Its the usual fare: a media luvvie who has canoed down the Amazon, climbed to the base camp on Everest and competed in some of the toughest yacht races in the world amongst other things, and has personally created more CO2 than your average power station now wants to interfere in the lives of mundane folk who just don't realise how pointless their existences are, poor souls, and tells lots of lies about the motor car in pursuit of her aims.
You can a attack the messenger but not the message. Much of the success of her scheme must be put due to the work of the American-sounding lady -- charismatic, energetic, enthusiastic. . .
I wasn't at all surprised at the reaction of the Chamber of Trade representative who walked out on the very first meeting. That melodramatic response was almost exactly the same as our own trader's rep who attended a meeting in our town for a similar scheme. Traders countrywide have this blinkered attitude to anything that might prevent a car from pulling up alongside their cash registers.
The programme was better than i thought it would be.
I was amazed by the chamber of commerce bloke. I mean, if he's not speaking for commerce, who is? I found that absolutely amazing, he's paid by the people he represents, he's claimed his expenses, but sodded of back to the golf course. And the councilors who clearly didn't even know the town they represent?! jeez, is there corruption at every single level of public life in britain now? Well I guess the prog answered that one.
The thing is though, just over that little piece of water called the Channel are a couple of countries where everything that apparently can't happen does happen. What's more, despite the fact that entire nations over there go about by bike, on my last visit i didn't see a single piece of hi-vis nor one single helmet, proving that you don't have to look a dork to go by bike.
I would love to know more about how the Belgians and Dutch keep themselves so obviously healthier, and i'd like to know more about how they don't have wall to wall 24/7 mass shopping over there - in Germany the shops are only open one full saturday a month and not at all on Sundays. The CO2 that Sunday trading must produce must make britain the dirtiest country in europe, and thats before we've started on litter.
Good prog, but yeah, as ever you just can't get around editing, and so you'll never see the true picture. I've absolutely no doubt that whatever the woman achieved, its all gone by now and its all back as it was.
I was completly inspired by the programme. Being a little bit concious of ecco ness and all that... I am very fortunate to live just around the corner from the school, so I always walk, it would be silly not to. I do get extremely frustrated by the amoubt of parents who drive needlessly, putting my childrens lives in danger every day. i suggested this afternoon to a group of mums that I would walk, in the opposite direction to a suitable pick up point for other mums, dads and kids top meet and walk to school together. The meeting place would be a car park. Being a catholic school, children travel in some cases more than a couple of miles, so I can completely understand them not walking all the way. (although cycling could be done) Anyway, some mums said that they would be reluctant to do it in the mornings due to time pressure. (Never mind me having to go out 30 mins before my usual exit time) Some would think about it, but wouldn't do it in the rain. One woman got really aggressive towards me, shouting that she wasn't going to let her little girl get wet on her way to school;. Oh and she wouldn't be walking home either as too many children are on the footpaths!!! Anyway I've set a date for the commencement of the walking bus and am just going to do it. I'm hoping that people will join me from the start date, but if not, they may see other people getting involved and the kids enjoying themselves and change their minds. Walking to and from school gives ma some time to talk to the kids without tv, radio etc. I find the time invaluable and i couldn't do without in now. Give me praise please, coz it doesn't look like I'll get any from the people at my school. lol
Sarah. I'd give you an enormous hug if I could! Well done for your enthusiasm, and I really do wish you the best of luck. Unfortunately you need to be thick skinned for this stuff. I know because I've done it. And for every half-a-dozen positive reactions it only takes one negative moron to cancel them all out. Please don't get disheartened though. My god, the country **needs** people like you!
Heebeegeetee. Totally agree re the Netherlands and adjacent countries -- they were also first with the Home Zones concept. The small French towns also impress me, with their bias towards pedestrians. Yes, it's a pity that Marlow has probably reverted to the status Quo. This scheme desperately needs to be backed with help and guidance from both central and local government if it's to catch on, but it's politically dangerous. There's the rub!
I watched a programme about Poland a couple of weeks ago -- fabulous. They have the right idea for town centres and built up areas; Pedestrians have right of way and share the space with motorists, and cars *have* to travel at walking speed. Everyone gets along just fine, and it's very safe for both parties.
I must say it's refreshing to hear your positive reactions to the programme!! I'm looking forward to the follow up prog.
I didn't see the prog. but on one of the trails I thought I recognised the woman as the one who did 'Honey we're killing the kids'. Was that the same lady?
Originally posted by Roy P: True, machel. Mind you, she didn't have that great American lady to help her this time.
"I don't need some toffy-nosed twit to come and tell me what I can do!"
how can she stop traffic through a town?, that road (A52) connects the north of Lincs with the south and beyond. did she think everyone would stop working? and while i applaud the doctor who cycled to work did you see where he travelled from?
