Cycling is one of the keys to a brighter future for us all

At the start of this century, Memphis USA was near the top of every negative chart index – obesity, violent crime, poverty and poor education. It was also voted as one of the country’s worst cities for cycling. Then, in 2010, the 6.7-mile Greenline was opened.

Local government considered it a frivolous use of public money, but Mayor AC Wharton pushed forward and instead of being the disaster that many touted, it became a huge success, regenerating the city, improving health, uniting communities and opening new businesses. Local government in Memphis now actively invests in cycling infrastructure and have found that it is the foundation to new developments such as housing, shopping and jobs.

For many people, the idea of a bike lane is a token gesture line of paint alongside a road that aims to separate cyclists from motorised vehicles. Certainly, I would doubt the regeneration of a city is at the forefront of planners’ minds when they send council workers out, armed with their pot of paint.

Generally, they are poorly planned and maintained, and there is no forethought as to what their purpose is trying to achieve, other than assuage drivers who want cyclists out of their way and cyclists who feel threatened by busy roads.

On both counts they unanimously fail. However, despite this, contrary to what it may seem, I am a fan of bike lanes. As has been demonstrated in Memphis and many other cities around the world, they are part of making cycling a feasible choice for transportation, travel and leisure and, if you have read this column before, you will know I am a devout believer that cycling can change lives.

The Courier recently reported that Karen Reid, the chief executive of Perth and Kinross Council, is backing a bid to win £500,000 from Sustrans to transform key routes in and out of Perth.

Dundee and Angus are also bidding, alongside six other authorities. Karen is a regular cyclist and recognises the common positives for promoting active travel – sustainability, health and so on, but also highlights that travel on a bike gives a “completely different perspective to driving a car”.

For me, that viewpoint is a fundamental area we need to address. We must focus on promoting the fact that a well-thought-out cycling infrastructure will benefit communities and business and counter current “what use is that to me” and the erroneous “cyclists should pay road tax” attitudes.

Such notions are ill-informed, but are pervasive perceptions that building a cycling-friendly network in urban areas is pandering to a minority.

There needs to be a fundamental shift in perceptions of what cycling and its associated infrastructure in a city and suburbs can achieve. Whether the funding from Sustrans is awarded to Dundee, Angus, or Perth and Kinross, or another of the local authorities is a moot point. With or without funding local authorities should be planning for and actively funding cycling projects that regenerate their communities, promote commerce and support the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

No longer can a few lines of paint on the road be considered a way forward. Our communities deserve better and cycling is one of the keys to a brighter future. Have your say: Details of Perth and Kinross Council’s plans can be found at their “Active Perth Proposal” website: activeperth proposals.commonplace.is

Get Involved: Many local communities around Courier Country have small development groups working on projects, such as cycle routes, to benefit their community. One way of getting involved is to volunteer with your local group and have your say on the future of your community.

Poorly-thought-out cycle lanes don’t work for anyone.