1. athosampaio asked Philip Ingham: "There are other factors to changing your car to a bike than just the environment or chaotic traffic. How to convince people to give up other car-rider's pleasures, such as having a company you can talk..." Show more »"There are other factors to changing your car to a bike than just the environment or chaotic traffic. How to convince people to give up other car-rider's pleasures, such as having a company you can talk to on the way; the comfort of a car seat; the privacy enjoyed inside? Moreover, what about activities such as listening to music while you drive; having a hot coffee; or smoking a cigarette -- those should be much harder on a bike (some of them, quite awkward and not really environmental-friendly. Would those 'pleasures' have to be regulated? " Show less »
2. Philip Ingham answer: "It's the biggest challenge. I know how much healthier/fitter I am for commuting on a bike and not in a car. I also know how much less stressful cycling is than commuting in a car. But getting that message..." Show more»" It's the biggest challenge. I know how much healthier/fitter I am for commuting on a bike and not in a car. I also know how much less stressful cycling is than commuting in a car. But getting that message through to other people is a challenge. I don't expect to see a wholesale migration onto bikes, but with the right backing, planning, communication etc. and with help from employers etc., a steady, gradual increase in the use of cycling is very possible. We're not a country prone to revolutions - what we're looking to do here is encourage a steady evolution in our commuting habits – one which has already begun. "Show less«
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4. 0 comment   |  Topic: Politics   |   Email to friends   |   Nov 28 2007 7:21:47 PM

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1. bonzo1 asked Philip Ingham: "I can see this scheme being popular during our brief summers, but what about during our long winters? Do you see the British Public cycling in any great numbers during the winter? "
2. Philip Ingham answer: "Cycling is hugely popular year round in many northern European countries with climates every bit as bad as ours. That suggests to me that the weather is, generally, not the deciding factor in the success..." Show more»" Cycling is hugely popular year round in many northern European countries with climates every bit as bad as ours. That suggests to me that the weather is, generally, not the deciding factor in the success of city cycling schemes. From personal experience, a properly equipped bicycle, with mudguards, lights etc is practical to use for commuting in all but very wet, icy/snowy or windy weather - in other words, the odd day here and there, all year round. There's nothing quite like cycling on a crisp winter day! "Show less«
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4. 0 comment   |  Topic: Politics   |   Email to friends   |   Nov 28 2007 7:14:24 PM

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1. PikkuMemy asked Philip Ingham: "How can you really make the "pick up the bike" system work in London? At a moment the only people who pick up the bikes in the capital are the thiefs, who have stolen 4 of my bikes so far. Do you think..." Show more »"How can you really make the "pick up the bike" system work in London? At a moment the only people who pick up the bikes in the capital are the thiefs, who have stolen 4 of my bikes so far. Do you think this system could be expensive to introduce in London?" Show less »
2. Philip Ingham answer: "It can work, but only if it's properly planned and has commitment and backing of the relevant authorities. Dumping a lot of bikes on the streets wouldn't work - it's been tried elsewhere - but modern ..." Show more»" It can work, but only if it's properly planned and has commitment and backing of the relevant authorities. Dumping a lot of bikes on the streets wouldn't work - it's been tried elsewhere - but modern pick-up schemes are viable where they are done properly. Compared to many of the alternatives - upgrading public transport, new roads etc - it would be very inexpensive. That, along with the health benefits and the low impact cycling has on the environment (both in terms of pollution and in terms of things like noise and danger to pedestrians) make it very cost effective. "Show less«
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4. 0 comment   |  Topic: Politics   |   Email to friends   |   Nov 28 2007 7:10:08 PM

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1. MTyrrell asked Philip Ingham: "Is the current infrastructure for bicycles in London up to the task of supporting this kind of scheme? "
2. Philip Ingham answer: "Provision for Cycling in London is improving all the time. It's always a challenge to provide safe cycling in the traffic heavy and restrictive environment of a big city, but London seems to be increasingly..." Show more»" Provision for Cycling in London is improving all the time. It's always a challenge to provide safe cycling in the traffic heavy and restrictive environment of a big city, but London seems to be increasingly aware of the importance of the bicycle as a form of transport. With events like the 2007 Tour de France and the 2012 Olympics coming to the city, and the wider movement towards more sustainable and integrated transport systems, London looks to be putting the cyclist's needs a lot further up the priority list. So, if it's not ready yet, it probably soon will be. Plus, can you see London wanting to be out-done by Paris? "Show less«
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4. 0 comment   |  Topic: Politics   |   Email to friends   |   Nov 28 2007 7:06:07 PM

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1. sunnyday asked Philip Ingham: "Have you tried the "pick up a bike" scheme in Paris and do you think it would work in London?"
2. Philip Ingham answer: "No, I've not tried it, but I believe it can work anywhere as long as it is thoroughly thought through and there is commitment to it."
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4. 0 comment   |  Topic: Politics   |   Email to friends   |   Nov 28 2007 7:05:15 PM

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