CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Debate!
"The most influential bike graph ever?"
(8 posts)-
Posted 14 years ago #
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Shame it doesn't suggest a reason for the difference, I can think of several thinks which could added.
Interesting to note the difference in dates between the two data sets, the levels of cycling in Sweden have declined sharply since 1996.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Kim, that seems to say that levels of cycling among _schoolchildren_ in Sweden have declined sharply since 1996. The graph above shows overall levels of cycling. So, while there may be some decline, you are not comparing like with like.
I would not have thought that a 6 year gap on data like this was really that much, especially as it is showing cross-country comparisons, and general trends.
Posted 14 years ago # -
SRD, no it is not comparing like with like, but it does given an indication of how thing maybe changing, there is plenty of other evidence of similar changes. One of the major problems is that children as not allowed to play out side, because the parents perceive it as being too dangerous. We need to break out these perceptions of excessive risk. Promoting cycling as being dangerous is one the factors leading to parents perceive it as being too dangerous. The simple truth is cycling is no more dangerous than walking. Of course these days children need to wear helmets when learning to walk, sad isn't.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Your general points about kids playing outside well taken (but I still think you need to treat social stats and analysis with more respect...)
Met up with a group of 3 friends from primary school a couple of years ago - hadn't seen most of them for over 20 years. My recollection is that we all played outside a lot. I was probably least sporty (but also watched less TV). But we all played on our bikes, and skipping ropes and roller skates up and down the street and in the cul-de-sac.
But what struck me, is that I was the only one who had not gained a lot of weight. I think I was also the only one who got more involved with competitive sports in secondary school, and also the only one with a parent who did sports (although at least one of my friends now a very committed triathlete). Obviously, no generalizations can be made from such a small example, and the discussion is about obesity in childhood, but still raises interesting questions. Maybe what my generation gained as teenagers is now being gained earlier.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Ha ha ha thud gaurd!!
Posted 14 years ago # -
I don't know which is sadder, that someone would market this (unless at a specialized market for kids with some sort of balance or mobility problem) or that parents would actually buy/use it.
But, do note that every sensible piece of parenting advice (including official stuff sent out by NHS etc) makes the point that kids need to judge risk for themselves and that letting them do this is part of good parenting.
Posted 14 years ago # -
Are we at risk of descending into Daily Mail-esque shock and horror at the dumb things parents do and/or let their kids do/not do?
Let's remember that most parents just want to do what is best for their kids under a lot of different pressures and barrages of contradictory advice from the media.
Posted 14 years ago #
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