news.bbc.co.uk3565459.stmOpen ↗
*Oxford dons taught how to cycle*
Earnest academics pedalling past old colleges on sit-up-and-
beg bicycles, academic gowns flapping in the slipstream -
all part of the Oxford image.
But these days they are more likely to be whizzing around on
a hybrid mountain bike - and duelling with buses.
So Oxford University is providing free cycle training for
staff who are keen to adopt a greener transport policy but
nervous about surviving 21st century traffic.
"If we are promoting alternatives to using the car we have
to make sure we are looking after their safety," said the
university's environment and travel officer, Ed Wigzell.
*Gender split*
He said that about 75 staff took the course last year and a
couple of dozen had signed up for the first sessions this
year, with more coming through.
A survey had indicated that more than 3,000 of the
university's staff cycled to work.
That was split roughly 50:50 between men and women - yet 80%
of those doing the courses were female.
Mr Wigzell said women seemed more prepared to admit they
might learn something.
*Buses*
Also, the course organisers had found that learning how to
ride a bike safely did not go down well as a marketing
approach for men.
What worked for them was "do you want to know how to go
faster - ride better than your mate, that type of thing."
Although many trainees were experienced cyclists, some had
"literally never been on a bike before".
They were taught road positioning, how to be decisive, how
to create space around themselves and not get "marginalised
into the gutter".
Car drivers are not the main problem.
"There are so many buses in Oxford. Buses and cyclists are
quite a contentious subject," he said.
The courses are run by Bristol-based Life Cycle UK, which
also lists Bristol University as a client.
The training in Oxford is essentially for staff only, though
if more funding is forthcoming, as it might be, it could be
extended to wobbly student cyclists.
Personal comment: A hope a certain prominent atheist
evolutionary scientis has been taught not to ride on
pavements.
Colin
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