Culture-war coverage of cycling could cost our health, warns Sir Chris Whitty

[march46]

I wanted to share this important article because the discussions on this forum on cycling often slip into culture-war territory. The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Chris Whitty, warns that this kind of framing risks missing the real issue: active travel is a vital public health tool, especially for people who aren't currently active. A reminder of the importance of improving infrastructure and access. Worth a read.

Chris Whitty says culture-war coverage of cycling could harm nation’s health | Health | The Guardian

[Earl Aelfheah]

Thanks. I totally agree with Whitty on this. On the 'maths' that Whitty references, the IPPR highlight some interesting stats, for example, for every £1 spent on active travel infrastructure, there is an average return on investment of £5.62. Just 2 per cent of total transport budget is spent on infrastructure to support active travel.

 https://www.ippr.org/media-office/years-of-under-investment-in-englands-streets-has-left-people-walk-wary-and-cycle-cautious-says-new-report 

Edited July 4, 2025 by Earl Aelfheah

[Rockets]

I do also laugh when I see a "culture-war" article penned by Peter Walker......he's never done anything to stoke the culture war....;-)

[Earl Aelfheah]

He's reporting on comments by Chris Whitty. I'm not sure anyone could accuse Chris Whitty of stoking culture wars; As he says, the data is indisputable - we need to get people moving more, improve safety and clean up the environment.

Edited July 7, 2025 by Earl Aelfheah

[Rockets]

Yes I wasn't taking issue with what Chris Whitty said just laughing at the irony of Peter Walker writing about those stoking "culture wars"!

[first mate]

Does not seem to mention E-bikes, presumably not seen so much as part of the active travel solution? What is meant by 'wheeling' exactly?

[Earl Aelfheah]

Self propelled wheeled vehicles.

e.g. scooters, skateboards, bicycles, tricycles etc. I guess.

Anything were people get about under their own power.

[Sue]

16 hours ago, Earl Aelfheah said:

Self propelled wheeled vehicles.

e.g. scooters, skateboards, bicycles, tricycles etc. I guess.

Anything were people get about under their own power.

Like legs

Oh sorry, they don't have wheels. Ignore that.

Edited July 8, 2025 by Sue

[teddyboy23]

Adult pedal cars  .shared by cyclist and drivers sorted

[Earl Aelfheah]

14 hours ago, teddyboy23 said:

Adult pedal cars  .shared by cyclist and drivers sorted

Fred Flintstone style cars even better.

Edited July 8, 2025 by Earl Aelfheah

[exdulwicher]

19 hours ago, first mate said:

What is meant by 'wheeling' exactly?

Wheelchairs (manual or powered), mobility scooters, prams / buggies / pushchairs, skateboarding, scooters (nominally manual ones, can only apply to e-scooters when they're part of a hire scheme cos obviously private ones remain illegal on public land but that's a slight tangent to this).

Even things like zimmer frames and shopping trolleys. A lot of "wheeled" devices are mobility aids for elderly / disabled so any features such as wider / smoother pavements, better crossing points, seating and so on is really beneficial. Same with a parent pushing a double buggy for example.