Cycling for all

Why the future of Jersey’s roads should be given to the cyclists

A shorter version of this article appeared as ‘Cycling is a win win win for all’ in the Jersey Evening Post on 27 July 2017.

Cycling has been in the local news quite a lot recently. Maybe it’s the warmer weather, maybe it had something to do with the recent Jersey in Transition cycling survey ‘Cycling into St Helier.’ It’s one of these topics that clearly demonstrates the two worldviews that are both prevalent today. On the one hand we have motorists and others complaining that cyclists hold them up and slow down the traffic, as they can be difficult to overtake. On the other hand we have cyclists saying that the roads are dangerous and that cars cut far too close to them, leaving them feeling attacked and intimidated.

There are other aspects to the debate. People complain when they see cyclists on a pavement or a pedestrian crossing, or slinking around a left turn while the traffic lights are still red. I have personally been yelled at for meandering slowly along a pedestrianised road among the walkers, and told to dismount by a police officer on the mixed cycle and pedestrian path across the top of St Helier Marina near Liberty Wharf, because they felt there were too many pedestrians for anyone to cycle there that day.

Many of us feel that the time has come where we have to do something about the permanent traffic jam that much of Jersey is becoming. Most everyday cyclists — and most parents whose children are potential regular cyclists — do not like the way that cyclists are expected to mix in with motorised traffic. It appears that once these same people have parked their car and gone on foot, they do not like the idea of cyclists mixing with pedestrians either.

Yet, cycling is one of the most healthy, least polluting, and efficient ways that a person can get themselves around the Island.

Given its small size, Jersey is ideally suited to cycling for most healthy people once we are old enough for some road sense, and before the plights of old age (and inactivity) start to erode our mobility. States of Jersey funded research has just found the tunnel to have such poor air quality that people are being recommended to wind their windows up and close the air vents if in a car, or get through as quickly as possible or use an alternative route if on foot or cycling. Clearly we have to do something to get people out of their cars.

‘If you build it, they will come.’ Research is showing that where there are good cycle facilities, people do take to their bikes and use them. Short of covering Jersey’s countryside in more tarmac to make extra cycle paths, or purchasing premises and gardens to widen roads, the only ways to give cyclists more space — space that is and that feels safe — is to take some existing convenience away from motorists. One idea is that minor lanes in the countryside that do not see much traffic can be closed altogether to motorised traffic and turned into cycle lanes. If these are joined up and serve useful routes, then cyclists will use them, and motorised traffic will reduce accordingly.

Those who cycle and get other regular exercise get immediate and measurable health benefits. This reduces medical costs and improves mental health and alertness too. The fewer people that sit in chugging along in their cars, the less pollution they and the rest of us have to breathe. The fewer cars on the road the nearer Jersey gets to meeting its climate change obligations. Cycling is much cheaper than owning, maintaining, and fueling a car. Cycling to work, school, shopping and leisure is win, win, win, all round. Those who cycle should be given every respect and encouragement in my opinion.