Saturday 23 January 2010

Flying doctors - nearly


I approve of the idea behind the smart, well-equipped, all-terrain, NHS bikes to be seen around York. As a city that is well used to seeing 7% of its commutes made by bicycle, York has not heralded these life-savers as proudly as it might. The cyclists among you know that the quickest, and most predictable, way around a busy city is by bike. My own commute, to the language school I work at, takes me 17 minutes, rain or shine. By car or bus it has taken anything from 20 to 50 minutes.
Given those figures it makes sense that to get medical aid to a vehicle accident victim, a bicycle will probably be the quickest way. A great many hold-ups are accident linked anyway, so even more reason to use a bike to gain those vital few minutes that might make all the difference.
I for one applaud the introduction and will sleep sounder knowing that a fellow cyclist may one day come to my aid.

Saturday 2 January 2010

The adaptability of humanity


A few weeks ago these three people were wondering how they would be able to survive the winter in England. Eight weeks later and they are seasoned winter sports enthusiasts.

What a difference a sprinkling of snow makes at Christmas time. Most places of interest are shut or operating on reduced programmes so a day or two outdoors was just what was needed.

Even dad had fun - no cycling but sledges can be exciting too.


The sledge cost ten pounds -  best tenner I've spent all year!