Cities worldwide aim to pedal into new future

Stark choice

Sports body British Cycling has launched a campaign to help people and policymakers make the switch to cycling.

Julie Harrington, its chief executive, said, "Our country is undoubtedly at a crossroads, and we now face a stark choice between the old routine of cars, congestion and pollution or a new future of healthy streets, happy people and cleaner air.

"All of our research shows that people want to cycle more, and we now urge local authorities to seize the moment and make the most of the support offered by government."

The UK capital has been investing in cycling and walking for many years, and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has tripled investment in protected cycle routes over the past four years.

Norman, whose previous role was global partnerships director at Nike, said,"This is something we've wanted to push for and change for a long time.

"The emergency gives us no option but to accelerate this, and the way we will do it is through emergency measures. What we're putting in place may not be the prettiest, such as cones and bollards, but are the things that provide the temporary protection required.

"We will then review and monitor these measures and hopefully upgrade them, so that some work better. What we've seen with our programs is that once things are in place, people get used to them and like them."

Norman, who trained as an anthropologist, said there has been a change in behavior during lockdown that is encouraging.