http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: "Shun the car for short journeys, cycle instead, urges health guidance" en Wed, 13 May 2026 04:45:00 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92683 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 21:01:15 +0000 Uberuce 92683@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>It's not just 'fitness'. Plenty of normally fit people will find that they are using different muscles - not helped by a tendency to have the saddle too low for 'safety' reasons.</em></p> <p>Fitness is a surprisingly specific animal. I found I was unfit on geared bikes after an extended period of riding fixed/single. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92654 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:45:24 +0000 fimm 92654@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's a particularly good article. I especially like this quote:<br /> "<em>There are two interventions that we know increase walking and cycling: living in the Netherlands and living in Denmark.</em>"<br /> Somebody should pass that one on to whichever-politician-it-was... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92652 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:44:34 +0000 twinspark 92652@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Along with the time factor failure of taking the car on these short trips is the fact that people are not doing their cars any good whatsoever:-</p> <p>- The engine doesn't get up to temperature<br /> - Condensation gets into where it shouldn't<br /> - The combustion is not efficient, lots of corrosive material is going down the exhaust manifolds<br /> - The brakes don't get properly warmed up<br /> - The gearbox oil is thick<br /> - The engine management will invariably be running in "enrichment mode".<br /> - Particulate filters will get clogged.<br /> - .....</p> <p>As a car lover I could never subject a vehicle to this - you're basically systematically destroying it! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92638 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:46:14 +0000 chdot 92638@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Which really is more deadly: cycling or sitting down watching TV?"</p> <p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2012/nov/28/deadly-cycling-sitting-watching-tv?CMP=twt_gu" rel="nofollow">http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/bike-blog/2012/nov/28/deadly-cycling-sitting-watching-tv?CMP=twt_gu</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92627 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:03:49 +0000 PS 92627@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"I think there is a case for 'outside roofs' in some places"</em></p> <p>I've always wondered why Edinburgh (or the UK in general) doesn't have more covered arcades along the front of buldings... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92621 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:41:20 +0000 steveo 92621@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>In some ways it's surprising how many uncyclists start (or return to) cycling. </em></p> <p>I know i spent a few weeks on the turbo before my grand return after an abortive return a few years earlier. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92616 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:34:25 +0000 chdot 92616@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>1 + frame. </p> <p>It's a project...</p> <p>Or two projects. </p> <p>Or... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92614 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:29:32 +0000 chdot 92614@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<br /> It's all too easy to take for granted how easy it is to ride a bicycle, once you've aquired a certain level of fitness. A reasonable level of fitness can be achieved in a few weeks, but getting over that hurdle is a blocking point for many to take up cycling.</p> <p>"</p> <p>This is very true. </p> <p>In some ways it's surprising how many uncyclists start (or return to) cycling. </p> <p>It's not just 'fitness'. Plenty of normally fit people will find that they are using different muscles - not helped by a tendency to have the saddle too low for 'safety' reasons. </p> <p>And the hills, weather, dark, motorists, potholes etc. </p> <p>So if you know anyone who has started cycling recently <em>encourage them</em>. </p> <p>And don't say they are wimping out if they take a break over the winter - maybe encourage a bit of weekend riding on some of the sunny windless days we <em>do</em> get, or ask if they are 'ready to start again' sometime next spring. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92610 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:27:57 +0000 amir 92610@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot <blockquote>Just sold one and bought another 1 1/2. </blockquote></p> <p>&amp; which half - front or back </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92609 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:25:33 +0000 kaputnik 92609@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot <em>Just sold one and bought another 1 1/2. </em></p> <p>The Pug plus something else? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92599 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:15:14 +0000 neddie 92599@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's all too easy to take for granted how easy it is to ride a bicycle, once you've acquired a certain level of fitness. A reasonable level of fitness can be achieved in a few weeks, but getting over that hurdle is a blocking point for many to take up cycling.</p> <p>I recently started running. After 6km I was an exhausted, sweaty mess. It took me a couple of days to recover each time. I imagine this is how people feel when they start cycling for the first time! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92587 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:30:36 +0000 fimm 92587@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If my understanding of roughly where my colleague lives is correct, it would take me 20 minutes brisk walking to get there, on the nice route round the back that involves a short section of very muddy path to get you onto a nice path away from traffic. He can probably drive it in 5 (this is Livingston, an industrial estate in the middle of nowhere, not central Edinburgh). </p> <p>The more direct walking route has a section of straight wide road with a 40mph speed limit and no pavement. There's a perfectly good pavement right outside the office, but it does not connect to anything else. Don't ask me what the council or whoever approved that were thinking about. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92586 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:24:37 +0000 Uberuce 92586@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I find non-cyclists easily accept that the bike is quicker than the bus, but quicker than a car takes more persuasion than mere clocks can provide.</p> <p>When the after school club goes full time during holidays, it takes the sproglets on half-day trips once a week and I'll often meet them at the location after my morning work is done. On the way back I usually get there a few minutes before they do on the hired coach, although I do admit I'm not pootling. </p> <p>Any parents who want to collect early get this look of horror on their face when I arrive first, because obviously the only possible way a cyclist could outpace a coach across a 2-3 mile journey is if it's had a terror accident of doom and their precious offspring are right now being convected into Edinburgh's upper atmosphere above the inferno that has just carbonised them and all their friends.</p> <p>The non-cyclists, that is. The cyclist ones are too busy talking bike with me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92569 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:44:04 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 92569@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For a noob I'd suggest an average closer to 10mph, which is still only 12 minutes (though factor in traffic light stopped time and so on as well, and car queue time for a non-liking-filtering-noob).</p> <p>My stock 'car is quicker' story is from a tv show a couple of years back trying to change habits. Woman would drive two kids a mile to school, taking half an hour each way. She was shown it only took 15-20 minutes walking. Went back a month later, she was in the car, when asked why she said, "We were running late, so were in a hurry"</p> <p>Logic. Fail. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92567 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:37:12 +0000 kaputnik 92567@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>2 miles on a bike, at a town and city average of 13.5mph is about 8 minutes 45 seconds. </p> <p>Really, I'm surprised a lot of people who live in town and drive to work have the time to commute by car! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92563 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:26:03 +0000 crowriver 92563@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aye, the only thing worse than a bunch of whingeing cyclists is a mob of moaning motorists! Insufferable! They should all pull themselves together! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92560 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:13:58 +0000 Numptie 92560@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Excuses, excuses and more excuses! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92557 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:05:31 +0000 chdot 92557@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Don't these people realise they are part of the problem?"</p> <p>NO. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92556 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:02:39 +0000 crowriver 92556@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I just love some of the comments on the BBC story. Full of reasons why people couldn't possibly cycle or walk anywhere! </p> <p><em>It would be nice to have the time to do that. Its not so easy when you are out of the door at 7.30, and not back till 6.00 in the evening, and living 2 miles from the nearest shop makes it awkward too. Must be nice to have so much spare time on your hands.</em></p> <p><em>In winter, you'd be cycling or walking in the dark outside working hours. Not safe on most roads. Most walking paths are dirt, and too slippery for use half the year. Pavements are uneven, unsafe in the dark, and dangerous when icy.<br /> We need more dedicated cycle and walking paths that are protected from cars and usable in all weathers. Until then, I'll stick to the car, and swim for exercise.</em></p> <p>EDIT - beaten to it by WC <strong>and</strong> steveo!</p> <p><em>I live in a rural area with unlit roads, many of them with no pavements. If NICE want me to walk or cycle anywhere they'll have to have a word with their friends in the Dept responsible for road safety. </p> <p>I'll keep using my car until such time.</em></p> <p><em>As a lifelong cyclist I now put the bike in the car and drive to an area I consider safe in order to go cycling. Until the government is prepared to enforce the traffic laws I would strongly advise against cycling in urban areas. In my lifetime five of my friends have been killed while cycling. Death does not improve your health.</em></p> <p>So, to sum up:<br /> - 2 miles to the shops is too far.<br /> - Cycling or walking in the countryside is too dangerous.<br /> - Cycling in urban areas is too dangerous.</p> <p>Until the government is prepared to do something about the situation, just give up and take the car!</p> <p>Pathetic. Don't these people realise they are part of the problem? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92554 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:00:17 +0000 chdot 92554@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<strike><br /> I think I have too many bikes</strike>"</p> <p>I know I have too many bikes. </p> <p>Just sold one and bought another 1 1/2. </p> <p>OT </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92552 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:58:07 +0000 chdot 92552@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Little roof on all pavements?"</p> <p>It's the future (perhaps!)</p> <p>Nampypampyness and joking aside -</p> <p>I think there is a case for 'outside roofs' in some places - eg from Waverley to the bus station or around some of the 'bus interchanges' - Lothian Road, Haymarket, Elm Row/ Gayfield Square etc. </p> <p>Much better than individual bus 'shelters' which are never big enough and block the pavement. </p> <p>Might even be able to make them look "iconic" - <em>and</em> attract more people to use public transport. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92551 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:53:18 +0000 steveo 92551@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It is odd the lengths people will go to justify using the car, some people just need to admit to them selves they are lazy. Step one is admitting you have a problem!<br /> <strike><br /> I think I have too many bikes</strike> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010&page=2#post-92549 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:48:23 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 92549@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>From one of the BBC Editor's Picks comments:</p> <p><em>Most walking paths are dirt, and too slippery for use half the year. Pavements are uneven, unsafe in the dark, and dangerous when icy.<br /> We need more dedicated cycle and walking paths that are protected from cars and usable in all weather</em></p> <p>Too slippery for <em>half</em> the year?</p> <p>And how much more protection is needed for a walking path than being a kerbed pavement? And 'usable in all weather'? Little roof on all pavements? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010#post-92546 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:45:33 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 92546@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<em>I recently moved out of the city to Roslin and I'm amazed at how much they rely on their cars. In Roslin the shops are never more than 10 minutes walk away and yet so many people drive.</em>"</p> <p>Sadly replicated in so many places. There's a corner shop roughly 8-9 minutes walk from my front door. On a Sunday morning I often walk round for a paper (and if early enough will go for a wander round the park first); and have seen two of my neighbours using their cars for the same 'chore'. Regularly. By the time they park, turn around, get themselves back into their driveway, they save roughly 2 minutes in total.</p> <p>And yet petrol is too expensive and the cost of motoring an insidious tax... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010#post-92545 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:45:16 +0000 steveo 92545@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Do also mean 'safe' in a general road crossing sense too? </em></p> <p>Relatively speaking, apart from the approach road there are no fast roads in the centre and all of them now have signal controlled crossings which are observed (for the most part). </p> <p>I've never felt in any danger, from traffic, walking any where in Edinburgh. And I've done some epic yomps, purely because I was bored and didn't want to sit around in the house. Maybe I'm just foolish! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010#post-92542 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:42:30 +0000 Lezzles 92542@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I recently moved out of the city to Roslin and I'm amazed at how much they rely on their cars. In Roslin the shops are never more than 10 minutes walk away and yet so many people drive. </p> <p>I recently got chatting to a neighbour and we found out we work in the same science park in the Bush. She was ashamed to admit she drives there each day and yet I walk. Its 30 minutes walk which I find really pleasant - even in the dark winter nights. She couldn't even consider walking or cycling the route and yet she says she used to be a keen cyclist. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010#post-92539 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:39:39 +0000 chdot 92539@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Maybe its just because Edinburgh is so walkable"</p> <p>That usually means because the (relatively) central bits are compact and interesting - unlike many places which are 'just' shopping and fast roads. </p> <p>Do also mean 'safe' in a general road crossing sense too? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010#post-92537 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:35:54 +0000 steveo 92537@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just read the "editors pick" of the comments on the BBC, I think s/he may be a guest editor from the wail. Almost every picked comment was along the lines of walking is hard or dangerous and until this is resolved I'll stick to my car. The ones that weren't too dangerous were complaining about a lack of time but I bet some of these time poor individuals use a gym.</p> <p>When did people decide walking was dangerous en mass. Maybe its just because Edinburgh is so walkable I am insulated and tend to walk even in the more dangerous parts of the country... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010#post-92531 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:25:18 +0000 steveo 92531@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>My joint gave way because of an accident, I am not of humungus dimensions, even though i drove a lorry !!!: )</em></p> <p>:D </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9010#post-92530 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 12:23:30 +0000 splitshift 92530@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@steveo<br /> My joint gave way because of an accident, I am not of humungus dimensions, even though i drove a lorry !!!: )<br /> @min , and others, plug in music to drown out the traffic roar........<br /> walking without due care and attention ? the car drivers are right, walkers are dangerous, they are obviously the best drivers there are, or is that another thread ?<br /> scott </p>