Alex Rowan
@alexrowan.bsky.social
Bikes | Hills | Snow | Music | Government | Plants | Climate
📍SW London
📍SW London
Reposted by Alex Rowan
I was curious.
AI: a boom or bubble?
I made a metric.
It has… opinions.
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/laurenle...
AI: a boom or bubble?
I made a metric.
It has… opinions.
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/laurenle...
AI Boom or Bubble? Introducing the Hype-to-Investment Ratio
A data-driven verdict on whether we’re living through a genuine AI boom or an over-inflated bubble - from capex and chips to markets, adoption, and a new metric that tracks the gap.
open.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 7:46 AM
I was curious.
AI: a boom or bubble?
I made a metric.
It has… opinions.
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/laurenle...
AI: a boom or bubble?
I made a metric.
It has… opinions.
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/laurenle...
Hopefully others will follow the good examples of Cardiff and Paris
Cardiff Council is set to become the first local authority in the UK to introduce higher parking charges for SUVs and other heavy vehicles, in a move campaigners say will make city streets safer and fairer
Cardiff set to tackle SUV 'carspreading' in UK first
Cardiff Council is set to become the first local authority in the UK to introduce higher parking charges for SUVs and other heavy vehicles, in a move campaigners say will make city streets safer and f...
nation.cymru
October 16, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Hopefully others will follow the good examples of Cardiff and Paris
Reposted by Alex Rowan
Interesting finding on the impact of London’s ULEZ expansion.
“… [it] led to increased footfall on local high streets, particularly in deprived areas, where the policy may have heightened reliance on nearby commercial hubs”
Argues creates new need/opportunity to invest in local town centres.
“… [it] led to increased footfall on local high streets, particularly in deprived areas, where the policy may have heightened reliance on nearby commercial hubs”
Argues creates new need/opportunity to invest in local town centres.
The impact of the ultra-low emission zone on high streets economy and social equality in Outer London
Many cities are adopting transport policies that regulate vehicle emissions, informed by policy impact assessments primarily focused on traffic, air p…
www.sciencedirect.com
August 1, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Interesting finding on the impact of London’s ULEZ expansion.
“… [it] led to increased footfall on local high streets, particularly in deprived areas, where the policy may have heightened reliance on nearby commercial hubs”
Argues creates new need/opportunity to invest in local town centres.
“… [it] led to increased footfall on local high streets, particularly in deprived areas, where the policy may have heightened reliance on nearby commercial hubs”
Argues creates new need/opportunity to invest in local town centres.
Reposted by Alex Rowan
If you plan to respond to TfL Congestion Charge proposals (consultation ends 4th Aug), do have a look at our blog. Some good things in there from TfL but could go way further to make Central London safer and have a fairer balance between people and vehicles.
londonlivingstreets.com/2025/07/11/t...
londonlivingstreets.com/2025/07/11/t...
TfL Congestion Charging consultation – London Living Streets Response (July 2025)
Transport for London (TfL) is proposing a number of changes to its Central London Congestion Charging Zone. Some of these are good; others could go further. Access the consultation (closes 4th Augu…
londonlivingstreets.com
July 11, 2025 at 2:09 PM
If you plan to respond to TfL Congestion Charge proposals (consultation ends 4th Aug), do have a look at our blog. Some good things in there from TfL but could go way further to make Central London safer and have a fairer balance between people and vehicles.
londonlivingstreets.com/2025/07/11/t...
londonlivingstreets.com/2025/07/11/t...
Reposted by Alex Rowan
🚲 There are millions of Londoners who want to cycle but still can’t, because their streets are still too dangerous; they still feel too vulnerable; or they can’t access a bike.
🙋♂️ Want this to change? Email the Mayor and call for him to be bolder on cycling: bit.ly/43YSUC7
🙋♂️ Want this to change? Email the Mayor and call for him to be bolder on cycling: bit.ly/43YSUC7
June 1, 2025 at 2:45 PM
🚲 There are millions of Londoners who want to cycle but still can’t, because their streets are still too dangerous; they still feel too vulnerable; or they can’t access a bike.
🙋♂️ Want this to change? Email the Mayor and call for him to be bolder on cycling: bit.ly/43YSUC7
🙋♂️ Want this to change? Email the Mayor and call for him to be bolder on cycling: bit.ly/43YSUC7
New bike parking coming to Richmond station soon thanks to @richmondcouncil.bsky.social
February 6, 2025 at 5:54 PM
New bike parking coming to Richmond station soon thanks to @richmondcouncil.bsky.social
Reposted by Alex Rowan
BBC News - Night-time bike riding 'socially unsafe' for women
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Night-time bike riding in London 'socially unsafe' for women
Nearly a quarter of London's cycleways remain largely unused at night by half of the population.
www.bbc.com
February 5, 2025 at 6:51 AM
BBC News - Night-time bike riding 'socially unsafe' for women
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Alex Rowan
20mph speed limits in London has cut fatal & serious collisions by 25%. 🚲👨🦽➡️🚶❤️
And now car insurance companies are saying that it’s helping reduce the cost premiums because of fewer claims. 💷💷💷
And now car insurance companies are saying that it’s helping reduce the cost premiums because of fewer claims. 💷💷💷
January 18, 2025 at 9:06 AM
20mph speed limits in London has cut fatal & serious collisions by 25%. 🚲👨🦽➡️🚶❤️
And now car insurance companies are saying that it’s helping reduce the cost premiums because of fewer claims. 💷💷💷
And now car insurance companies are saying that it’s helping reduce the cost premiums because of fewer claims. 💷💷💷
Reposted by Alex Rowan
It's because everyone's going to have extra fingers
Uhm, sorry, what? Starmer thinks AI is going to DOUBLE UK productivity in less than 5 years?
January 13, 2025 at 9:10 PM
It's because everyone's going to have extra fingers
Congratulations to @lindafoundation.bsky.social for their new award, recognising their success in bringing 19 Afghan medical students to Scotland to continue their studies. An exceptional charity and the perfect place to buy your xmas cards.
December 11, 2024 at 4:13 PM
Congratulations to @lindafoundation.bsky.social for their new award, recognising their success in bringing 19 Afghan medical students to Scotland to continue their studies. An exceptional charity and the perfect place to buy your xmas cards.
Reposted by Alex Rowan
The only source of PM2.5 emissions that increased from 2003 to 2023 is domestic combustion.
Three-quarters of the domestic combustion emissions of PM2.5 came from woodburning in 2022.
[3/6]
Three-quarters of the domestic combustion emissions of PM2.5 came from woodburning in 2022.
[3/6]
December 6, 2024 at 9:47 AM
The only source of PM2.5 emissions that increased from 2003 to 2023 is domestic combustion.
Three-quarters of the domestic combustion emissions of PM2.5 came from woodburning in 2022.
[3/6]
Three-quarters of the domestic combustion emissions of PM2.5 came from woodburning in 2022.
[3/6]
The Lie of the Land by Guy Shrubsole is the perfect audio accompaniment for a walk by the Thames and a rare kingfisher sighting. Enjoying the history of land ownership, the meaning and responsibilities of stewardship, and the Thatcher impression.
@guyshrubsole.bsky.social
@guyshrubsole.bsky.social
December 3, 2024 at 6:06 PM
The Lie of the Land by Guy Shrubsole is the perfect audio accompaniment for a walk by the Thames and a rare kingfisher sighting. Enjoying the history of land ownership, the meaning and responsibilities of stewardship, and the Thatcher impression.
@guyshrubsole.bsky.social
@guyshrubsole.bsky.social
Kim Leadbeater is a hero
@kimleadbeatermp.bsky.social
@kimleadbeatermp.bsky.social
November 29, 2024 at 2:35 PM
Kim Leadbeater is a hero
@kimleadbeatermp.bsky.social
@kimleadbeatermp.bsky.social
Fascinating piece from @davidallengreen.bsky.social on assisted dying. We're all familiar with bill by now, and have heard all sides of the debate. This article is a fresh take, focusing on the 'official discretion' regarding suicide, and the need to 'properly regulate by law'.
An argument about Assisting Dying
Matters of life and death need to be properly regulated by law, and not by official discretion
emptycity.substack.com
November 28, 2024 at 1:08 PM
Fascinating piece from @davidallengreen.bsky.social on assisted dying. We're all familiar with bill by now, and have heard all sides of the debate. This article is a fresh take, focusing on the 'official discretion' regarding suicide, and the need to 'properly regulate by law'.
#BuyNow in the top 10 on Netflix during black friday sales: a familiar and frustrating story told with wit and optimism. @kwiens.bsky.social CEO of iFixit has a great way with words: "I'm a reasonable man who has been radicalised by an earbud" and "Whoever dies with the most stuff does not win".
November 25, 2024 at 8:03 PM
#BuyNow in the top 10 on Netflix during black friday sales: a familiar and frustrating story told with wit and optimism. @kwiens.bsky.social CEO of iFixit has a great way with words: "I'm a reasonable man who has been radicalised by an earbud" and "Whoever dies with the most stuff does not win".
Reposted by Alex Rowan
NEW: Rory Stewart & Amber Rudd back cross-party campaign demanding major political reform
@appgfairelections.bsky.social is calling for an overhaul of the electoral system as part of a package of measures to restore public trust in politics
Story 👇
www.politics.co.uk/news/2024/11...
@appgfairelections.bsky.social is calling for an overhaul of the electoral system as part of a package of measures to restore public trust in politics
Story 👇
www.politics.co.uk/news/2024/11...
Rory Stewart, Amber Rudd among cross-party campaign demanding major political reform - Politics.co.uk
A cross-party group of MPs and former frontline politicians are calling for an overhaul of the electoral system as part of a package of measures to restore public trust in politics. The new All Party ...
www.politics.co.uk
November 25, 2024 at 11:12 AM
NEW: Rory Stewart & Amber Rudd back cross-party campaign demanding major political reform
@appgfairelections.bsky.social is calling for an overhaul of the electoral system as part of a package of measures to restore public trust in politics
Story 👇
www.politics.co.uk/news/2024/11...
@appgfairelections.bsky.social is calling for an overhaul of the electoral system as part of a package of measures to restore public trust in politics
Story 👇
www.politics.co.uk/news/2024/11...
Reposted by Alex Rowan
The @uniofexeter.bsky.social convened a panel to advise the university on how to use carbon offsets in its ambitious net zero target. Our conclusion is that all offsets should be ditched. We very much hope other universities will do likewise.
theconversation.com/we-have-offi...
theconversation.com/we-have-offi...
We have officially advised our university to ditch carbon offsets – and focus on cutting emissions
Your organisation should probably ditch offsets too.
theconversation.com
November 22, 2024 at 11:45 AM
The @uniofexeter.bsky.social convened a panel to advise the university on how to use carbon offsets in its ambitious net zero target. Our conclusion is that all offsets should be ditched. We very much hope other universities will do likewise.
theconversation.com/we-have-offi...
theconversation.com/we-have-offi...
Reposted by Alex Rowan
Which leads me to Richmond's Air Quality strategy currently being consulted on. Due to Green councillors, it has the strongest targets of any local authority: haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/richmondecs/.... Please support it and recommend where it could go further.
Richmond Draft Air Quality Action Plan Consultation
- Have your say
- Citizen Space
This site contains consultations that are run by London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
haveyoursay.citizenspace.com
November 19, 2024 at 8:42 AM
Which leads me to Richmond's Air Quality strategy currently being consulted on. Due to Green councillors, it has the strongest targets of any local authority: haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/richmondecs/.... Please support it and recommend where it could go further.
Reposted by Alex Rowan
Summer UK temperatures have warmed faster than global average temperature.
But the very hottest days have warmed 4x faster than the global average, especially in south-east England.
Global warming is not "just" 1°C or 2°C. The effects of climate change are non-linear, especially for extremes.
But the very hottest days have warmed 4x faster than the global average, especially in south-east England.
Global warming is not "just" 1°C or 2°C. The effects of climate change are non-linear, especially for extremes.
November 21, 2024 at 10:39 AM
Summer UK temperatures have warmed faster than global average temperature.
But the very hottest days have warmed 4x faster than the global average, especially in south-east England.
Global warming is not "just" 1°C or 2°C. The effects of climate change are non-linear, especially for extremes.
But the very hottest days have warmed 4x faster than the global average, especially in south-east England.
Global warming is not "just" 1°C or 2°C. The effects of climate change are non-linear, especially for extremes.
Reposted by Alex Rowan
🚨 LAUNCHING TODAY 🚨
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
November 20, 2024 at 7:25 AM
🚨 LAUNCHING TODAY 🚨
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
Nearly two years ago, @tortoisemedia.bsky.social unveiled the Westminster Accounts, a free tool designed to give people greater understanding of the money that flows through parliament.
Now, with Peer Review, we take on another arcane part of our system - the House of Lords
Brunel’s final 1859 bridge at Hanwell: a multimodal masterpiece with a road above a canal above a railway.
November 17, 2024 at 4:47 PM
Brunel’s final 1859 bridge at Hanwell: a multimodal masterpiece with a road above a canal above a railway.
Great documentary on Julian Alaphilippe. Imagine lying in hospital with multiple fractures and a punctured lung caring about whether team-mates won. New resolution: be more Loulou!
youtu.be/3orO7j88zZc?...
youtu.be/3orO7j88zZc?...
Merci, Loulou!
YouTube video by Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team
youtu.be
November 16, 2024 at 6:17 PM
Great documentary on Julian Alaphilippe. Imagine lying in hospital with multiple fractures and a punctured lung caring about whether team-mates won. New resolution: be more Loulou!
youtu.be/3orO7j88zZc?...
youtu.be/3orO7j88zZc?...