And this is a big, big problem
5 reasons why you should care about the lack of BME cyclists in London
Earlier this week, Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said something that shouldn’t be at all controversial – and that, in truth, isn’t even very original.
According to Norman, London’s cyclists are too white, male and middle-aged. This is backed up by evidence. While 41 per cent of London’s population is black or from an ethnic minority, only 15 per cent of cyclists are, according to Transport for London figures. Moreover, only 27 per cent of London’s cyclists are women.
Norman went on to say that for cycling to be considered a success in the capital, it must be taken up by a more diverse population, which, coincidentally, I also said last month in the New Statesman.Â
BME is “Black and minority ethnic”.
To the online mob, this is just another case of the liberal elite seeing racism in everything (WT-it is). Cyclist critics of Norman have argued that if more money is spent on cycling infrastructure, it will lead to a more diverse population of cyclists. Others acknowledge the problem, but say it is low on the priority list.
Here’s why they are wrong:
You’re welcome to read it, but, really, what are they going to do: force BME’s to ride bikes? Restrict white, middle age males (WMAM) from doing so? OK, so one of their plans is to spend more public money through the Walking And Cycling Commission (think on paying people for this job) on letting BMEs know about the bikes. As if they don’t already. Has it occorred to any of these Liberal World weenies that perhaps they don’t want to bike? What then? Will they force compliance? Again, tell the WMAM’s that only some may use the bikes?
And, yes, they are seeing raaaaacism where it doesn’t exist. Were the BME’s complain? Or just eh White Liberal Elites who would not dare use a bike?
