APPG 2030 Ban

Fair Fuel APPG for UK Motorists and UK Hauliers August 2021 Page | 55 It seems the Government is too scared to stand up to these uncompromising cyclists. Drivers were happy to coexist with cyclists, even though many on pedal power ignore the rules of the road. Cycling had a chance to prove it could make a meaningful contribution to travel in this country if only its advocates would cut out their belief that they have a majority right to road user-ship. The Mayor of London’s office now saying there should be a ten-fold increase in cycling is simply ridiculous. Cycling has a welcome place – but it’s a relatively a very small place. There is now a ‘them and us’ struggle steered by a very highly vocal minority of militant cyclists. Perennially demonised drivers are calling for common sense to close the divide once and for all. I am on record asking cycling leaders to work with FairFuelUK to create a long-term road user plan that benefits all road users, the environment, road safety and the economy. Yet, all too often, cycling groups reply with insults and a road plan for them alone. They do not seem to care if the elderly and disabled can’t park close enough to get to their shops with walking sticks, or that families with small children need to use cars, and resent them even being able to unload outside their homes. But here’s another thing. In FairFuelUK’s survey, 90 per cent of cyclists said they have relied on home deliveries during lockdown that arrived via diesel. Needless to say, most of these deliveries were NOT made by bicycle. This selfish opportunism is typical and must be challenged. As a long time one nation Conservative, I regret recommending the Tory Party in the Sun (see article) as the only party-political champion prior to their landslide General Election victory in 2019 that will support drivers. Would another Party have been any worse than our current virtue signalling Government? From all the evidence I don’t think so! Howard Cox Founder of the FairFuelUK Campaign https://fairfueluk.com All our campaigning group, FairFuelUK, asks is that we work together to produce a sensible long- term road-user plan, in full consultation with ALL stakeholders. Drivers are voters too, and the question any political party has to ask itself is this – are we willing to lose an election for the sake of more cycle lanes? This riddled with holes transport plan must be urgently re-balanced. Howard Cox now regrets back ing the Tory Party for UK ’s dr ivers, in the Sun before the 2019 General Elect ion