matthewmacdonald

Matthew MacDonald

>Would you actively pursue policies that would enable utility cycling to

>develop along the lines that have made it the transportation mode of choice

>for so many in Copenhagen?

Yes, probably.

>

>Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in

>order to make it discretionary on the rider?

>

No, that would not make sense, my sister would be dead if it wasn't for her

bicycle helment. I would have a scar the size of an orange where my eye ball

is, when I had an accident. Neither accident was caused by myself or sister.

Helmets save lives.

>Would you give preference to establishing a comprehensive network of cycle

>lanes over retaining curbside parking for cars?

It would be expensive and not that many people would use it. The problem

that i see is that the city is probably the same physical size with many of

these cities but with much less population to support it.

>

>Would you lobby to rescind the law which prohibits cyclists from using

>pavements

>( at least as an interim measure for the years it will otherwise take to

>establish real separation from motorized vehicles)

>to enable 'slow' cyclists ( e.g.the elderly )to take up utility cycling.

Possibly

>

>Would you actively work to set up a campaign to educate the pubic about and

>promote the types of bicycles and technologies appropriate to utility

>cycling?

I would want to see the benefits of going down this road, will it make

economic viable sense?

>

>Would you lobby for the installation of bike racks on ALL public transport

>vehicles ?

If there was a recognisable need for it, sure.

>

>Do you cycle yourself? - And if not at this stage in your life, what would

>it take to get you to take up 'utility' cycling in the future ?

Not really at this stage in my life. I have 2 small kids. In Japan where i

lived for 5 years, (Matsuyama, in Shikoku and I made damm sure that I wore a

helmet) all we had was bicycles. BUT it was easy to get around and no where

was very far. i didn't have kids as well.

>

>Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle?

>Why? / Why not?

yes, its good exercise.

Hope that these answers help.

Cheers

Matthew

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