Comments on: Waitrose Introduces Cycle Trailers

By: David Hembrow

David Hembrow — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:36:01 +0000

What's happened here is the result of over 30 years of consistent policy. If you look at Amsterdam 30+ years ago or what the city we live in used to look like you see that there wasn't always a policy to encourage cycling as there is now. In the early 70s cycling had reached a low point here before it started rising again with the new infrastructure. It is quite commonly stated here that the cycling provision is also a fiscal measure. It is cheaper to do this than not to do it. The savings in medical costs, oil imports etc. are enormous. What's more, massive road schemes are needed less often. It is taken really really seriously. No tokenism or short term schemes. Great blog, btw. Cycling and food go together very well.

By: The Hungry Cyclist

The Hungry Cyclist — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 11:24:18 +0000

A minority for the time being – all being well in a few years cycling in our capital will be up there with Dutch cities, but with hard economic times ahead I fear cycling will perhaps be let down when funding is cut and what finance is left goes to schools, health and other social projects. We just need the powers that be to focus on the long term social benefits of a cycle friendly capital and not short term political gain.Tom Kevill-Davies
The Hungry Cyclist – Pedalling The World For The Perfect Meal

By: David Hembrow

David Hembrow — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 08:25:31 +0000

One of the problems with this sort of thing in the UK is that it remains a minority activity because life as a cyclist simply isn't made easy. this is what it is like in the Netherlands when you want to go shopping. No hassle at all. It's also amusing that the poor bloke is shown riding an impractical bike with no mudguards or chainguard in his nice suit. That's very silly indeed...

By: harrie

harrie — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:57:57 +0000

i think it’s a great idea – even with flo i find the weekly shop a hassle if i’m doing it myself (actually i normally use their (sainsbury’s) delivery service which they allege also works out greener because one vehicle does everyone’s trip – i think they forgot that this makes the vehicle go further…)
i used to go to that balham waitrose quite a bit because tooting and streatham sainsbury’s were a bit pants. the sainbury’s at balham is better, but waitrose food is generally nicer (naturally, you pay for this). it’s quite a nice waitrose, one entire side is glass which makes it feel quite big and open. but be warned it is permanently full of screaming kids.