Matt ElleryDec 3

RE: https://flipboard.com/@bbcnews/business-h8ss70mez/-/a-aSyGPx3lRQSHbexbprSfVQ%3Aa%3A3199692-%2F0

My eyes roll back, my maw gapes, and an unearthly horror-scream of the damned fills the air.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy7vdvl2531o

Time for a quick fisking thread.
#cycling #walking

Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3
Let's start with Theo being on the Business beat. I'm sure this won't colour the entire tone of the "InDepth" article.
/1
Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3
Right from the start: how very dare these busybodies oppose our sexy chonky cars?
/2
Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3
Whomst among us has not needed to fit a three-foot length of pipe in the back?
/3
Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3
I think the BBC caption writer is getting baked on the job.
/4
Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3
Ah yes, hatchback, saloon, SUV. The three genders.
/5
anthonyDec 3
Show threadMatt Ellery
Finally, we come the the real reason why SUVs are more numerous, but then Theo gets it arse-backwards. Could it be that SUVs are being *pushed* on people *because* of the profit margin? But no, it's presented as the kindly and benevolent carmakers rising to meet the perfectly natural demand.
/6
Dec 3 at 1:07pmWeb
Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3
I'd love to know how Alex, who works for an automative-focused organisation, can think that vulnerable road users have been prioritised by being... more likely to be harmed? Maybe I just need some blunt-force trauma to the head from an SUV to understand it.
Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3
See, the SUV manufacturers are the GOOD guys!
/8
Show threadMatt ElleryDec 3

Small cars are popular where the majority of the population lives, but it's hard to make a profit on them? I smell some weapons-grade bullshit.

OK, that's enough for now. Tons of automotive industry spox, but only a single throwaway comment from a safety specialist, and no comments from any environmental experts. InDepth my arse.

I think @notjustbikes would "enjoy" reading this.
/9 and end.

Show threadStuart Dec 3

@matt_ellery He includes two quotes from drivers of big cars (who can't consider that plenty of people transport as much as they do but in smaller cars) but no thought to quote families of those hit by big cars. No quotes from walkers, wheelchair users, or those with pushchairs forced off pavements by wide cars parked on them.

Then the claim of "the laws of economics in manufacturing" supposedly requiring higher profit margins. Isn't the profit margin size entirely the choice of manufacturers?

Show threadJon PENNYCOOKDec 3
@matt_ellery I think "vulnerable road users" meant the kids on the back seat of the SUV, not anyone outside it!