Category: Counting On …

Reflections and actions during COP26 and going on

 Counting on ….day 137

31st March 2022 

This May, 5th, London’s local councils will be up for re-election. It is important that our local councillors know which things actually matter to us. The London Cycling Campaign has created an email letter to send to candidates asking them to prioritise various cycling matters that will create greener and pleasanter neighbourhoods. Richmond Council is already instigating many of these proposals but there is always scope for more if councillors feel it is something g we really want. 

https://action.lcc.org.uk/climate-safe-streets

 Counting on ….day 136

30th March 2022 

The following Early Day Motion has been put forward by our local MP, Sarah Olney. 

“That this House maintains an unwavering commitment to achieving net zero targets; acknowledges the urgent need to tackle high carbon emissions produced by homes across the UK; recognises the need for a comprehensive Government scheme to incentivise retrofitting to improve energy efficiency of homes and buildings; pledges that any future additional investment in energy production is directed to renewable sources of energy; extends the phasing out of Russian energy supply imports to include natural gas; and commits to making the transition away from Russian oil and gas a green one.”

Thank you Sarah!

 Counting on …day 135

29th March 2022

Wellington boots are ideal for jumping in puddles! Growing up in rural Warwickshire in the 60’s and 70’s, Wellington boots were the main footwear for a good half of the year. We wore them so often they would physically wear out developing cracks around the ankle. Now I have walking boots to cover both wet days and long walks. Regular cleaning and re waterproofing ensures my feet stay dry. Good maintenance prolongs the life of so many things we own and is something  sustainability counts on.

Waterproof garments also last longer when regularly cleaned and waterproofed. 

Counting on …day 134 

28th March 2022

What a run of beautifully warm, sunny days! 

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We can of course count on there being some wet days to come – and rain is a necessary part of our survival. Can we enjoy wet days just as much as sunny ones?  Wet becomes uncomfortable when one gone gets cold and/or when you end up sitting in damp clothes. But otherwise we tend to veer unnecessarily away from going out in the rain. Waterproofs can keep us dry and getting wet doesn’t really hurt – it can be fun feeling rain drip on to your face. As can watching the rain drip off leaves or run down gullies.

Welly Wandering is number 6 of the National Trust’s 50 Things to do! And in Sweden they are developing play grounds that come to life in the rain!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/wetter-the-better-gothenburgs-bold-plan-to-be-worlds-best-rainy-city

 Counting on …day 132

26th March 2022

‘Electric cargo bikes deliver about 60% faster than vans in city centres, according to a study. It found that bikes had a higher average speed and dropped off 10 parcels an hour, compared with six for vans. The bikes also cut carbon emissions by 90% compared with diesel vans, and by a third compared with electric vans, the report said. Air pollution, which is still at illegal levels in many urban areas, was also significantly reduced.’ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/05/cargo-bikes-deliver-faster-and-cleaner-than-vans-study-finds

You can hire a cargo delivery service through companies such as Pedal Me to collect and deliver all manner of goods – and as a taxi service for people . Pedal Me offers such a service within a 9 mile radius of central London and can carry one/ two passengers and/or luggage and even dogs. 

Counting on …day 133 

25th March 202s

Try a cycle before you buy. 

Richmond council also has an arrangement with Peddle My Wheels (a living wage employer)  to enable people to hire cycles to see which suits them best before buying https://www.peddlemywheels.com/products 

For people who need an an adapted bike, Peddle My Wheels are partnered with Wheels for Wellbeing and Bikeworks who run all inclusive sessions for people to try a range of bikes. 

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Counting on…day 132

24th March 2022

Cycling is always easier of your cycle is well maintained: peddles, wheels and gears flow easily allow you to cycle further/ faster with less effort. You can book your cycle in for a routine servicing at a local bike shop or finding training opportunities so that you can become your own cycle mechanic. Richmond council is offering the following free workshop: The Cycle Maintenance Course at the Holy Trinity School Cycle Hub will take place on Wednesday 23 and Wednesday 30 March at 5pm. Both courses are completely free to attend.The event is being organised by the borough’s Healthy Streets Officer. To secure your place, please send an email to raphael.younger@sustrans.org.uk.

Bikeworks also offers maintenance workshops at different levels https://www.bikeworks.org.uk/Event/maintenance-courses/

 Counting on ….day 131

23rd March 2022

Cars might seem essential for picking up shopping, delivering goods, or transporting children, but in reality there are many alternatives. Cargo bikes can just as easily fit the bill. Our local authority of Richmond upon Thames, has a hire scheme so residents can make use of cargo bikes for a minimal outlay – indeed the first two hours are free. https://www.richmond.gov.uk/news/march_2022/new_cargo_bike_hire_scheme

If we are going to achieve net zero carbon and save ourselves and the whole planet from a complete climate catastrophe, we need to make real changes to the way we live our lives. Schemes like this make it that but easier.

Counting on …day 130 

22nd March 2022

The days are getting longer and milder – a good time to get back to cycling if you have had a winter break or to take it up as a new venture. Cycling is good for us mentally and physically as well as being far better for the environment than using a car. There are many sorts of cycles including specially adapted ones for people with particular disabilities, as well as e-assist cycles for those with less strength.