Can technology save us?

by John Adams

Asks the reader to: assume there is incredible technological progress in endeavours to solve problems of en-ergy scarcity, pollution and congestion; imagine a super Super Car powered by a pollution-free perpetual motion engine; imagine a super Internet which provides free and efficient access to all the databases and li-braries in the world. The result would be a social and environmental disaster - unless at the same time hu-mankind manages to curb the appetites which are driving the steeply rising growth curves of material con-sumption and physical and electronic mobility. Argues that the technological enterprises that are currently consuming the lion's share of resources directed to the solution of transport problems are relaxing important constraints on these appetites. Concludes that the principal barrier to a morally and politically sustainable transport policy is the belief that there are technical solutions for these problems.

Subverting sustainability? Infrastructural and cultural barriers to cycle use in Accra

by Jeff Turner, Margaret Grieco & E.A. Kwakye

Reports on in-depth qualitative interviews with bicycle owners and non-bicycle owners in Nima and James-town, Accra, Ghana. Also draws on two other surveys of transport patterns and travel behaviour in Accra. Finds a negative attitude towards cyclists. Argues that the implementation of dedicated infrastructure for bi-cycles may require a significant level of enforcement for success.

The future of public transport: the dangers of viewing policy through rose-tinted spectacles

by Mayer Hillman

Improved public transport services are generally viewed as the most effective means of encouraging transfer from the car, especially on urban journeys. Accordingly, substantial funds are being invested to this end. Demonstrates that such an approach achieves little of this transfer. By comparing patterns of travel in Britain and the Netherlands, shows that the prioritising of walking and cycling is not only far more effective and cost-effective in achieving the transfer, but also is likely to deliver a wide range of social, health and envi-ronmental objectives of public policy additional to those related to transport. There must therefore be a pre-sumption in favour of investment in networks for walking and cycling and in other measures enabling jour-neys to be made by these non-motorised modes well in advance of investment in public transport.

Road infrastructure investment in Bangladesh: [environment under threat?]

by John Howe

Bangladesh's attempts to support and expand a road network are, relative to its wealth and agricultural land, far in excess of its Asian neighbours. The dubious grounds for such a policy are belied by its unsustain-ability from inadequate maintenance, significant environmental and social dis-benefits, namely the loss of scarce land through road construction which leads directly to increased poverty, and destruction of dwin-dling forest resources. Argues that prominence given to road construction should be questioned, especially in view of the country's rich endowment of waterways and non-motorised forms of transport which are less environmentally destructive.

Assessing the costs and benefits of cycle networks

by Tony Hathway

Non-motorised transport can make an important contribution to improving environmental quality and en-hancing personal mobility. Too often bicycles are seen as a hindrance to other traffic and the planning and evaluation of transport proposals often focusses on this negative side and underplays the many indirect benefits. The costs that might accrue if cyclists were to transfer to motor vehicles is not assessed. Research in Pune, India, demonstrates that the true benefits of a cycle network far outweigh the costs. Reviews recent approaches to bicycle planning in Europe and Asia, and examines in-depth the cycle network in Pune and assesses its costs and benefits. Analyses the process of evaluation which is used to obtain project funding and recommends an alternative approach to project appraisal.

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