Author Archives: DavidM

What are TfL hiding about the cycle hire scheme?

Posted on August 24, 2010 by DavidM

[Photo: The Basket – James Cridland – Licensed by Creative Commons] The cycle hire scheme has had a troubled birth with technical issues and escalating costs. While the users of the scheme undeniably find it useful, whether the scheme is … Continue reading →

Posted in Cycling, Transport Geekery | 7 Comments

Must Try Harder – Oona’s Transport Policies

Posted on August 8, 2010 by DavidM

Any candidate for London Mayor will not deserve to be elected without a coherent and comprehensive vision for London’s transport system. The current Mayoralty’s policies have been hijacked by special interests and lack ambition. So any alternative candidate will need … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour Party, London Mayoralty | Leave a comment

Hooray for Oyster!

Posted on August 1, 2010 by DavidM

It’s easy to forget what an innovation Oyster was and in many ways still is. As well bringing convenience to everyone who use London’s transport system, it has undoubtedly increased the use of public transport. Whilst the rollout to National … Continue reading →

Posted in Transport Geekery, Travel | Leave a comment

The Economics of Cycle Hire

Posted on July 30, 2010 by DavidM

Boris is about to launch his signature (and very expensive) cycle hire scheme. To assess what benefits this might produce I have asked TfL for some help with additional information. They seem to be taking longer than would normally be … Continue reading →

Posted in Boris Johnson, Cycling | 1 Comment

The Hidden Danger in Ending PPP on the Tube

Posted on July 18, 2010 by DavidM

The acquisition of Tube Lines by Transport for London effectively ended the PPP experiment on the Tube. There are potentially many advantages to the end of the deal, but has it left the Tube more exposed now to cutbacks on … Continue reading →

Posted in Boris Johnson, Transport Geekery | Leave a comment

Time’s running out, Oona

Posted on July 13, 2010 by DavidM

Ken Livingstone needed a strong challenger with a coherent vision in the race for Labour Mayoral nomination. Whilst Oona King has many positive qualities she’s so far failed to articulate a clear vision for London and time’s running out fast. … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour Party, London Mayoralty | 4 Comments

Bus Lane Trial Should End Now

Posted on June 16, 2010 by DavidM

Boris’ scheme to put motorbikes into bus lanes was always ill-conceived. Today’s data from the first trial period shows its downright dangerous for many road users. He should swallow his pride and scrap the extension of the trial now before … Continue reading →

Posted in Boris Johnson, Cycling | 4 Comments

How Not to Encourage Cycling

Posted on September 29, 2009 by DavidM

A house move and lack of internet connection are not conducive to blogging. So, its rather late but I thought I’d write a quick blog about Boris’s cycle hire scheme. Dave Hill had the details earlier in August. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in Boris Johnson, Cycling | 4 Comments

Boris Wants You To Look The Other Way

Posted on May 29, 2009 by DavidM

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee published its report into the disruption caused to London’s transport system by the heavy snowfalls in February this year. Predictably its been fairly critical of Boris’s role in managing the impact of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Boris Johnson | Leave a comment

Cycle-highways – just more paint on the road?

Posted on May 25, 2009 by DavidM

As you might have seen Boris Johnson, our cycling mayor, had a near-miss over the weekend. Along with Kulveer Ranger (his Transport Director), Peter Hendy (TfL Commissioner) and Lord Adonis (Transport Minister) he was on a scouting mission around London … Continue reading →

Posted in Boris Johnson, Cycling | Leave a comment