the roads from Elms Field with marshals and guides, making space on the roads for the future generation, one bike ride at a time.
Everybody’s welcome – find out more online at kidicalmassreading.co.uk
Meanwhile, we are delighted that Wokingham Borough Council is proposing a borough-wide walking and cycling network and a new route from Woodley to Reading.
If you like the sound of a future where the car is no longer ‘king’ for local travel, let the Council know by completing the consultation at engage.wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/folders/walking-and-cycling-improvements.
Adrian writes on behalf of WATCH Wokingham, https://www.facebook.com/watchwokingham
