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Tories will not win by opposing bike lanes and LTNs

Interesting article in Conservative Home today on the maddening inclination of some Conservatives to oppose bike lanes and LTNs despite all the evidence showing this is a failed strategy with the electorate. 
https://conservativehome.com/2024/12/04/andrew-gilligan-conservatives-wont-win-in-london-by-opposing-bike-lanes-and-low-traffic-neighbourhoods/And a reference to Chiswick to illustrate the point: "In Chiswick, our candidate, Shaun Bailey, campaigned strongly against a new bike lane installed by Sadiq Khan and the local Labour council, Hounslow – with visits, literature, and a Facebook video. In Hounslow as a whole, the Tory first preference vote rose by 1.2 points on the previous mayoral election, and Khan’s vote dropped 4.4 points. But in the three (normally strongly Tory) Chiswick wards, it was the Conservative vote that fell, by 10 to 12 points, and Khan’s vote which rose, by 4.4 points."All that effort from Chiswick Conservatives and their paramilitary group OneChiswick resulted in a bigger swing to Sadiq Khan. Bravo!

Paul Campbell ● 21d13 Comments

Vote REFORM..

Michael Brown ● 3d

Sorry, you normally waste no opportunity to bleat about improving the lot of the lesser mortal around you. If this signals a change in direction leading to fewer posts from you then I am delighted to have helped.

N V Brooks ● 19d

This thread is about what causes congestion and road danger Nigel. It isn't about the causes of deaths. People eating big meals in restaurants are as important a factor as cycle lanes. So thank you for helpfully illustrating the whatboutery I am highlighting. Another great job! Well done.

Paul Campbell ● 19d

Cars have got bigger as have portions in many restuarants. I don't see you demonising these but obesity is a far bigger killer than SUVs. I do wonder how many die of mental health obsessions, perhaps you should ask.

N V Brooks ● 19d

The point is very simple. In 2024 most of the cars are so big they do not fit inside the spaces allocated for parking and they encroach on the road space. In 2012 they fit inside the parking spaces. Replicate the same thing on every road up and down the country and you have one of your clues as to what is causing congestion.This isn't hard to understand unless you identify as a SUV.

Paul Campbell ● 19d

The road is a public space and members of the public are using it.And your point is? Another tiresome post proving nothing save your prejudice.

N V Brooks ● 19d

Look at the line between the parking spaces and the road in both photos and count the vehicles that stretch over it. Bloat absorbing public space and making the road more dangerous for everybody.

Paul Campbell ● 19d

Two lines of cars legally parked, and your point is?

N V Brooks ● 19d

While Tories campaign against cycle lanes the real cause of congestion just keeps on encroaching on public space. An image replicated the length of the country of the same road 12 years apart.,

Paul Campbell ● 19d

Locally, any form of viable opposition to the politburos sitting in Hounslow and Ealing. Lacklustre would be generous. Bloody inept more accurate.

N V Brooks ● 20d

Maybe we can have more bike lanes and fewer Tories if they insist on carrying on as they are?Win/win

Paul Campbell ● 20d

If they keep moaning about the bike lanes their popularity will decline further.If they begin to encourage the building of bike lanes their popularity will improve.Which is most important? More bike lanes or more Tories.

Will Watson ● 20d

Ah the nostalgia of the Chiswick Conservatives' anti-LTN campaign in one handy graphic. Life continues to be a struggle every day in what Councillor Biddolph called the "ghetto" of Grove Park 

Paul Campbell ● 20d