This discussion is just serving to solidify my dislike of cycle facilities. Back in 2008, I made this post and my opinion hasn't changed since then:
Just imagine how many more cyclists we'd have if, instead of spending money on cyclepaths and other "infrastructure", the gubbinsment spent the cycling dosh on stuff like:
- Free and subsidized bikes to the low paid and unwaged
- Really enforcing road traffic law with respect to drivers and cyclists
- Taking VAT off bikes
- Providing free cycle training as part of the national curriculum at all schools
- Persuading employers to encourage cycle commuting through staff incentives
Oh, and here's a cynical thought to ponder:
Given that there is an increasing budget for promoting cycling, could it be that spending it on physical infrastructure (the built environment) rather than intangible services (training, policing, etc.) is a far better way to ensure that this cash makes its way into the coffers of large corporations rather than small businesses and individual contractors?
How convenient then, that campaigning groups like LCC can be persuaded to lobby for this option, rather than armies of cycling instructors and ranks of clued-in police officers...
That's a suitably misanthropic attitude that's bound to garner support (not forgetting that I share your dislike of "facilities"), but it's a lot more complex, much of your wishlist exists in some form or the other alongside everything else.
- Getting hold of a bike (taking VAT off, bikes for the less well off etc)
Bike scheme is effing fantastic for those of us in work. Recycling schemes are all over the place (some suffered as a result of recent cutbacks) and many rubbish tips operate informal recycling. Also, the popularity of bikes and the increased volume and competition mean that you get fantastic bang for bucks these days, even down at the BSO level.
- Learning to ride. Schools still do train, yes it would be good to see it as part of the National Curriculum but the pressure on that is immeasurable, every pressure group thinks their activity/interest would make the greatest change evah. Personally, I think there is room to finesse it into the existing PE structure, but then I would, wouldn't I? Also the consequent politicisation is almost certainly undesirable with a myriad of unintended consequences (helmet law, anyone?)
However, there are training schemes out there, free gratis and for nothing. That, and support from cycling groups for people wanting to join. Better publicity would be good, better recognition from riders that they should fucking learn to ride properly would be good.
- Persuading employers to encourage cycling, that's happening. Slowly, but it is happening. The concept settling in people's heads that cycling is a normal activity to be encouraged has a lot to do with that. I dare say the Olympics and the brit success in TdF have something to do with that.
- Really enforcing traffic law - for all. With you 100% there, that would be a good thing. But it does happen. London centric in many ways but there again, I would say that the prevalence of bus lane cameras has really cut down the "50m won't matter as I'm turning" or the "I'm very important" driver cutting into the lane. Think back ten years - the removal of that is one of the things that has really made my life a lot more pleasant and feel safer since then.
Keeps on coming back to the key principle - the more cyclists the better.