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Original poster

To think we could close some roads for one hour a week?

164 replies

StScholastica · 27/04/2025 13:24

To let people who want to get fit by cycling or families with younger children, cycle in safety. I think it would also build community cohesion.
Obviously there would have to be concessions for emergency vehicles?

Am I mad?

OP posts:
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TizerorFizz · 27/04/2025 16:53

@StScholastica It’s the usual abuse of anyone daring to drive a suv. They are the majority of cars sold. I often find people who don’t drive lose their objections when they want a lift.

Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:53

ErrolTheDragon · 27/04/2025 16:50

Obviously there would need to be access exemptions for residents.

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Of course. I would hope the majority of people would comply with just a polite request to keep off the roads for community cycling hour
For the ones who can't, we would understand that sometimes having to use your car is necessary.
However even if the traffic was reduced by half, it would be a massive improvement in getting people out into the outdoors.

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Comedycook · 27/04/2025 16:51

StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:37

How would it cause more traffic?

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It would cause more traffic on surrounding roads as people take alternative routes

It's not too tricky to understand.

ErrolTheDragon · 27/04/2025 16:50

faerietales · 27/04/2025 16:48

You can't divert if your road is one of the ones where cars are banned though?

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Obviously there would need to be access exemptions for residents.

faerietales · 27/04/2025 16:48

StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:15

Diversions? Or still travel if it's essential.
It could be just a request that people keep the roads free if possible for community cycling.

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You can't divert if your road is one of the ones where cars are banned though?

Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:46

TizerorFizz · 27/04/2025 16:39

I have an electric suv. Why am I denied road space?

Nobody is suggesting you are denied anything Tizer.

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Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:44

TizerorFizz · 27/04/2025 16:40

So everyone sticks to your idea of a timetable? When would this be? Would it suit me?

It would be at a time that is least disruptive for the majority. Maybe early on a Sunday morning?
Those who still need to use their cars obviously could, but maybe drive extra mindfully and be aware that there will be families out cycling.

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Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:41

Whoarethoseguys · 27/04/2025 15:35

I couldn't ride a bike apart from my breathing difficulties I live at the top of a steep hill. If I couldn't use the car I would have to stay in. As would many others.
And an electric bike isn't practical for shopping or if you need to take other people out

Edited
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Would you consider staying in for one hour? To let others try to improve their fitness?

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Chemicalworries · 27/04/2025 16:40

They tried this where I live I think in 2021. Disaster . They put huge fixed planters to block certain roads off but access to emergency vehicles was delayed often when they had to go the long way round and their sat navs weren’t showing the newly blocked off roads

TizerorFizz · 27/04/2025 16:40

So everyone sticks to your idea of a timetable? When would this be? Would it suit me?

TizerorFizz · 27/04/2025 16:39

I have an electric suv. Why am I denied road space?

Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:39

I'm not advocating that there should be a "ban" with fines. Or mandatory road closures.
Just a polite request that people try to refrain from using motor vehicles during community cycling hour.

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ExpressCheckout · 27/04/2025 16:38

Yes yes yes!

One of the very few high points of the initial Covid lockdown was the quiet streets, free of diesel fumes, SUVs and single occupancy vehicles. It was lovely walking around albeit only for one hour a day.

Sadly I think very few councillors would take this on.

Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:37

Comedycook · 27/04/2025 16:34

Yabvu

We already have these poxy ltns everywhere.... causing chaos, more traffic, fines...we don't need bloody more of them.

How would it cause more traffic?

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Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:36

Simonjt · 27/04/2025 14:22

Three miles is within both walking and cycling distance. Today we cycled to a place just over five miles away with our nine and three year old, they played in the park etc then we cycled home.

Not for everyone it isn't Simon. I

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TooBored1 · 27/04/2025 16:34

Dontcallmescarface · 27/04/2025 14:27

I'm sure those living on the diversion routes would welcome your idea...all that extra traffic clogging up their streets.

For an hour??

Comedycook · 27/04/2025 16:34

Yabvu

We already have these poxy ltns everywhere.... causing chaos, more traffic, fines...we don't need bloody more of them.

TooBored1 · 27/04/2025 16:33

Bristol did (perhaps still does) this on a Sunday - great fun for everyone!

Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:31

Simonjt · 27/04/2025 14:22

Three miles is within both walking and cycling distance. Today we cycled to a place just over five miles away with our nine and three year old, they played in the park etc then we cycled home.

Wonderful, unfortunately our country park (3 miles away) is along national speed limit country roads that are blooming lethal. No 👎 ne cycles along them, it's bad enough in a car.

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FuzzyPuffling · 27/04/2025 16:31

TooBored1 · 27/04/2025 16:30

Wasn't the OP talking about an hour?

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Yes, i suggest 5am-6am. That shouldn't inconvenience too many people.

TooBored1 · 27/04/2025 16:30

Whoarethoseguys · 27/04/2025 15:22

What about people who need to get their car out of their drives? And need their cars to enable them to get out of the house. Disabled people ? People with limited mobility? What about deliveries? Community nurses who need to visit?
It isn't always possible to park somewhere else. So in effect it will mean some people won't be able to go out on those days the road is closed or have people visiting them.

Wasn't the OP talking about an hour?

TooBored1 · 27/04/2025 16:29

MargaretThursday · 27/04/2025 13:38

Better to put the money into good cycle paths.

Although tbf we have plenty round here that are really good, well maintained, and the cyclists still use the road.

Do you have first hand experience of cycling on those paths?

Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:20

MikeRafone · 27/04/2025 15:29

for some people with mobility challenges - a car is not a favourable as a bicycle to travel. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jan/02/cambridge-disabled-people-cycling-rolling-walking-stick

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I was suggesting for an hour. Not a whole day.

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Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:17

ambercabs · 27/04/2025 15:47

Ok well I didn’t think the OP was looking at it from that angle at all. She just doesn’t live near a park to take her kids cycling.

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No it's not just because I don't live near a park.
There are potentially many benefits.
Getting more active, improving social cohesion, decreasing loneliness (a bit like park run), reducing car reliance.

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Original poster
StScholastica · 27/04/2025 16:15

faerietales · 27/04/2025 14:14

So what do people do who need to drive during that time? To get to work for example?

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Diversions? Or still travel if it's essential.
It could be just a request that people keep the roads free if possible for community cycling.

OP posts: