Lorna SlaterHired an e-cargo bike from Edinburgh Festival of Cycling to run some errands this morning. This is definitely the future of local transport. Now we just need bike parking and safe streets for bikes, everywhere.
Charlie Stross@lornaslater On-street theft-proof bike lockers, if we're talking about owning bikes in Edinburgh! Oh, and kerb-separated bike lanes, so drivers can't randomly swerve across/into them. Embra really isn't cycle-friendly, even before we get onto the subject of potholes ...
DC@cstross @lornaslater I would *hate* to cycle in Edinburgh. (I mean, I no longer cycle, but I used to keenly.) Glasgow also has its problems: it really is quite hilly, to an extent that would cause a problem for many people.
More cycling is good, but there needs to be serious thought to transport needs for the disabled and others who cannot cycle. A short walk for most pedestrians can be an insurmountable obstacle for those with mobility problems.
sleepy@Tanngrisnir @cstross @lornaslater As a new cyclist in hilly Seattle, I picked up a pedal assist bike with a throttle. I wouldn’t dare the hills here with an in assisted bike, but with the 750W motor all but the steepest can be conquered.
It’s not a solve for everyone, of course, but it’s been great at keeping me out of my car for most errands within ~5 miles.
@sleepy @cstross @lornaslater It's also worth remembering that every hill has a down slope, too, and that can present challenges to some cyclists. There's some hills here which require hands clamped on the brakes all the way down (except when the wind is high enough you have to pedal).