The Great Big Space For Cycling Blog Roundup

At the start of the week, the big story was the Get Britain Cycling debate in Parliament, with a massive Space For Cycling protest ride occurring outside the chamber. VoleOSpeed set out the reasons to attend the protest, as did As Easy As Riding A Bike. There were plenty of excellent reports of the ride itself, among them those from Beyond the Kerb (with lovely moody photography), the Brompton Bumble B, and City Cyclists.

As the latter noted, the Get Britain Cycling Report's recommendations were unanimously endorsed by the MPs who attended the debate - the Space for Cycling blog argued that Britain's MPs get it, and provided links to transcripts and useful reports of the evening's discussion. Spokes gave us their take on the debate from north of the border; the BMJ reminded us that the Government are only offering us crumbs from the table, while Notes from a Transport Planner looked at the politics behind Get Britain Cycling. Labour's Transport Secretary Maria Eagle released an 8-point plan for cycling, to coincide with the debate, and there was some further analysis about what is actually needed from Cycling South Tyne. David Hembrow makes the case for action now, not later, while Cycling Front discovers that the RAC Foundation don't really think the bicycle is a proper mode of transport.

The Two Wheels Good blog argued that despite thousands of Londoners taking to the streets by bike, Boris Johnson still doesn't get it. A tragic death in south London prompted Stephen Govier to ask what Southwark is doing to protect cyclists. This death coincided with the Freight Transport Association's response to new safety regulations, prompting City Cyclists to say that the FTA has declared war on people cycling. Space for Cycling argued they were blaming the victims, while Beyond the Kerb thought cyclists were being told to go truck themselves. The FTA were also condemned by the London Cycling Campaign, while in Scotland, the death toll has already reached 11 cyclists this year, the deadliest year for some time.

New pieces of cycling infrastructure are emerging across the country. Some have met with approval, like the Royal College Street scheme opened this week, but a new junction design in Cambridge has been branded a scandalous misuse of public funds for cycling. Cambridge Cyclist hates to say I told you so (but does anyway). Plans for an expensive roundabout redesign in Oxford are also being criticised, while Diamond Geezer takes a detailed look at the emerging Superhighway 2 Extension. Maybe a wider problem is van dependency.

We already know how things can be done properly, as Bicycle Dutch reminds us, with examples of how bus stops have been negotiated in the Netherlands, for decades. The Atlantic also brings us eight more examples of brilliant bike infrastructure. Manifietso, however, wonders if we have learnt anything in 30 years. Even simple changes in London take time, however; perhaps a strategic and coherent vision is needed. British Cycling have taken a step in the right direction with the appointment of their own infrastructure expert, who explains 'cycle proofing'. He could take a look at 25 (not entirely serious suggestions for 'cycle proofing' London.

Autumn is upon us, prompting the Ranty Highwayman to take a look back at his highlights (and lowlights) of the summer. It's also the time the schools have gone back, provoking some school run-related blogging. Traffik in Tooting argues that you don't have to put with the school run nightmare, while David Hembrow shows us, yet again, what a school run can look like - while launching the Campaign for Childhood Freedom. Outdoor Nation argue that our love of cars is impacting on our children's freedom. Not much prospect of change in Vauxhall, however, where a Transport Assessment suggests no children will be cycling to school in 2021. Maybe it's high time that we reduced the fear factor in London, although some roads are apparently still for motor vehicles.

What is a cyclist's life worth in Australia? Not much police time, anyway, or indeed the need for accurate investigation. In Britain things aren't much better, as Beyond the Kerb takes a look at what the law tells us about road justice this week - also arguing that it's not a ban. And remember - these aren't 'accidents'. Carlton Reid certainly felt as if he was on trial, not the driver who rammed him. Magnatom takes a look at the ABD's manifesto, asking how many drivers they actually represent, and the group Safe Speed are similarly examined by Cycalogical. Elderly members of the public aren't throwing bricks at red light jumpers, as in China, but maybe it's only a matter of time. Finally, Cycling Front wonders why the RAC Foundation are so scared of the humble bicycle.

If you really want to give up cycling, Red Smoke has some useful tips, although before you do you should bear in mind that the third biggest business deal in history was done from a bicycle. You might also consider a cycling charm offensive, pointing out that bike lanes make motor traffic travel faster, although your speed - while cycling or driving - should not trump consideration. 5 Abroad, NewCycling report back from Copenhagen, while the Copenhagenize blog takes a look at the role cargo bikes play in the city's culture. In America, it seems while men are cycling less, women are participating more in cycling, perhaps because of more bike lanes - the Green Lanes project has a handy field guide. New York mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio has been endorsed by StreetsPAC as their chosen candidate, while Portland has a 'Going Dutch' event to see what might be possible in the city.

The Laura Trott 'helmet comments debate' continues, with Two Wheels Good suggesting she wants government policy based around her anecdotes. Cycle South Tyne has the results of a helmet use survey, and Cycle Cambridge identifies another Cyclist Hater Type - The Trollumnist. Dr Ian Walker has apparently used Star Wars to investigate the effectiveness of hi-viz, while - more seriously - the funding for the Nice Way Code continues to be examined, this time by the Dead Dog blog, who discovers cycle funding isn't actually cycle funding.

War on the Motorist, in conjuction with Jon Irwin, provided a useful guide to campaigning for filtered permeability, while Sustaining Places has a toolkit to ensure planning boosts health for all. If you'd forgotten, it's National Cycle to Work Day this Thursday - Ely Cycle Campaign have a helpful reminder.

If cycling to work is too much for you, you could just your bicycle to escape into the trees. And you might have to, if parking plaices continue to be taken.