@smithiesmark.bsky.social
Healthy Streets Campaigner and Retired Intensivist. London W2
Big news from Labour Conference: the PM has announced the government's plan to scrap first past the post. Seats that match votes would change British politics for good, but only if it happens. I've added my name. Join me? action.electoral-reform.org.uk/page/201578/...
The PM used his big speech to promise to fix Westminster's broken voting system.
We've heard promises before. I've signed to make sure this one is kept. It takes 30 seconds
action.electoral-reform.org.uk
I’ve written a piece in the Ham and High about how we need to get on with tackling climate change by focusing on the solutions - like building safe routes for cycling. How we need to get on with it, and as Nike would say: Just Do It. After the summer we’ve … 1/5
Many said we couldn’t do it. Data says we have. Toxic air-related deaths in London have dropped by 40%. 👏👏 @sadiqkhanlondon.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Toxic air death estimates in London drop by 40%, study suggests
A new study suggests estimated deaths linked to toxic air in London fell by about 40% in five years.
bbc.co.uk
Horrendous attack on the streets of Edinburgh. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Five injured in suspected anti-Muslim attacks after armed man roamed Edinburgh streets
Two people were injured close to a mosque and a man was later seen battering the door of a pizzeria as members of the public run away.
bbc.co.uk
Transportation experts will say the road expansion project is worth it, but that's because they're leaving out the most expensive costs in their analysis. open.substack.com/pub/speakeas...
The costs they don't count
Transportation experts rarely factor the human and economic toll into decisions that pave over safer alternatives.
open.substack.com
The judgment this time last year was widely seen as a turning point. However, newly issued government guidance on transport now allows councils to spend “dedicated funding” for active travel on road schemes. Roads funding cannot be moved the other way. transportactionnetwork.org.uk/government-u...
Government undermining Court of Appeal ruling on healthy travel funding, say campaigners
One year after its landmark Court of Appeal victory, Transport Action Network (TAN) is warning that new flexibilities for cash strapped councils risk hollowing out the “dedicated funding” for cycling ...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk
As we head full pelt into election season, it’s pretty😯🤪🤯to think how far things have come in @citywestminster.bsky.social . For decades, this borough was the "missing link" in London’s cycle network. In 2026, it is starting to become the heart of it. Here’s why the shift here matters👇
Good news - the Albert Bridge has reopened for people walking & cycling.
Here is the latest Side Road Zebra government development, to which Westminster’s data and experience contributed! @maxsullivan.bsky.social
20's Plenty for Us@20splenty.bsky.social · 6mo agoWell done Wales!. Another first for Wales as it publishes its guidance on Side Road Zebras. Where 20mph limits exist on main and side roads then a simple low-cost zebra crossing can be implemented. www.gov.wales/sites/defaul...
Just wanted to remind folks, especially the GOP and the FDD, that Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal didn’t give Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz or allow it to keep 60% enriched uranium. It sent $1.7 billion to Iran versus the tens of billions Iran will now make from tolls. 🤷🏽♂️
@londoncycling.bsky.social @westminster-lcc.bsky.social
@smithiesmark.bsky.social · 6mo agoClosure due to Cadent trying to repair a gas leak. Delaying the C43 cycle lane development. Depending on the Local Elections this may not ever be completed. We need a concerted effort by Westminster residents who cycle or would like to cycle to act now! action.lcc.org.uk/streets
Westminster, so close to Brent and yet, when you see all the recent infrastructure changes, this feels so far away. Well done to all involved in our neighbouring borough that made cycling easier and safer for everyone. #Inspiring
Carla Francome@carlafrancome.bsky.social · 7mo agoTHE THREAD IS HERE! 🙌🏻 This week, I had a fantastic tour of Westminster from @maxsullivan.bsky.social, to see what the council is doing to make it safer for walking and wheeling. It was quite frankly, an extravaganza. We met at Grand Junction, right next to … 1/25
An incredible thing has happened in Westminster’s Connaught Village this week - there’s hardly any traffic at all! This is music to our ears, it’s what we’ve always wanted. Turn up the sound, for the sound of NO MOTOR TRAFFIC! 🎶 It’s because a road is currently closed. - 1/5
Where are the 5000 daily bike trips going in September? @willnorman.co.uk @londoncycling.bsky.social
Will Norman@willnorman.co.uk · 8mo ago💥Oxford St Pedestrianisation Approved💥 With the majority of Londoners supporting the change, I'm delighted @sadiqkhanlondon.bsky.social has approved the plans to transform this iconic street. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Where are the 5000daily bike trips going in September? @adamhug.bsky.social @citywestminster.bsky.social @westminster-lcc.bsky.social @londoncycling.bsky.social a
Steve Chambers@planningtransport.co.uk · 8mo agoPlease start work immediately. I feel like we've been here before.
Thank you to Greenland for providing emergency medical care to a US sailor on board the submarine, since we did not have adequate resources in the area to treat him. I’m sorry that our president felt the need to cover up our shortcomings with a deranged ghost hospital ship post.
Politics isn't working. It's time to call time on the broken culture in Westminster and have a fresh start with a fair voting system. Add your name to @electoralreform.bsky.social's call to #MakeSeatsMatchVotes action.electoral-reform.org.uk/page/3782/pe...
First Past the Post means millions of our votes make no difference to parliament. Add your name now to demand a fairer voting system
It only takes 30 seconds
action.electoral-reform.org.uk
The new Road Safety Strategy hasn't mentioned promoting the Highway Code, even though most people still aren't clear on the 2022 rules. I've asked government to run a big public awareness campaign so we can all move around safely. Will you? action.cyclinguk.org/page/184336/...
Most people still don't know the new Highway Code rules - let's change that
The government has just published a new Road Safety Strategy, which is great to see. But they haven't mentioned promoting the Highway Code, even though most people still aren't clear on the new rules ...
action.cyclinguk.org
Scandal after scandal is eroding trust in our democracy. We need reforms to clean up Westminster. Please sign our letter. secure.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/page/186467/...
Out of the darkness
Scandal after scandal is eroding trust in our democracy. We need reforms to clean up Westminster. Please sign our letter.
secure.unlockdemocracy.org.uk
Great analysis of the unfounded criticisms of those who do not seem to want reduction in road danger on Bayswater Road!
Westminster Cycling Campaign@westminster-lcc.bsky.social · 8mo agoIt’s really kicked off @citywestminster.bsky.social this week, with plans for an excellent cycle route out, campaigns against the plans from an Ex Conservative MP and a residents’ association, too (who’d have thought?!) Read all about it in the local paper, Westminster Extra 📯. Full story ⬇️ 👀
Hot off the press 🔥🔥🔥! The BAYSWATER ROAD consultation deadline is EXTENDED by a week, giving more opportunity for responses (after a campaign to stop it)! Take a look at the video of before and after on the plans! We are really excited about these possibilities - frankly, how could you not be? ⬇️
⏰⚠️⏰⚠️ ALERT! The Bayswater road consultation is under heavy threat despite the obvious benefits. The weekend saw 400+ responses and it's IMPERITIVE we show strong support ahead of the WEDS 28th DEADLINE. Please take a moment to add your voice here: cmsbayswaterroad.commonplace.is/en-GB/ 💪🚴💪 More ⬇️
Cycle Movement Strategy Phase 3: Bayswater Road
The Bayswater Road Cycle Movement Strategy Phase 3 scheme looks to enhance cycling and pedestrian facilities in both directions along Bayswater Road, from Palace Court to Lancaster Terrace.
cmsbayswaterroad.commonplace.is
Billionaires shouldn't be able to buy a bigger voice in politics. Add your name to @electoralreform.bsky.social's call to put a cap on how much they can donate in the #ElectionsBill action.electoral-reform.org.uk/page/179420/...
Sign now to demand an end to big money in politics
It takes 30 seconds
action.electoral-reform.org.uk
A Ford worker yelled “pedophile protector” to Trump, who then showed him the finger and seems to have said f u, based on media reporting.
Isn't it crazy when positive change seems possible!? 😀🤪🙌 Londoners have cycled & manifested HARD & @CityWestminster are delivering! Latest eg: the brand new Bayswater Road consultation, with kerbed protection for a vital East-West corridor. Full details & cyclist testimony⬇️
Only in Britain could the monarch effectively own the sea-bed, and milk it for profit So much for King Charles' 'green credentials' This is absolutely outrageous and has to stop www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Greenpeace threatens to sue crown estate for driving up cost of offshore wind
Environmental group accuses king’s property management company of ‘milking for profit’ its monopoly ownership of seabed
theguardian.com
"Lady journalist notes the new woman Archbishop isn't named in Sky News headline. Her husband has been approached for comment."
"You have the power to end these atrocities.” This is voice of the people and we took this powerful message – alongside thousands of others from across the UK – to Liverpool, urging the government to act on Gaza. Share the video to amplify those voices and demand change.
