Gehl: Disrupting the fabric of unique societies???
July 16, 2010
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The letter to the paper (thanks for bicycletim for the very flat scan)
I am happy to say that I am very impressed with the new bike cage outside the new Menzies centre despite Kelvin Markhams assumption that a cage full of bicycles is somehow a negative sight (Letters, July 15).
Perhaps it would be wise for any opposition to the creation of a supportive environment for people to cycle in Hobart to look at the recent multi-story car park developments in and about the CBD and first ask if perhaps these spaces could have been saved for functions more aesthetically pleasing.
As a daily bicycle user I challenge the view that cyclists are sweaty and lycra clad by arriving to work after a 10km ride in my work attire, cool, calm and collected. The point of a bicycle cage is predominantly to support people riding to work, not out training or racing, and therefore the people he sees entering and exiting the cage most likely won’t be wearing lycra.
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www.copenhagencyclechic.com
The University of Tasmania and the Menzies centre have made a powerful statement as health and medical research partners to Hobart about the importance of active transport and I look forward to a new generation of Medical Professionals and Researchers who place high value on the importance of the physical environment in determining healthy lifestyle choice such as regular physical activity.
Liam Correy
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I believe Jan Gehls urban planning advice enhances and invigorates fabric of unique societies and does not disrupt them as Kelvin Markham claims (Letters, 15th July). The new bike cage outside the Menzies centre is a welcome reminder of the large numbers of commuters choosing to make a healthy and stylish travel mode into Hobart by bike. Whenever I ride I wear the most fashionable and practical clothes I can get my hands on the public stage that is our roads. Unlike the hidden occupants of cars who could be wearing ugg boots and unfashionable dress bicycle users bravely flash their healthy bodies for the world to see.
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a katie look-a-like in copenhagen - www.copenhagencyclechic.com
Recent bicycle user counts measuring commuting numbers along major arterial roads on July 6th conducted by Healthy Transport Hobart and the Hobart city council reveal a steady number through the winter months of mostly commuter cyclists and not lycra clad recreational and training riders. A count conducted at lower sandy bay revealed a total number of 54 cyclists between 7-9 am with only 4 recreational riders and 40 wearing street and work clothes.
Hobart is to be congratulated for the large numbers of cyclists commuting into the city and the associated health, environmental and economic benefits this mode share contributes to the fabric of our city. In my role as a registered nurse I would prefer to see less obesity, diabetes, cancer and depression for the small price of a secure lock up for bicycles at every workplace. Jan Gehls forward – thinking urban planning is a must have for any city aiming to be more than a motor vehicle race track.
Katie Kingshott (Melbourne Correspondent)
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I can safely say that the bike cage is not a monstrosity when compared to what the equivalent parking facility for 100 cars would look like
posted for the love of countering a ludicrous anti cycling rant by Liam.C
Kelvin Kelvin Kelvin……what a sad little man you are.
Me thinks he is jealous that I look good in lycra! Not to mention than anyone with a modest amount of fitness can ride a bike at a reasonable pace without sweating much if at all.
Also, the Muckery needs a good kick up the bum for going with that heading. Not that its surprising.
I love the responses guys, thanks for keeping the bastards honest
Bike cage? What bike cage? Oh, you mean that practical, neat, little thing down there with the bikes in it, next to the large, ugly, monstrosity that is the new Menzie’s centre.
Eye of the beholder alright!
I’m also confused as to how Kelvin believes that the private car culture of Hobart is unique among societies. There’s nothing more unique than people actively living in our cities interacting and building their own communities, unrestrained by their metal cage transport.
I saw that letter. Kelvin is clearly a grade A wanker.
Amazing that Kevin complains about a little bike cage but takes no objection to multi-storey car parks.
I love having secure bike storage at my place of work and where I shop, etc. but that chain-link fence bike cage is FUGLY. It looks like almost zero concern was taken in designing it to fit in the environment.
A criticism of the form is reasonable, the function is great. Why not call out very weak design for what it is and ask for better? Even car parks have more attention paid to their design.
My first reaction is that it looks like a dog kennel.
I love having secure bike storage at my place of work and where I shop, etc. but that chain-link fence bike cage is FUGLY. It looks like almost zero concern was taken in designing it to fit in the environment.
A criticism of the form is reasonable, the function is great. Why not call out very weak design for what it is and ask for better? Even car parks have more attention paid to their design.
The complaint about the architect is stupid, but if the architect approved the ugly blemish nearby, well then it is fair.
Im not sure about that Ray, if the bike storage was too elaborate then im sure Kelvin would still whinge.
Something along the lines of why spend so much money and effort on a place to park “bloody bicycles”.
Hes whinging about seeing bikes in Amsterdam FFS!!
While to some extent I agree that a wire cage is not the best looking thing around its functional which is what matters. Plant a few small native trees/plants around it and you get both form and function.
He might also critisize the car park out the front where the landscaping is meant to be, but it terms of amount of good vs. eyesore I’d take the bike cage anyday.
Glad it’s was our Melbourne correspondent talking, L might have struggled for “the most fashionable ” , more at the ” practical clothes ” end.
comment taken mark. I’m heading to melbourne at the end of the week to dapper up my wardrobe. trakkies, boardies and hoodies definitely are the extent of my cycle wear these days.
Kelvin = Knob
Massive one.
now now dave, kelvins just a little bit misguided. but point taken
Oh dear. Looks like Hobart’s car culture is getting torn apart at the seams!
Much like the Menzies Research Institute.