Zoe Banks Gross
@zoebanksgross.bsky.social
Healthy, sustainable places & physical activity, #cycling, #walking #running #wheeling, #greenspace #bluespace #kidicalmass #playingout #justttransition
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
In the Netherlands, where the Dutch invest in safe cycling, the over-65s cycle around a quarter of their journeys, while the over-80s cycle around 10% of theirs.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
December 2, 2025 at 2:41 PM
In the Netherlands, where the Dutch invest in safe cycling, the over-65s cycle around a quarter of their journeys, while the over-80s cycle around 10% of theirs.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and cycle lanes don't 'restrict freedom', they expand it.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
I FOI'd English councils whether they use legal land purchase powers to create traffic-free paths. Just 1% said they have successfully.
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
November 13, 2025 at 2:18 PM
I FOI'd English councils whether they use legal land purchase powers to create traffic-free paths. Just 1% said they have successfully.
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Why is something that's so common for roads almost never done for cycle routes? And what does it mean for cycling?
lauralaker.substack.com/p/cycleways-...
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae singer, actor and cultural icon, dies aged 81
Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae singer, actor and cultural icon, dies aged 81
Star of The Harder They Come had hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want and I Can See Clearly Now
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae singer, actor and cultural icon, dies aged 81
So glad to #getoutside for a #walk today.
November 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
So glad to #getoutside for a #walk today.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Crashed and abandoned, left obstucting the footway and cycletrack for at least nine days now.
Remind me where pedestrians and cyclists are in the heirarchy of road users.
Remind me where pedestrians and cyclists are in the heirarchy of road users.
November 23, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Crashed and abandoned, left obstucting the footway and cycletrack for at least nine days now.
Remind me where pedestrians and cyclists are in the heirarchy of road users.
Remind me where pedestrians and cyclists are in the heirarchy of road users.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Great piece!
> I argue that skateboarding, too, is a pedagogical instrument…
> The playfulness skating allows is not about turning cities into playgrounds but turning individuals into people who can find playgrounds in cities.
> I argue that skateboarding, too, is a pedagogical instrument…
> The playfulness skating allows is not about turning cities into playgrounds but turning individuals into people who can find playgrounds in cities.
I wrote about skateboarding, Graeber, and Weizenbaum for Mediapolis' special issue on "Playable Cities". Had lots of fun with this one :)
www.mediapolisjournal.com/2025/11/seei...
www.mediapolisjournal.com/2025/11/seei...
Seeing Like a Skater: Skateboarding as Poetic Technology
Reflecting on her experiences of skateboarding in Cairo, New York and other cities as a form of ‘rolling ethnography’, Alia ElKattan positions ‘seeing like a skater’ as a new way to approach urban lan...
www.mediapolisjournal.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Great piece!
> I argue that skateboarding, too, is a pedagogical instrument…
> The playfulness skating allows is not about turning cities into playgrounds but turning individuals into people who can find playgrounds in cities.
> I argue that skateboarding, too, is a pedagogical instrument…
> The playfulness skating allows is not about turning cities into playgrounds but turning individuals into people who can find playgrounds in cities.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
As nations KEEP FAILING on #ClimateAction, cities must DOUBLE their efforts & actions on #ClimateChange mitigation though the SIGNIFICANT power of land-use and transportation decisions, which are within the power of cities and are TRANSFORMATIVE in addressing the #ClimateCrisis.
Further & faster.
Further & faster.
November 22, 2025 at 6:21 PM
As nations KEEP FAILING on #ClimateAction, cities must DOUBLE their efforts & actions on #ClimateChange mitigation though the SIGNIFICANT power of land-use and transportation decisions, which are within the power of cities and are TRANSFORMATIVE in addressing the #ClimateCrisis.
Further & faster.
Further & faster.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
The latest National Travel Survey clearly questions that old myth about "Active travel is just for the middle classes, what about working people who have to drive?"
November 22, 2025 at 7:28 AM
The latest National Travel Survey clearly questions that old myth about "Active travel is just for the middle classes, what about working people who have to drive?"
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Closing Central Madrid To Cars Resulted In 9.5% Boost To Retail Spending, Finds Bank Analysis
City of Madrid significantly boosted the takings of its shops and restaurants last Christmas by banning cars from the CBD, finds an analysis by Spain's second largest bank.
www.forbes.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Keep this in mind when people claim cars mean business — closing Central #Madrid to cars over holidays resulted in a 9.5% boost in retail spending on its main shopping street: STUDY.
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
There was also a 71% drop in air pollution.
Via @carltonreid.com in @forbes.com. #citymakingmath #citiesforpeople
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Der LKW-Fahrer bog links ab, dabei übersah er den Scooter-Fahrer. Dann ist das Verb erfassen falsch gewählt, liebe #mopo. Er überfuhr den Menschen!
Am Windhukkai ist ein in beide Richtungen benutzungspflichtiger Fuß- und Radweg. LKW-Fahrer nehmen dort idR keine Rücksicht beim Abbiegen
Am Windhukkai ist ein in beide Richtungen benutzungspflichtiger Fuß- und Radweg. LKW-Fahrer nehmen dort idR keine Rücksicht beim Abbiegen
Lkw erfasst Scooter-Fahrer im Hamburger Hafen
Im Hamburger Hafen (Kleiner Grasbrook) ist es am Dienstagmittag zu einem schlimmen Verkehrsunfall gekommen. Ein Lkw hatte einen Scooter-Fahrer erfasst.
www.mopo.de
November 19, 2025 at 4:19 AM
Der LKW-Fahrer bog links ab, dabei übersah er den Scooter-Fahrer. Dann ist das Verb erfassen falsch gewählt, liebe #mopo. Er überfuhr den Menschen!
Am Windhukkai ist ein in beide Richtungen benutzungspflichtiger Fuß- und Radweg. LKW-Fahrer nehmen dort idR keine Rücksicht beim Abbiegen
Am Windhukkai ist ein in beide Richtungen benutzungspflichtiger Fuß- und Radweg. LKW-Fahrer nehmen dort idR keine Rücksicht beim Abbiegen
I enjoy the cycle rides with my kiddo to sports activities, good for catching up.
Active commuting with children is often cited by parents as quality time spent interacting with their child and the environment, rather than time spent isolated in separate metal boxes.
November 19, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I enjoy the cycle rides with my kiddo to sports activities, good for catching up.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
As winter flooding looms, it's worth noting that a young street tree in an asphalt surface can prevent 60% of the rain that falls on it from reaching the ground, even when not in leaf.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
November 18, 2025 at 6:14 PM
As winter flooding looms, it's worth noting that a young street tree in an asphalt surface can prevent 60% of the rain that falls on it from reaching the ground, even when not in leaf.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Increasing the low levels of urban tree cover should be a strategic national priority.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Yet another evidence review argues very strongly that simply providing alternatives to driving doesn't reduce driving
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Reducing traffic with “carrots”: A review of the evidence
Reducing traffic volumes is one way to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector. Since increasing driving costs is often met with public resi…
www.sciencedirect.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Yet another evidence review argues very strongly that simply providing alternatives to driving doesn't reduce driving
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
This isn't surprising, if only thanks to habit. If I unthinkingly jump in my car for every trip (as many do), new buses won't change that
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Very dull, cold and damp. Brought my own dopamine for my #utilitycycling journey to the gym and shops. #getoutside #wintercycling
November 18, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Very dull, cold and damp. Brought my own dopamine for my #utilitycycling journey to the gym and shops. #getoutside #wintercycling
A grey day, very glad I was able to #getoutside for a #walk.
November 16, 2025 at 6:09 PM
A grey day, very glad I was able to #getoutside for a #walk.
Pretty wet out there, but I still needed to go to the shops. My #walking journey featured a lot of puddles as well as #pavementparking which added unnecessary challenges.
November 14, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Pretty wet out there, but I still needed to go to the shops. My #walking journey featured a lot of puddles as well as #pavementparking which added unnecessary challenges.
Another lovely #utilitycycling journey on a mild day. So glad to make short, urban trips on foot or cycle. Meant I got a little bit of sunshine too!
November 13, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Another lovely #utilitycycling journey on a mild day. So glad to make short, urban trips on foot or cycle. Meant I got a little bit of sunshine too!
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
It’s not just about what you remove (cars, noise, dirty air). It’s about what you add (people walking, a lot of bike parking, trees, outdoor dining, and room for kids to play safely). Amsterdam: 1986 and today.
Streets for people.
HT @hackneycyclist.bsky.social for the great before-and-after
Streets for people.
HT @hackneycyclist.bsky.social for the great before-and-after
November 11, 2025 at 4:24 AM
It’s not just about what you remove (cars, noise, dirty air). It’s about what you add (people walking, a lot of bike parking, trees, outdoor dining, and room for kids to play safely). Amsterdam: 1986 and today.
Streets for people.
HT @hackneycyclist.bsky.social for the great before-and-after
Streets for people.
HT @hackneycyclist.bsky.social for the great before-and-after
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
"Not TV or illegal drugs but the automobile has been the chief destroyer of...communities." ― Jane Jacobs
November 7, 2025 at 11:59 AM
"Not TV or illegal drugs but the automobile has been the chief destroyer of...communities." ― Jane Jacobs
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Marcella Giulia Pace, Italian astrophotographer who took ten years to capture 48 colours of the moon #WomensArt (via Amazing Physics) #FullMoon
November 5, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Marcella Giulia Pace, Italian astrophotographer who took ten years to capture 48 colours of the moon #WomensArt (via Amazing Physics) #FullMoon
17 C is quite warm for November. Made for a nice #cyclecommute though.
November 5, 2025 at 12:37 PM
17 C is quite warm for November. Made for a nice #cyclecommute though.
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
Reeves considers cut to green levies in effort to reduce cost of energy bills
Exclusive: Chancellor hopes to save up to £170 from average bill but industry insiders say move would be ‘disastrous’
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:17 AM
To be clear, what is being proposed here is to axe the main mechanism for getting Britain’s homes insulated - which is by FAR the best way to reduce household energy bills in the long term 🤦♂️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
…and also, just incidentally, an absolute non-negotiable requirement for meeting UK climate targets 😬🥵☠️
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Analysis from @friends-earth.bsky.social provides new insight on environmental injustice in the UK:
“… people of colour, those on low incomes and non-drivers are now disproportionately overrepresented in the 5% of neighbourhoods still exposed to the most extreme air pollution.”
“… people of colour, those on low incomes and non-drivers are now disproportionately overrepresented in the 5% of neighbourhoods still exposed to the most extreme air pollution.”
Low-income areas in England and Wales face worst air pollution, analysis finds
Exclusive: Experts say impact on people of colour and those who do not drive is ‘grave environmental injustice’
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Analysis from @friends-earth.bsky.social provides new insight on environmental injustice in the UK:
“… people of colour, those on low incomes and non-drivers are now disproportionately overrepresented in the 5% of neighbourhoods still exposed to the most extreme air pollution.”
“… people of colour, those on low incomes and non-drivers are now disproportionately overrepresented in the 5% of neighbourhoods still exposed to the most extreme air pollution.”
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Reposted by Zoe Banks Gross
Air pollution linked to increased risk of breast cancer
A long-term U.S. study suggests that women living in areas with higher air pollution, particularly places with heavy traffic emissions, face an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
airqualitynews.com/health/air-p...
A long-term U.S. study suggests that women living in areas with higher air pollution, particularly places with heavy traffic emissions, face an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
airqualitynews.com/health/air-p...
Air pollution linked to increased risk of breast cancer
A long-term U.S. study suggests that women living in areas with higher air pollution, particularly places with heavy traffic emissions, face an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The analysi...
airqualitynews.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Air pollution linked to increased risk of breast cancer
A long-term U.S. study suggests that women living in areas with higher air pollution, particularly places with heavy traffic emissions, face an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
airqualitynews.com/health/air-p...
A long-term U.S. study suggests that women living in areas with higher air pollution, particularly places with heavy traffic emissions, face an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
airqualitynews.com/health/air-p...