City activists – right
initiative, or an annoying problem?
Big, modern cities face new problems which have not
been known in a bygone era, but before we dive into the details of those
challenges, let’s go back to the past to learn how similar obstacles were
handled by our predecessors.
As cities gather a lot of people in the a relatively
small area, it is not very surprising that the biggest issue to solve is
transport. Once upon a time it was thought that streets would eventually become
impassable because of horse manure. During that time, little did they know that
it would be solved by replacing horses with cars and trams. One of the possible
solutions could have been to ban horses from entering city centres, however it
was too late to try this idea.
In some cities horses and trams (powered mainly by
horses) had turned out to be too inefficient even before combustion engine cars
dominated transport. One of the greatest human achievements of the 19th
century was the Metropolitan Railway in London, which is known to be the first
underground metro system in the world which was only the beginning of the
creation of one of the biggest and the most amazing subway systems in the world.
It partially solved the problem of overcrowded trams operated by many
independent companies with different fare system each. I wonder how many people
are aware of the side effects which included evicting people from houses which
needed to be destroyed and not paying them off. Such people often became the
residents of the railway stations and trains themselves.
The construction of the
Metropolitan Railway. Source: Wikipedia
The point of telling you all of these is to emphasize
the role of technology and engineering in the process of the development of the
cities. Brave projects – often financially disastrous had opened the path to
something we take for granted now. Unfortunately, instead of supporting further
development, some people would prefer to do the opposite. One of such groups
are so called “city activists”.
The motivation of city activists might seem to be
totally right. Fighting the pollution and making cities friendly to all of its
citizens. The problem is the biased definition of equality and the means of
achieving it. Let me please describe the most popular examples.
Narrowing streets is the most forced activists’ idea.
One of the fundamentals of their actions is “The Lewis–Mogridge position” which
tells that cars will always occupy all available space which in turn generates
traffic jams if the amount of space is big enough. That theory combined with
overall hatred towards cars and their owners is the justification of proposals
to narrow congested streets which theoretically should discourage drivers to
enter them. The life example of implementing this solution is the capital of
Columbia – Bogotá which has become totally paralyzed since some of the streets were
narrowed. Just imagine what could happen if the most important streets of
Warsaw were narrowed. We will soon realize this ourselves, because narrowing
the Jana Pawła II street is confirmed.
Traffic jam in Bogota. Source:
Wikipedia
The other way of making the transport more efficient
is to eliminate the bus turnouts. The bus turnout is a designated spot on the
side of a road where buses or trams may pull out of the flow of traffic to pick
up and drop off passengers. Bus turnouts solve the problem of blocking the
entire traffic in order to pick up the passengers. The downside of this
solution is the additional time needed for the bus to re-enter the traffic.
That disadvantage drives the activists’ nuts. It doesn’t matter that other buses
are blocked in the traffic jam as well. If something makes drivers’ life worse,
it’s a good idea!
All people, no matter at what age should always move
by bicycle. Even if it’s winter, -20 degrees and you have to take your children
to school in the morning – all vehicles apart from bicycles are the pure evil
and should be banned. If it was about taking care of the environment, we could
potentially elaborate, but electric scooters are included in the list of
forbidden means of transport. “A scooter is not a bicycle” – that’s one of the
slogans of activist organisations, which make me think that those people are
actually insane.
Under no circumstances should
you drive a vehicle other than a bicycle. Source: trust.org
There are a lot more of such innovative concepts, i.a
building pedestrian crossings instead of underpasses in the city centres or
banning cars from certain streets to allow people to stroll for the cost of
creating congestion somewhere else. Finally, I should mention building bicycle
lanes which is something I’d fully support, if they actually used them. Instead,
we see a cyclist on the street right next to the brand-new bicycle lane is
something totally usual.
This article was
not objective – you can agree with me or not and I would like you to share your
opinion:
- Do you support actions of city activists? Do you think that their ideas would make the city a better place to live?
- How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
- Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
Comments
It really depends on the idea they are trying to push. I don't really follow such activists and their actions so i can't tell if i would support them. I guess if the idea itself is reasonable and well thought then i would be willing to agree with them on it.
2. How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I do not ride a bicycle very often. I also never used a bike to my daily commutes. I use it as a recreation for time to time and i usually pick some off-road routes. But when i do have to get in a main road I'd use a bike line if it was there. But if it wasn't i would just use a sidewalk as it always annoys me as a car driver when i have to stop to pass cyclists.
3. Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
Right now i do own a car but rarely use it. I still wouldn't decide to gave up on it since sometimes it's very useful ( bigger shopping, going outside of the city etc. )
The problem of carrying a lot of bags is well known by city activists and they have a solution. Take a look on so called "cargo bicycles". They look like shit and no one would ever use them, but those morons will try to force everyone to do so.
Sure thing - if their ideas were reasonable, it would be worth supporting them, but none of them is reasonable...
All of the shown ideas doesn't make sense and I'm not familiar with any others so accordingly to the article their solutions would not make a city better place to live.
I cycle quite often and obviously always use the bicycle lane, but still many of them leaves much to be desired.
Probably I wouldn't give up using private car because in many cases it's the only way for travelling long distances and I also just like driving a car :)
I ride a bicycle occasionally, only for recreation, but probably if I lived in a city I could often ride it to work or school. If there is a bicycle lane I always use it. Not only because it’s required, but also I try not to be an obstacle for the traffic. As a driver I know how annoying it is.
In many cases I could resign from using a car when it was exactly like you presented. However, the key word here is completely. I certainly prefer to go by car in situations like shopping or driving for longer distances. It also gives us some kind of our own space and privacy which we don’t have in a public transport.
Yes, their actions would definitely not make the city a better place to live, but just the opposite.
I agree that some of the bike lanes aren't in a good condition, but that doesn't justify the use of a road instead of such bike lane. Some of those fanatic cyclists claim that their bikes would be damaged if they used a bicycle lane. I think it is high time we use the pavements to move by cars, because there are too many holes in the roads.
You should drive a car if you like it. Everyone should be free to choose whatever mean of transport one desires!
One of the worst aspects of their actions is implying that they are representing the will of all citizens of a certain area. In fact, citizens are not informed about public consultations and are not able to participate, because they are organised during working hours. Yes - a lot of city activists are unemployed.
Yes - own car gives the privacy and comfort during the transport and all people should be free to use it no matter what is the opinion of some extremists.
Yes, I fully support, not all of them of course. As a city we should emphasized more on public transport especially the one that doesn't use the road so much like trains, subways and even trams. When I drive to PJATK or work i see hundreds and hundreds of cars and more then 75% of them are lazy and alone drivers that only take space on the road while they could use public transport or journey to work with others so the number of traffic jams where lowered.
2. How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I don't like bicycle I focus more on getting around the city on foot and by public transport. I would like to buy scooter though even non-electric one and then i would prefer the bicycle lanes to get faster to different part of the city.
3. Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
I don't need to consider this. I don't own a car but even though I sometimes drive with friends and families, sitting for literal hours in a jam is no comfort even if you sit and listen to the music you prefer. It is only waste of time and nerve in my case.
I don't own a car as well and during winter I travel by public transport only, but it doesn't mean that I would like to force everybody to do so. In my opinion all people who choose to spend that much time in a traffic jam, alone in the car, do it intentionally, because no one ever forces anybody to drive a car. As a passenger of the public transport (I am even a rail fan for the record :) ) I really care about its development and quality, but it shouldn't happen in a way which makes drivers life worse. Please, be aware that some actions of the activists cause buses to be trapped in the jams as well.
Roads are public and everybody has equal rights to use them. Even "lazy and alone" drivers. Enforced collectivism is nothing but limiting the freedom. We had such experience in Poland before and it ruined our country so much that we can still see the results.
2. I admit I often ride bicycle. But I prefer to avoid cities while I ride.
Woods (especially Kampinos) are better places. Fresh, clean air, nature, siletness, yeah - woods are perfect places to for bicycle. But of course, there are situations, where I must ride bicycle in city. Then I choose bicycle lane, where if it is available. I try to avoid ride a bike through the roads, because I afraid of agressive drivers which don't know highway code.
3. It's a great idea, but you have to remember about exceptional situations. Sometimes it is necessary to use a car because it is more comfortable. For example, if you go to the doctor and want to avoid people, you go to an important meeting and because traveling by communication can be very tiring and boring. Remember that urban transport will never be as efficient as a private car.
2. I often ride bicycle. I use bicycle lane if it's available.
3. Of course. Even today, as public transport isn't free and in perfect shape, I use it. I prefer it over car as it's more comfortable and cheaper mean of transport.
In my opinion, such methods of forcing people are pointless. Instead of encouraging people to take care of environment, campaigns like this frustrate them and working opposite. People get angry and connect that feeling with actions which in spite of good intentions, makes their life difficult.
2. How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I love riding a bike. Every time the weather is good I prefer cycling than driving a car. I don't stand in traffic jams and also have a chance to work out.
3. Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organized and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
I can not use public transport because of my health problems. I faint in crowds and
in tight spaces so it wouldn't be the best option for me. However, I think that still would be a great action and actually encouraging people to give up transport by car.
2. I rarely ride a bike, only when I need to quickly get from one spot to another because waiting for public transport would take too much time.
3. In some situations car is much more convienient and practical than any other public transport so I wouldn't give up it. Moreover I like driving a car :)
Although I am a person who prefers to ride a bicycle or walking than driving, I do not agree with the city activists, the approach they force others is futile, everything has a balance, you can't push it to the extreme, moreover, that will lead to the downturn of the car manufacturers and many people may lose their jobs because of this. The city activists just need to find another good balance in this matter.
2. How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
In my country, every time I go out, I will ride the bicycle, because China now has shared bicycles everywhere, you can randomly see 30 neatly arranged bicycles in a street or biside a metro station, I just need to scan the QR code with my mobile phone, and the bike will be turned on in few seconds. And of course, I have been using bicycle lanes all the time.
3. Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
Of course, I would if people won't care about what I mentioned in the first question and what you thought would be possible. But you know it won't be possible at least in my remaining lifetime, in this case, private car is still more convenient than public transport.
In general, yes. City activists are doing something quite useful for society. And what is important is that these are volunteers. They have their own life, work, responsibilities, but despite this they find time and energy to improve public life in cities. And whether they will succeed is another question. This of course depends on the city, the number of inhabitants and the infrastructure in it. In order not to fall into your own trap, you need to consider a lot of factors. But this is not so simple.
How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I practically do not ride a bicycle, but I do not exclude the possibility that for a large number of people this is a very convenient way to travel. Unfortunately for me, no. I prefer to walk. Unless of course the distance allows you to do this. But I support the idea of using the bike as much as possible. This to some extent affect the environmental situation at least.
Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
Which I do in principle. I repeat, I walk more. But if I need to travel long distances I use public transport. There is no problem with this city. Unfortunately, it is not free yet, but if it is, then I do not mind.
1. I've never really heard of city activists or their actions, so I don't really care about them. The way they act, which you have presented, however, gives food for thought, because their ideas will be given to the entire population of the city, who may also have no idea about their existence, but in the end only experience the effects of their successful inventions. Activist ways may not be 100% bad, but they should be reasonable and fair. First - all residents should know the intentions of activists and ideas that they want to impose on the city without the knowledge of the community. Secondly - everyone should find a golden mean and make decisions together that will satisfy both sides. At this point, I don't even want to think about supporting activists.
2. I don't ride a bike because I don't have my own. I also don't rent bikes because I don't need them. I move around the city by public transport. If I had a bike and I really used it, I would definitely move on bicycle paths for two reasons - for my own safety and for the comfort of both sides of the traffic - drivers and cyclists.
3. This question is a bit difficult. It's hard for me to answer honestly. I have always used and I am still using public transport, and it seems okay. Despite the enormous crowds at rush hour, strange air conditioning settings, smelly people, homeless people... well maybe not THAT okay. If I really needed a car, I'm pretty sure I'd change my mode of transport almost immediately. Even in spite of the utopian vision of public transport You presented in the question, I think that nothing would beat the comfort of a private car. I would certainly give it a try [the new public transport], and it would certainly look better than now, but probably such a change would be associated with an equivalent increase in the problems I mentioned earlier. Hello, cruel world.
2. I mainly use the bicycle for recreation during the cycling season. When I have access to a bicycle path, I always try to use it, I don't see a good reason not to.
3. I have always used public transport and in many cases it's faster than cars due to couple of privilages etc. If it was free, perfectly organized and reached absolutely all parts of the city, I see no reason not to use it more often. Unfortunately, this sounds more like a dream than reality.
2. I don’t have one at the moment so sometimes in summer I can use “Veturilo” to go to places and that’s all. And yes, I always use bicycle lane if possible.
3. I would if there was enough space in public transport for everyone willing to use it, without omnipresent crowd packing in one small bus (the best part of this is after all this crowd is packed up in the poor bus, it drives right into an awfully big traffic jam).
2. Not to often throughout the whole year because there are very few days when riding the bike is pleasant and for me it's a sport so when I do, I ride as fast as I can. So I'll have to always take a shower after the ride and it makes it not so convenient. However I always use bike line if there is one.
3. Never. I love driving my car and traveling comfortably so I would never ditch it. Public transport is just not for me.
In general, I think it's better not to touch a working system once again. I will explain: even a small change in one part of the city can have a completely unexpected and huge impact on another part (butterfly effect). Let's assume that the narrowing of the street will lead to the fact that the drivers will bypass it on other streets, which are likely not designed for such a flow of cars, which can lead to new problems.
2. I only ride my bike when I'm walking with friends. I don't always ride the bike trays just because it's not there, or it's in an inconvenient place, or I haven't seen it. In Warsaw, the system of bicycle lanes is very poorly developed.
3. If it's about moving around in the city, yes, I would refuse. But I would definitely have a car in my garage for comfortable Sunday trips out of town.
But you have to keep in mind that there is a category of people for whom a large crowd of people is a real challenge. In public transport, there are often situations where you have to smell someone else's armpit, and there is no way to keep your privacy. So it is important to really organize public transport in a way that makes it as comfortable as possible for as many people as possible.
I ride bicycle about once or twice a month in the city suburbs and I use bicycle lane if it is necessary, but mainly I ride through forest or use low traffic roads.
There is no possibility for me to completely stop using private car. Using private car is much more comfortable and one can drive whenever he wants in basically door-to-door manner.
2. During summer I ride a bicycle almost everyday, because I can commute to work or school faster. In Warsaw we have good cycle infrascructure so there is no use to choose pavements or road. Moreover using bike path doesn't pose a risk to other road user.
3. It depend on a final point of my journey, because when I want to go to my hometown I have to choose a car, because there is no public transport. Your idea sounds great when it comes to Warsaw or other big city. I will decide to this option, because I will have more time to read books, listen music or catch up on TV series. In addition public transport is beneficial for the enviroment, because by moving to public transport we can reduce greenhous gas emission and fuel waste. Moreover this movement may reduce traffic congestion, therefore we will reach our destinations quicker and more convinient.
1. I do not support the activities of urban activists and I believe that their ideas will not make the city a better place to live. Their ideas are absurd, with no vision of the future. I also think that they will contribute to the destruction of the city and do more harm than help. I do not support this.
2. I rarely ride a bike because I don't have one. I only use rentals such as Veturillo. When using the bicycle, I obey all the rules that apply.
3. This question is very difficult to answer. Currently, I do not have a car and I use only public transport. Due to the fact that I live in Warsaw in the neighboring district of the center, I have practically no problem getting around the city. But I think that the car somehow increases travel and will not replace it by public transport.
2. I haven't ridden bicycle in years. I'm afraid that I might have forgotten how to ride it. However I think that if there is a possibility for cyclist to ride on the bicycle lane they should do it. There is nothing more annoying to see them ride on narrow pavement or block you on the street.
3. Yes in case of city centre. I even managed to do so, as I have a car and I left it in home instead of bringing it to warsaw. However, outside of city centre car is causing less harm and they are far better than public transport.
1. Do you support actions of city activists? Do you think that their ideas would make the city a better place to live?
I have never supported activists because their demands usually hits me directly. I think that the city should be improved through good management, expansion and new investments.
2. How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I cycle often during the season but mainly for recreational purposes. I choose the most comfortable routes and usually they are covered with a good bicycle path.
3. Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
In such situation I would definitely use public transport more often. However, when you need to be sure that you reach your destination at the appointed time the car is irreplaceable. In addition, I would miss the fun of driving which makes every day better.
The problem I see in my case is the availability of public transportation in the place where I live. I still live within the city limits, however, near their end. It seems to me that from the point of view of the authorities and residents it would not make sense to run the line and buy buses or trams only for a several people who would possibly benefit.
It seems to me that activists want to backward the city instead of developing it, but that's my opinion.
2. I always use a bike path when riding a bike because I know how annoyed a cyclist is on the road
. Another thing is that the majority of (professional) cyclists do not even consider the cycling path.
3.Of course, yes, I would save a lot on this, Fuel + operating costs cost a lot, therefore I am for public transport.
I usually use the car for trips or to go to my hometown
Woods are indeed very good places to go cycling, or jogging. Unfortunately most of the events like marathons, or so called "critical mass" take place inside the city whoch requires closing streets and annoying drivers once again :)
There are many reasons not to use public transport, but the private car, but city activists don't even want to listen to them. Everyone has to go by bicycle always, without any exceptions.
It is hard for me to comment because I am not interested in this topic. However, of course, everything depends on the idea they would like to propose to us, if the solution turned out to be servants, probably yes.
2. How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
In the summer season, I try to ride a bike to work, but I don't like it because I have an uncomfortable bike. Definitely city bikes are not for me. In addition, I don't like to ride a bike when it is raining or cold, which is why I usually avoid it.
3. Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
Yes of course ! Maintaining a car that usually stands in a traffic jam is expensive, comfortable but expensive. If public transport were cheaper and further expanded its lines, I could certainly give up the car. However, in the current situation, the choice is simple for me.
If you can't use public transport, I assume you travel by car only during winter. According to city activists you should use a bicycle in such case. Happy cycling! Don't forget to equip your bike with some winter tires!
As I mentioned in the beginning of the article, developing public transport used to consist of building infrastructure and finding more efficient ways to operate it. No one has ever thought about banning horses from entering the city centre.
2. I pretty much always use bicycle if the weather is nice. My everyday route to work in summer included riding a bike through half of Warsaw
3. I wouldn't. It would only create crowds of people waiting for their transport and it would make it much worse experience than it is right now.
The Golden Mean - that is exactly what is missing in the ideas of city activists. The would like to replace all roads with bicycle lanes, or pavements and punish all evil drivers who commited the crime of being able to afford own car. The neocommunism in its most annoying form.
It's really hard to say whether I support actions of city activists or I don't. I like good ideas and if somebody shows me a good idea and I have to put my name on the list then I'm okay with it.
How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I ride a bicycle quite often and I use bike lanes anytime I can. I really don't understand people cycling on a three lane road having bike lane next to them. I see such people everyday.
Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
I think I like the fact of going from point A to B in my car without going to the bus stop in any weather conditions so much that I would not go for free public transport.
2. I rarely ride a bicycle, I prefer public transport. I always use the bicycle lane because it is required by law. In addition, bicycle lanes are safer.
3. I rarely use my own car. I prefer trams because they are not stuck in traffic and I don't have to worry about the parking space. In my opinion, public transport in Warsaw is well organized and the prices are low.
2. Not too often, I use mainly public transport to move around the city. Although when I do use a bike, I always use the bicycle lane. Riding a bike on a street is a bit terrifying for me.
3. I would definitely reduce using a private car, but I believe there are some situations that you have to use a car and using a public transport would be very inconvenient. However, if we are talking about regular transportation, then public transport is completely fine.
I hope they will nail for us a better place to live. I truly believe in their good intentions and ideas, we would benefit from in the future.
2. I ride a bicycle whenever it’s possible; not only in the summer and spring, but also in warm autumnal or winter days. If it’s available I always use the bicycle lane, I think it’s a magic wand for bike riders, you don’t have to worry about the cars or pedestrians.
3. Of course, I always support pro-eco solutions , and this one appears really reasonable to me. I think it’s a great idea and we all should consider that. Giving up on our prive cars and using public transport instead would be very good change for the environment.
2. I don't ride bike often, mostly I use public transport or just walk.
3. I don't like driving, so if there is no need why should I. There is no need of mine on the road inside car that takes space and increases the traffic. Sure it gives more comfort and privacy for myself, but actually this goods are payed with other people's time that are stuck due to my comfort.
2.Lately very rarely i ride a bicycle. But i can say that me and many other cyclists are not using the bicycle lanes that much. Not all parts in cities have them and many people specially children dont want to ride bicycle on the streets next to cars and buses and not every city part provides bicycle paths.
3.No because it would be only in the area I live in. Transport to other cities or in some natural areas like forests and lakes would be much much harder. Plus privacy and traveling alone (or with some closest to me persons only) is very important to me, which wouldn't be possible anymore.
1. Overall I think most forms of activist groups, especially those about which we hear most often, bring more harm than benefits. Maybe it's their way of making profit of gullible people or a way to bring chaos into normal people lifes. I know some of them are probably 'good' groups and even in those 'bad' there are people which really wanna make life better but... this just doesn't seem to work in latter. They make more noise and chaos than actual good deeds. So no, I don't support city activists or any kind of activist groups. Ideas mentioned in article would be disastrous for city inhabitants. Even more importally, why should some small group dictate what's good for people? Even through I avoid using car in Warsaw, because public transport is pretty well developed and Warsaw tends to have huge traffic jams, I'd still try to improve car traffic instead of making it worse. Information about Jan Pawel II street sounds terrible... this street is already narrow enough and they wanna make it even worse? Terrible idea. It will make life of whole population worse. Cars will be stuck in even bigger traffic. Alongside them it will hit bus transport. We will just commute slower and get angry more often. Warsaw streets arrangement isn't perfect, but more or less it works. If I'd change something about communication in city, I'd work on even better public transport, better streets with more lanes, and less of green zones alongside roads. Plants are important for life of people, since we need them to actually live, but it would be much more beneficial, if they had their designed places instead of placing them alongside every road, disturping vission and bringing more traffic accidents. Also, we're not getting ahead in techonology, just to go back to times of riding bikes or scooters, even if they are electric now.
2. Recently I don't ride bike too often, since I don't have much time for it. But I used to love riding and still like to go for a ride from time to time. I usually ride in places where there are no bicycle lanes, but if there are I use them. It's simply convenient. I don't disturb either pedestrians nor car movement. If there is no bicycle lane it depends. I'd usually ride on a car road if there are pedestrians. If sidewalk is empty and car is approaching me I'd use sidewalk of course. It's painfully annoying when I see some zealous cyclist riding on a road and blocking traffic, if he has space to move, so I never do it. I think they really deserve their opinion of one of most hated groups. Maybe if they used cars more often, they would be more friendly towards other users of roads, but now they are very selfish and I wish they were prohibited from using car road if there is no need of it. The best sign of it, is fact, that even if they have special roads built, they still prefer to disturb others instead of using them.
3. I would never give up private car, because why would I? It's still most comfortable way to travel and I doubt something will be able to compete in near future. Even if I'd use it rarely I'd still want to be able to travel how and when I like, instead of following what bus route dictates
It depends what kind of action or idea it is. However, I am always standing for improving things in city I live in. The question you asked is way too broad to answer. Every idea is different, I am not going to support it or oppose it only because some "city activists" came up with it.
How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I don't ride bicycle in the city at all so I can't really relate to this question. I usually like long bicycle trips during my holidays. You won't find bicycle lanes in places where I spent my holidays.
Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
Yeah, sure. I am already using public transport most of the time so it would be only a change for the better when ti comes to me. Although I don't believe that public transport you just described is possible to create.
2. Recently, I don't ride a bike at all, but if it happens to me I always ride bike paths or in the woods
3. The topic of abandoning a car for a bicycle is a river theme (in Polish they say so). Personally, I would never leave my car because of the comfort of travel. I don't have to stand in the crowd or smell some bad smells sometimes in buses/trams.
2. I don't ride a bike.
3. I think that if it were really possible, the need for a private car would be significantly reduced, except for trips out of town.
2. I used to ride a lot, even during winters while it was -20 degrees. I had special tires with kevlar spikes which helped me to get through the frozen roads. Nowadays, I only ride when the weather is good. I use bicycle lanes every time I see them.
3. No, because I don’t think that it would ever be that perfect and organised. Disregarding from that fact, car is very useful when I need to make big grocery shopping or to transport my dog.
2. I don't use bike because I do not own one. I also don't rent bikes because I don't need them. I move around the city by public transport.
3. It's a great idea, but you have to remember about exceptional situations. Sometimes it is necessary to use a car because it is more comfortable. For example, if you go to the doctor and want to avoid people, you go to an important meeting and because traveling by communication can be very tiring and boring. Remember that urban transport will never be as efficient as a private car.
I can’t imagine what will happen to the city if the bus turnouts will be eliminated. I mean, like, what, everybody will have to walk a few kilometres (at least) to work, because the traffic is just paralyzed because of some delusional “activists”? That can’t be right.
2. I can’t ride a bicycle, I’ve never learned how to do that :D When anybody hears that, they always replies like “Gosh, how is that even possible, I’ll teach you”. Hello? Where are you, teachers? I’m here ? Please help?
3. Hell yeah I would. That how I live now, but public transport is not free and is not reaching all parts of the city. But, you know, maybe someday...
2. I bought a road bike this summer to lose some weight so if I can, I go by bike to the center, to uni etc. Most of the time I use the bicycle lane, but they are not always on my way to the destination so sometimes I use road.
3. I'm using only public transport. Much cheaper and I can get wherever I want. Of course sometimes I have to walk, but hey, it's healthy! I don't need car - public transport for student is much better
2. I try to ride a bike as often as possible, but it's not so convenient when you don't have your own bike and you are dependent on Verturillo, where most of the bikes are already rent/blocked/broken. When I rent a city bike I always use the bicycle lane. When you wrote about people who do not use the prepared lanes, I suppose you meant people on road bikes and they probably do not use that because they are able to achieve high speed and they are aware there are pedestrians who don't care if they walk on pavement or a bicycle path or they cross it without making sure there are cyclists behind them. I don't claim it's a good manner but it's just like I see it.
3. Yeah, I would definitely use public transport, bike, and motorbike. I think people in developing countries more often think that driving a car show their economic status and they can't use public transport because of that. When you look at better developed and richer countries, like the Netherlands or Denmark you'll see that most people ride bicycles, on the other hand, when you look at Japan and their perfectly organized public transport, you'll see most of the Japanese are using public transport.
I don't support city activists because i think they don't make anything better that it is.
2.How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I used to ride a bicycle in forests, never in cities. I think city isn't good place for them.
3.Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
I would never do such a thing. My private car is not only to transport me from place to place. I traveled to much in my life to know that public transport is not always the right call.
Unfortunately, but I have problems with my knee, so I can't ride a bike, but when I used to ride whenever possible, I used a bicycle belt. It's convenient and you don't have to worry about cars.
If public transport were convenient, free, you would not have to wait 30 minutes at the stop, I would stop using the car. Although sometimes I have to wait 30 minutes for the bus, I will probably start using public transport again. I need to start caring for the environment.
2) I do not often use bicycles, but I always try to stick to rules and ride on the line.
3) No sense to abandon from private car. Public transport in "both ways" must be perfectly organised and reach all parts of the city but of course not free.
I don't ride a bike often. Only in during the seasons when you can use Veturilo, because I don't have my own. And always, where there is a bicycle lane I use it. Bicycle lane designed to ride a bike and not interfere with passers or cars.
I think Warsaw has a very convenient infrastructure, I can get anywhere in a short period of time. There are even separate lanes for buses. So, no need to use a car.
2. Sometimes I ride a bicycle and use a bicycle lane or pavement, I don't ride a bicycle because it is dangerous and it disturbs the driver.
3. No, I spend all my earnings on expanding my car collection and I will definitely not give up on them. The car is very useful when transporting large luggage, going on holidays and cars are my passion. :)
I ride bicycle only when I want to walk and take a break from the computer. I don't have my own in Warsaw, but I use veturillo, I like that. I use bicycle lane, because it's fun=) I do really like public transport in Warsaw, but if I'll have a car, most probably I'll use it instead of public transport. I have reasons for that. First of all clean clothe and shoes. You can’t maintain you stuff clean when you use public transport, and we all know why. Second is the others smell, I don’t wanna smell and feel it forever. As student, I’m okay with public transport. But if I'd know that I’m gonna use it for all my life, I’d rather kill myself.
2. When i was child I used to ride a bicycle and yes, i did stick to the rules. Now I really hate it so I'm avoiding it.
3. I dont have the driving liceanse and I'm using the public transport so I would be very content to have it for free, but I'm not sure that giving up a private car completly is a good idea. Yes, we should minimize the usage of private cars but there are situations in which a private car is a must.
2. I rode bike for the last 10 years(maybe...or even more), but now I do it not so often. I'm not feeling safe enough on-road and don't want to disturb other people. So I try to use bicycle lanes everywhere I can and possible.
3. I don't have a car and not considering to buy one. I like to walk as much as I can and public transport can help me reach all parts of the city and it's definitely enough for my needs.
2. I like to ride a bike if the weather is fine. I always use bike lane when its possible, actually I hate riding the street. A lot of streets are really narrow and polish car divers doesnt like much bike riders.
3.
"perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city" - impossible in Warsaw :))
It's hard question because i can't even imagine such thing. But if it worked, why not.
2. I don't ride bicycles. I prefer rollers over bicycle for me is much more fun. I ride only on lane, it's only safe way. I don't feel comfortable on the street, even though I ride very well.
3. I'm using public transport every day. In Warsaw public transport is modern and well organised. Unfortunately, I love driving a car and I cannot imagine to giving up of a private car.
I feel ashamed but I've supported such initiatives only once. I think that it's really important to do that as well as do it wisely. We - as a community - know best what our needs are so we should support people who are trying to do more then just thinking and talking. But again - wisely!
How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
In last season because of changing company I "had to" (not bad excuse for being lazy) skip bike riding but previously I was riding bike to work everyday ( 8 km each way!) and as long as it was possible I was trying to use bike paths.
Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organised and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
As long as I'm a petrolhead I could not imagine letting the car go. It's not about the way of moving around the city but it as a toy. For me it's not even close to take it into consideration.
I am very happy that there are people who are active in the cause of everyone's well-being. I think their role is very important. Of course, their ideas can make a city better. They live in it and are aware of the problems there are. It's good that there are such people and I hope that there will be more of them in the future.
2. How often do you ride a bicycle? Do you always use the bicycle lane if it’s available? If not, why?
I ride a bike very often. This is a great means of transport. Especially if there are traffic jams. The downsides are crowded trams and buses. You can't get on the bike because people look stupidly at you or draw attention to you.
Whenever I can I ride the bicycle path. I have a lot of them in the city and I think this is a big plus. Thanks to this I feel safer.
3. Would you consider giving up the comfort of a private car completely and only using public transport if it was free, perfectly organized and reaching absolutely all parts of the city?
Of course not. I love to drive a car. I have everything there: Hand cream, second jacket or shoes. The car is a great comfort and won't change that even if there is a better bus connection.