It’s one of those ironies of the modern world that you can’t get to somewhere renown and built for its cycle paths on a bike.
Ok, Haldon Forest is on the A38 Cycle Way, but we didn’t think it was actually on the A38! It’s hairy, scarey stuff.
Watch the film of a journey from Haldon to Exeter by bike on D+CFilm and see if that journey is possible. Bear in mind, that the first time the filmmaker followed the signposts he had his four-year-old daughter on the back of his bike.
This is the start of a campaign people, so forward, forward, forward this message and the film onto those who think more than lipservice is need to sustainability, the environment and safety. Hey, there’s an election coming up – what say you to the next time David Cameron pops down, he gives the cycle route a go?
Posted by Cptn
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The filmmaker got in touch, and this is what he said:
‘I welcome every additional cycle mile but it is about time to introduce coherent standards. A lot is being done with regards to cyclepaths around Exeter these days, some of it very good, some of it questionable, some of it absolutely atrocious. I suspect cyclepaths are often designed by people who do not cycle themselves.
BUT: If bikes are to be used as a means of transport on a larger scale, with the bike being naturally slower, maximising speed and convenience are even more of a requirement than they would be for cars. That should reflect on the layout of routes, their surfaces, and their numbers.
Unfortunately, even brand new cyclepaths are only sometimes of a satisfying quality, let alone the various routes that are declared cyclepath without being fit for it.
I’ll keep you posted
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yikes!
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i was worried here, I thought this was about jack the Ripper or another psychopath for a minute.
If cyclists want their own routes then they coud pay in the same way motorists do!!
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Since when do cyclists not pax tax?
We pay for everything same as every one else.
With the state of some of the cyclepaths and roads we should be paid/compensated to use them.
Perhaps they should put stiles, barriers. gravel and railings to impede cars on the A38.
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Honour the cyclist taxpayer!
He is not competing for the last drops of oil with you,
he is not polluting the environment like you, he doesn’t stink like you, he doesn’t congest the roads like you, he doesn’t make as much noise as you, he is not costing the NHS like you (unless he happens to be run over by you) and most likely he will be a taxpayer, just like YOU.
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@3: you’re talking shit, taxpayer! Just consider the environmental impact of a car in its lifetime from production to scrapyard. And the economic damage done by having to clean it all up sooner or later. Isn’t council tax meant to be for expenses like cyclepaths?
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Heiks. It’s the English disease, to be a reflexive puritan. Taxpayer reminds me of H L Mencken’s famous words, “Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.”
If we followed taxpayer’s ‘logic’, then cyclists should perhaps 1) buy petrol even if they don’t own a car, to help contribute more to the Exchequer. 2) simply spend a percentage of their income after tax, directly to The Chancellor, to make up for the dreadful drain the provision of decent cycle paths causes one of the wealthiest nations in the world. 3) Buy a car that they won’t use and fill it with petrol. Siphon out this petrol and throw it away. Leave the car on the driveway and repeat this procedure each week.
I am ashamed of the impossibly mean-spirited views of fellow British people like taxpayer, but, like I say, it’s become something of a disease.
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I am terribly sorry to have upset the delicate sensibilities of the cycling community of Devon. However, it does strike me as a little odd that you can never find anywhere to park a car in the towns!!
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Taxpayer, I am sorry to say but you seem to have no capacities of reflection whatsoever! Why are there no parking spaces? Because they are blocked up with cars! Cars are the problem! Not lack of space!
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Heiks,
Sadly I live in the real world where cars exist, if you believe that people will give using cars because pompous idealists think they should you are inhabiting a different world. All indicators are that car usage will increase.
Get real, open your eyes.
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Part of getting real would be to recognize the growing importance of alternative transport. Even you know that the planets resources are limited. Also you have quite rigtly recognized space is limited, so what’s the consequence considering this is not the US but an island.
You are stating the obvious and you are proud of it, that’s not realism, it’s just lazy and mind you, pompous.
Shouldn’t a real fella like you not be particularly pleased about every bike on the road? Being a car driver myself I am, because I know they won’t take my parking space.
Where’s your head man, be honest, think, or are you just playing devils advocat here?
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[...] The only people not into public transport are those who’ve missed the bus, or prefer to cycle. if you want more on the campaign visit the site. [...]
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[...] Move over Erica Jong, people are now scared of cycling. Not surprising really give the state of some of the cycle paths (watch where following some of the painted signs will lead you). [...]
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