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I learnt at the weekend that the filtered permeability bollards that makes our community the wonderful place that it is were put in because of an incident like this. It took neighbours hosting a sit-in on the road to get bollards to slow & reduce traffic. 1/ https://twitter.com/DuBarryPie/status/1325819666699231232
Why does it take the loss of a life ... or in many cases 3 (I kid not, I have no reference unfortunately but learnt this from international counterparts who said it is an undocumented norm-point for action!) 2/
Why can't those fighting to retain the car-centric mess that we have created, where success is measured by low car trip-time which inevitably means disadvantaging the most vulnerable in society, see that we can save lives with relatively easy fixes when there is political will 3/
These are not just lives saved from road traffic incidences. A greater proportion of lives will be saved from better air quality, more physical activity, less social isolation, better mental health... the list goes on. 4/
I span engineering/ planning and health/ physical activity disciplines with my work. We have known for a long time that the built environment is a determinant of health. The health side are constantly asking why aren't we doing something about it as Engineers and Planners! 5/
I always reply that the vast majority of us want to. However, the blockage comes from a lack of political will, particularly at local government level, to implement change.
There are other challenges, none of which are insurmountable 6/
There are other challenges, none of which are insurmountable 6/
Research has shown us more walkable/ active transport friendly areas are more vibrant socially and economically, people are happier, they are more likely to get involved in community and vote (win for local politics there!) 7/
Then why so many objections I hear you say. A wise stalwart of community consultation once told me that objections are driven by fear. Real and genuine fear of how change will affect them. Clear and continuous communication is key. We all know the damage a rumour shared can do 8/
I'm delighted that change is starting to happen in Ireland. We have a long way to go. In particular, the local government level I mentioned above. It is on everyone to engage with local representatives to ensure we get the best neighbourhoods we can. Without a needless death 9/9
Relevant tweet https://twitter.com/timrgill/status/1326483651421495298?s=20
