Sport section.qxp_Layout 1 17/02/2022 16:34 Page 86
MENDIP TIMES
The Big Issue with bikes
WHEN I was in Bristol the other day my eye caught some very smart-looking new bikes parked on the pavement. Upon closer inspection, it CYCLING turned out that they with EDMUND LODITE were part of the latest bike-hire scheme to be launched in the city. The Big Issue in partnership with Sharebike (a Norwegian micromobility company) have launched the scheme there before rolling it out across the rest of the country. The eco-friendly scheme has altruistic ambitions in that it will recruit and train unemployed and vulnerable people in local communities and provide them with support and services to improve their lives. The stylish red and white bikes can be hired via a smartphone – nothing radical there – but what makes this scheme different is that they are electric powered. The bikes can be hired via the Big Issue e-Bike App where registered cyclists will be able to find the location of the nearest bike. Scanning the QR code on the bike releases the internal lock, engages the motor and you’re away! At the end of the journey, you park the bike sensibly and lock it via the app – no docking stations are needed. There have been previous bike hire schemes in Bristol that didn’t end well. Yobike pulled the plug on their scheme after being beset by problems including theft and vandalism. Dumped and broken canary yellow bikes became an
increasingly sad sight across Bristol. When the operators introduced no-go areas, it simply highlighted the difference between the “have” and “have-nots” in our society, creating even more division. Whereas the Yobike was clunky, heavy and pedal powered the Big Issue e-bikes look well-built and can provide powered assistance to shorten journey times. But for the scheme to be successful it needs two things. Firstly, that the bikes are regularly maintained by Big Issue staff – and I feel confident of that. Secondly, where I am not so sure, is that they are well treated by the public. Compared to the rest of mainland Europe the UK seems to have a lot less respect for shared resources. But there are signs of change. A good example are the e-scooter trials which are taking place in Bath and Bristol (and many other cities nationally). These seem to be proving extremely popular judging by the numbers of people riding them, but I’m intrigued by the motivation for using them. On one hand if it means fewer car journeys and less congestion in our cities then that must be good for the environment. But then, on the other hand, why not ride a bike and get the health benefit as well? Maybe the answer is in the perceived ease of use and the hop on/off
accessibility that scooters provide around urban spaces. Whereas bikes and scooters face the same challenges around safety on our roads, there are subtle differences in how they are treated legally. Both are limited to a maximum of 15.5mph and there are no general restrictions on who can ride an e-bike along public roads. However, for a hired e-scooter you need to be at least 18 years old and hold a provisional or full driving licence to do the same thing. Also privately owned e-scooters are not currently allowed on public roads. While any increase in eco-friendly travel alternatives is welcome, it needs to be matched by investment from government in greener transport infrastructure. A step forward is the appointment of former Olympic champion Chris Boardman as the first head of Active Travel England. The new organisation will hand out funding for cycling and walking schemes and oversee designs of major planning applications. It will also inspect what is built and publish annual reports ranking councils on their performance, intended to mimic the role of Ofsted with schools. Change will come, giving people more eco-friendly choices on how they travel, including bikes and scooters. Now, if it’s stopped raining, I’m heading out for a bike ride!
MARCH CROSSWORD SOLUTION
ACROSS: 1. Riyals 5. Clause 10. Relic 11. Moonshine 12. Wedmore 13. Sweater 14. Leitmotiv 17. Pager 18. Plain 19. Airworthy 21. Ingress 23. Michael 25. Directory 26. Igloo 27. Slalom 28. Elects. DOWN: 2. Idled 3. Anchorman 4. Somme 5. Crossover 6. Aisle 7. Skintight 8. Trowel 9. Wearer 15. Inaugural 16. Transform 17. Proscribe 18. Priddy 20. Yellow 22. Excel 23. Maybe 24. Aglet PAGE 86 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2022
