One Street News
Fall 2018
Vol. 11, Issue 5
1. Bicycle and Community Campaigns Defying Despair in Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Swiss Voters Approve Adding Bicycle Infrastructure to Constitution
3. Resources - Why Street Grids Have More Capacity
4. Hot Topics – How the Media Fails Cyclists
5. Hot Topics – Women Cycling Against Discrimination
Bicycle and Community Campaigns Defying Despair in Bosnia and Herzegovina
By: Sue Knaup, Executive Director
I’ve been working with our colleagues in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) since last year to develop a campaign planning project for community activists around their country. So when we received the news this spring that our proposal to the Trust for Mutual Understanding was funded, we were all thrilled. Our work began by seeking out the most qualified activists around BiH and led to my traveling over there in early October to guide the workshop and trainings. What an extraordinary experience it has been.
There’s no escaping the weight of despair crippling this battered country. But the activists I’m working with understand how to rekindle a spirit of hope through their positive campaigns – some for bicycle infrastructure, others for broader community concerns.
Read more about the project in our press release and please pass it on to others who might be interested. I have some great photos from the trip that could enhance an article.
Swiss Voters Approve Adding Bicycle Infrastructure to Constitution
Most bicycle advocates around the world are happy to see even a mention of bicycle infrastructure buried in any national policy. Switzerland has reached the ultimate with a clear expectation for quality and coordinated cycle infrastructure in the country’s constitution. Impressive! Read more here.
Resources - Why Street Grids Have More Capacity
Sprawl development continues to spread around the world creating isolated pockets of houses on cul-de-sacs that require car ownership. Long stretches of treacherous roads between these developments and common destinations prevent most residents from even trying bicycling.
One important change is to allow other uses such as post offices, schools, libraries, grocery stores, and other businesses within the development so people can easily choose to walk or bike. But the layout of streets must also change in order to slow traffic and invite biking and walking. The street grid may be the oldest type of layout, but this article shows it is usually the best if you want people to walk and bike.
Hot Topics – How the Media Fails Cyclists
Have you ever noticed that news stories about crashes involving cyclists nearly always set the cyclist out as the one at fault? No matter that they were in the public space and posed no threat to vehicle that crushed them. There’s an underlying assumption that the public spaces we call streets and roads are built exclusively for motor vehicles so that anyone who ventures into them without that shield clearly deserves to die. At least that’s how most reporters seem to see it. Read this article for proof of this disturbing trend.
Hot Topics – Women Cycling Against Discrimination
In too many countries around the world, women are discouraged from bicycling. Generally, the idea is that women should not propel themselves. Instead, they must stay at home cooking, cleaning, and caring for the children. Afghanistan is one such country, but a courageous group of women are cycling to tear that barrier down. Read here about the documentary that follows them, and make sure to watch the trailer.