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The underlying cause of much bad driving and bad cycling

The fundamental problem, the underlying reason why we see more bad driving and bad cycling than we used to, is individualism (neo-liberalism, consumerism, materialism). People increasingly act selfishly unless they are forced to do otherwise, because our individualistic culture teaches them that it is acceptable to do so. This is the single biggest reason why many people cycle without lights, and on pavements, and why many drivers increasingly run red lights, block intersections, treat cyclists as scum, etc. Until we change the whole political and economic system, we will make limited progress in this matter.
This is yet another reason why a new Greener Britain is so desperately needed.

Comments

The Rioja Kid said…
Is there any evidence that we do in fact see more bad driving and bad cycling than we used to? (Other than the triviality that we see more individual instances of bad driving because there are more people and more cars). Last I heard, Smeed's Law (that road fatalities varied as the 2/3 power of car ownership) still held in the UK.
26 November 2007 at 10:09
Rupert said…
It is very clear that there is more running of red lights and less using of bike lights than a generation ago. The police just don't stop people for such offences any more.
26 November 2007 at 20:26
Paul said…
What is your time frame Rupert - elaborate on 'generation'
27 April 2008 at 23:52
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