Probably to do with the huge amount of large showy cars !Seriously though, Southall is the only part of the borough that is largely flat and thus easier to ride. It was ( from reference ) a very popular destination for Inner London Cycling touring clubs as it was "very open suburban and quiet with lots of good level roads" - From 1953 ! Hard to imagine now but it is still quite level.Even as a lifelong cyclist locally, Many parts of Ealing, Hanwell and Greenford were a real struggle, even when very fit and agile and not possible now without some form of assisted propulsion.Even Brentford to Ealing is on a deceptive gradient. Which is why those in the know use traversing quiet street routes and not the marked cycleways.But much of the district is for those young, agile and very fit. I note that only those riding super light racing machines are capable of non stop or non wobble riding on the hilly bits.The reality most will need a more rugged practical versatile cycles that can carry shopping and possibly a small child. Not a razor blade saddle and a bike with toe clips.The geography of a district does not make day to day chore riding really practicable. - Thus why so many shelled out for a small private car when they became affordable to working people. Life was hard and limited by means then. The private car unlocked that gate for many ordinary people.In all seriousness though, will LBE also be providing mandatory training that has to be passed and not run by some fly by night Council Preferred operator?Will safety equipment from helmets to mudguards and working lights be provided?Or are lives in Southall not considered valuable enough to put safety first?Road safety in schools and in workplaces was Something that Ealing Borough of the past was excellent at. It was always first priority. Cycling to schools was only permitted at 11 and over and only with a RoSPA Cycling proficiency certificate. Ealing, RoSPA and the Met Police excelled in this area for decades.I wonder if the same exponents will accept liability for any mishaps from rider inexperience or ignorance?Choice is one thing. Imposition by enticement is another.I strongly feel that priorities are so misplaced and safety and diligence should be first, rather than so many schemes that only benefit a very small gamut of cyclists.It's a shame that these implementing such schemes refuse to listen and address the negatives to make practicable positives and work harder to make things a proper success rather than a load of PR soundbites for a few weeks.
Raymond Havelock ● 1213d