On driving and cycling:
1. Try cycling a route before you say it's impractical.
2. Some journeys really do need a car, and if you've considered the alternatives that's fine.
3. If you do drive, be mindful that you *are* the traffic jam and part of the reason cyclists feel unsafe.

After too much tweeting this morning (hello staycation) I think this is what my thoughts boil down to, and I hope I'm approaching this fairly. Now for some more detail:

1. If you're going to engage in a debate, you need to know both sides. I have moved around Brussels by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, car, and public transport, and I know what works for me. You owe it to yourself to explore all your options!

2. If you have tried to make the alternatives work, and you decide that you still need your car: fine. I'm not going to judge anyone who makes an informed choice.

3. But please recognise that cars take up a vast amount of urban space relative to the number of people they move. City governments have every right to redistribute this space in favour of more efficient alternatives such as cycle paths or bus lanes.

Ultimately, if you're in a car in the city without a good reason, you're part of the problem.

Why is your car stuck in traffic? Other cars.
Why are other cars stuck in traffic? Your car.

Why are buses stuck in traffic? Cars.

Why is cycling unsafe for your children? Cars.

As I said, I won't judge anyone's individual choice, as I don't know all the circumstances. But please, at least, be mindful of the harm caused by cars in cities, including yours.

And I haven't even mentioned pollution.

On a positive note:

There has never been a better time to try cycling! The weather is good, there's new infrastructure to make it safe, and electric bikes mean you can do 10km without breaking a sweat.

Give it a go. DM me and I'll even lend you my bike for a day.

cc @John_Rega @StephanieBodoni @mlexmcleod @AlisonBrux @eoghanwalsh