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Electronic Letters to:
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eLetters: Electronic letters published:
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![[Read eLetter]](/icons/misc/sectionDOWN.gif)
Observations from the field
- Gail E. Brandt (11 November 2003)
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Gail E. Brandt, Health Consultant and Travel Writer Private Consultant
Send letter to journal:
aceofcups7{at}hotmail.com Gail E. Brandt
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AJPH – September 2003 Letters to the Editor “Promoting Safe Walking and Cycling to Improve Public Health: Lessons from the Netherlands and German” I was pleased to read this article and compare the authors’ research with my own experiences, observations and conversations while living in Western Europe for the past a year. I spent 12 months traveling by boat, foot and on a bicycle. I was inspired and convinced that as Americans we too can achieve this level of commitment to health and safety through improved walking and cycling efforts. There are several strategies the authors omitted. Rivers and canals are laced with a network of ferries for moving hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists quickly. Car tunnels and bridges are sparse, thus promoting use of non-motorized ferry transportation. Traffic lights are well timed to move pedestrians safely versus just moving cars swiftly. Stairways to bridges and train stations have side ramps for wheeling bicycles so that cyclists don’t have to lift them high while using the stairs. Trains, buses and trams can easily accommodate bicycles for the mixed -mode traveler. Cycles are equipped with bells that are used to alert pedestrians of passing from behind. My observations and interviews regarding safety revealed that most drivers are also pedestrians and cyclists. Therefore, a state of peaceful coexistence is present and an awareness of how to drive through non- motorized traffic. I rarely saw cyclists wearing helmets. While I am a strong proponent of bicycle helmets at home, I sensed the safety and confidence that comes from knowing drivers were very aware and cautious Let me add that based on observations, cycling is so woven into the fabric of society in Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands that it is common to see people in business suits going to work or in evening attire ready for a night of clubbing. Bicycles are old, plain, inexpensive and cycling does not require special shoes, gloves, or padded shorts. It is just part of everyday mobility. In addition to cyclists and pedestrians, I observed many residents in wheel chairs. What is safe for the former applies to the latter. This enables those confined to their wheel chair to safely navigate through the community to work, on errands and for recreation. I believe there is a critical mass, and that number does not need to be too great before we can see significant and lasting changes here in the USA. Gail Brandt Tacoma, WA |
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