Why we need empathy on the road, or what does „Black Lives Matter“ and the current discourse on systemic racism have in common with transportation politics?
Source: Mohamed Hassan auf pixabay
All posts by Anne Kirkham
Cycling In Mixed Traffic? No!
I’m profoundly disturbed by the notion that, as an experienced cyclist, I “should” ride in mixed traffic alongside cars and trucks. Doing so makes cycling more stressful and dangerous. As a non-motorized “lightweight” I’ve “lost” this “game” before I even start. What’s worse is that such “infrastructure” makes cycling more difficult and more dangerous for children, new cyclists, or people who simply do not want to play “road warrior.” When I’m cycling with my kids, I’m forced to follow them on the sidewalk; other parents simply do not even cycle, choosing the “safe” alternative of driving their kids everywhere. The stress and the imminent conflicts which mixed traffic cycling forces us to endure would not exist if adequate infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians were present everywhere. Continue reading Cycling In Mixed Traffic? No!
Portland – the myth and the reality
Following a television documentary about the “do it yourself” and bicycle culture in Portland, Oregon, last year, many Bremers, and especially cyclists, asked me if Portland is really as cool as all the hype.
Well-signed bike route through residential streets in the Mt Tabor neighbourhood of Portland, Oregon.
My answer was yes, and no. Continue reading Portland – the myth and the reality
Illegal Parking in Bremen: Not a Victimless Crime
We like Bremen and chose to make it our home
Like many families, my partner and I chose to raise our children in Bremen because we enjoy the quality of life here. Like the San Francisco Bay Area where I grew up, Bremen is multicultural, progressive, and openminded. Unlike most of the United States, however, it is still relatively affordable for working families. Continue reading Illegal Parking in Bremen: Not a Victimless Crime
Dangerous drivers from a parent’s perspective
Sunday night on the way home from the swimming pool my 8 year old daughter and I were almost run over by a car turning left into the crosswalk where we were (legally!) crossing the street.
Annes daughter watchful/An der Ecke Kornstraße/Kirchweg
Unfortunately we experience similar situations several times a week, since traffic enforcement in Bremen is dying out, and frustrated car drivers take their aggression out on the “weak.” This incident occurred at the intersection of Kirchweg and Kornstrasse in the Neustadt, just seconds away from our front door.
Continue reading Dangerous drivers from a parent’s perspective