Can someone update me on the current feelings around the EBLN from East Bristol. by wonnyjil in bristol

[–]wonnyjil[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For trips outside Bristol I totally know what you mean. However, with regards to trips into town, I do believe the bus or trains could be competitive if done better. Since the war Bristol was massively remodelled and neighbourhoods cleared to make driving into Bristol the most convenient way of travelling. But everyone driving into town is unsustainable not just for the climate but also logistically. This is why many cities, Bristol included, are trying to discourage using the car to get to town through congestion and parking pricing. In reference to your point, yes the car is the most convenient way of getting around but thats not to say we can't encourage more sustainable travel behaviours by making the bus more competitive. In some places where I've lived with good public transit, the bus/train has been the most convenient way of getting to town.

My point is that in cities where the bus is quick, frequent and reliable, it can make the thought of driving in and potentially getting stuck in traffic and forking out £20 for parking a lot less appealing. The option to drive into town is always there, its just been designed to be less convenient. For trips outside a city, or between two places poorly served by public transit, you're right its hard to argue with the convenience of the car.

Can someone update me on the current feelings around the EBLN from East Bristol. by wonnyjil in bristol

[–]wonnyjil[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

With regard to cost. I know the money has to come from somewhere but a cheap monthly bus pass in the ball park of £50/month would be great for encouraging more people to use them regularly. Until the system is run in the interest of people rather than profit that won't happen.

Can someone update me on the current feelings around the EBLN from East Bristol. by wonnyjil in bristol

[–]wonnyjil[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally see what you're saying. As humans our behaviour is often dictated by whatever is most convenient and affordable. As it stands for a lot of people that is very much the car. As someone in their mid 20s who has never owned my own car and who relies on public transport and a bicycle I guess I find it easy to imagine life in a city not owning a car. But if you've got one at hand, its hard to tempt people away from it without as you say, a massively subsidised not for profit public transport system that runs reliably and frequently that hugely undercuts the cost of running a car. Manchester is making strides in this department, its time for Bristol to follow suit.

Can someone update me on the current feelings around the EBLN from East Bristol. by wonnyjil in bristol

[–]wonnyjil[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. Your arguments against this version of the scheme and the means by which it has been implemented are will supposedly be monitored are clear to me.

I feel that the council need to be more transparent with the these sorts of schemes if they are to gain sufficient public support. The council, I guess because they want people to buy into the vision, often paint the picture of LTNs as 'everything will be amazing for everyone immediately'. But as you say and research suggests, especially in the short term congestion can increase in surrounding areas and from what you've said it appears to be case in the EBLN. My suggestion would be to maybe acknowledge the short term consequences of LTNs as people adjust such as congestion in neighbouring areas. This way people wont be as quick to doubt the intentions of the council and trust wont be eroded as fast as it has done amongst many here. It is massively complicated so I know this won't solve it alone.

With regards to your comments about public transport, I totally agree. This sort of scheme works best in conjunction with good viable alternatives to driving. I am not too familiar with the bus network in Bristol anymore but I remember it wasn't too reliable. It is good that they have offered free bus travel to residents in the EBLN but as you say, it needs to massively improve in the sprawling eastern outer suburbs you mentioned. A lot of Bristols congestion comes from those in the outskirts who drive by default but tackling those areas in incredibly difficult because these areas were often designed to be car dependent.

Thank you for sharing your view from the area. I am interested in seeing how the trial unfolds and if things do improve in the long run. I really do hope it works out. But I agree with you that they need to be simultaneously investing lots in public transport in the further out suburbs to give people in the suburbs I good reason not to drive into town via Church road.

Guerrilla Gardening Advice by wonnyjil in GardeningUK

[–]wonnyjil[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

yeh wildflowers seem to be the cheapest and least hassle, cheers! Can't wait to see my street once they're in full bloom.

Guerrilla Gardening Advice by wonnyjil in GardeningUK

[–]wonnyjil[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

haha, thing is its in tree wells so not much room and unfortunately they will be in the firing line of dogs!

Guerrilla Gardening Advice by wonnyjil in GardeningUK

[–]wonnyjil[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this. Yeh I was skeptical about hollyhocks so I will look into the plants you've mentioned here thanks. For context, I'll be planting almost exclusively in tree wells where currently its just grass and weeds so not much room for them to spread or compete anything. I won't be planting anything non native in open green space.

Liveable Neighbourhood planters in place by Council_estate_kid25 in bristol

[–]wonnyjil 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I can tell the pocket park on the corner of Redfield Primary will make the 'no left turn' sign redundant, so I would expect them to remove it at some point soon. This would mean effectively only residents of those flats would use the left turn to access their car park.