Introduction to the seminar and to the members & work of the London’s Inclusive Cycling Forum Disabled cyclists’ experience of cycling and barriers to cycling 10 key principles of Inclusive Cycling Inclusive Cycling & disabled pedestrians – Ensuring excellence for both Cross-cutting campaigning issues and alliances - Kevin Q&A Next steps for LCC & more broadly
10 Principles to turn London into the inclusive cycling capital of the world!
1. Disabled people can and do cycle! • 22% of non-disabled Londoners use a bike to get around London but only 9% of disabled Londoners do so [TFL 2012] • Between April and September 2013 nearly 2,000 disabled and older people cycled at one of the Cycling for All partners sessions.. • There is a clear disconnect between clear demand and reality? • Whilst a cycling network built around the solo bicycle excludes many cyclists - a network which meets disabled cyclists’ needs is accessible by everyone else, whatever they ride.
2. It is against the law to discriminate against disabled people when providing cycling services/infrastructure • The Equality Act 2010 • The public sector Equality Duty
• So let’s get this right!
3. Demographics ?
Not all disabled cyclists are novice cyclists & inclusive cycling principles apply across cycling provision
• • • •
c.880 000 disabled people in London Ageing population Disability does not discriminate From total novice to commuter cyclists to paralympians
4. The bike as a mobility aid: many people cycle who cannot walk nor carry their bikes “I can’t walk any distance. I use my electric scooter but I need to keep my knees moving. I do 10 to 14 laps here”. “If you were disabled you’d be in a wheelchair!” (told to disabled cyclists when challenged in pedestrian areas)
5. Space & essential features for cycling
• What’s not to like?!
Inclusive traffic reduction measures
• Think spines!
• Think 3 wheelers
Think tandem!
6. Inclusive cycling requires pavement and indoor cycling for some • Handcycling to the shops generally means handcycling into the shops! That includes the pavement. • Incidents/roadworks force cyclists onto pavements • Tolerance of disabled cyclists on pavements is required With awareness of pedestrians & visually impaired pedestrian!
Bus stop bypasses
7. Inclusive cycle parking & storage • Must be step-free access • Think 3 wheels!! • Sheffield + space • Indoor provision
8. Trains are a key part of the inclusive cycling picture • Bike needed at both end of the journey • Step-free access to carriage • Adequate space • Accessible loos
9. Inclusive cycle-signage and other visibility issues • • • • • •
Think contrast! Segregation from pedestrians not shared space Segregation from traffic No to obstacles Clear, cyclist height signage Think tandem length & width!
10. First trying out cycling can be the biggest hurdle (access to a variety of options and to specialist support is key to being part of the picture)