David Arditti has written a fascinating blog about the problems the authorities face (and arguably are responsible for causing) when planning and implementing new cycle developments. He writes:
"A mad system of red tape, legalism, and excessive emphasis on expensive public consultation over small matters currently strangles attempts to provide for cycling in our cities."
There is much in David's blog which is relevant to the problems Simon Parker has encountered in getting his London Cycle Map proposal adopted. But red tape isn't Simon's only problem. HIs biggest problem is that the cycling community is currently not united behind him.
I suspect, however, that the mindset which causes 'red tape, legalism, and excessive emphasis on expensive public consultation' is one and the same mindset which shuns a wonderful proposal like Parker's.
It is a mindset, both inside and outside of the state, that's too focused on the ideological basis of the state to focus on actually - workably, affordably - getting things done.
