More cyclists == safer streets for *all* / Transition based "night time economy" ?
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Alex
Dec 20, 2009, 5:42:17 AM12/20/09
to cycleipswich, TiZone
Apologies to those who see this message twice but I think its valid for both cycleipswich and TIZone as its "not just about the bike"
Its clear from recent news reports that although Ipswich / Suffolk are relatively safe places, there is a problem with night time disturbances. Unlike London there is little serious gang activity; but issues with groups of people who know one another bringing their private feuds and domestic issues into the town and settling their scores by force when they encounter one another on nights out.
I developed an interest in amateur criminology due to my former involvement with the rave scene and am not afraid to constantly read reports of crime in the local media and other "bad news", and one common factor is that many criminals (particularly thieves) are cowards and run away as soon as other people appear - and even
serious assaults (especially when they involve smaller groups) are often stopped because a passer by appears on the scene.
Few people, however angry they may be (even if alcohol or drugs is involved), are that stupid to attack others in front of strangers (as opposed to a peer group who may cover up for them).
So my thoughts are that if more people from a wider age range cycled at all hours, as well as the obvious rise in traffic safety due to slower speeds, this might also result in a drop in crime, as cyclists become "extra eyes and ears".
I am not however suggesting they become eco-friendly vigilantés and get directly involved in incidents (as it is of course risky to their own personal safety), but I think a someone on a bike (with an obvious tactical advantage) might be more minded to hide up out of direct view of the incident, discreetly call 999 and report a crime in progress, including younger people who otherwise might not want to be viewed as a "grass" or "snitch".
My own younger friends often have a very low tolerance to violent and dysfunctional behaviour (particularly peer group violence and relationship violence) but in their peer group some folks get away with it because others are frightened to be seen talking to the authorities, so it leads to a vigilanté culture and a spiral of violence..
To add to this, if more people cycle to their night time social activities, they might even drink less as they won't be able to stay on their bikes for the journey home!
What do others think? Especially after this weekend Ipswich in particular is getting a bad reputation for "night time crime", the Police are doing their best but it might reduce people's freedom to socialise (for instance the Carribean club was popular with myself and my raver friends), perhaps we need to have a "Transition-based" night time economy as well?
Alex
Its clear from recent news reports that although Ipswich / Suffolk are relatively safe places, there is a problem with night time disturbances. Unlike London there is little serious gang activity; but issues with groups of people who know one another bringing their private feuds and domestic issues into the town and settling their scores by force when they encounter one another on nights out.
I developed an interest in amateur criminology due to my former involvement with the rave scene and am not afraid to constantly read reports of crime in the local media and other "bad news", and one common factor is that many criminals (particularly thieves) are cowards and run away as soon as other people appear - and even
serious assaults (especially when they involve smaller groups) are often stopped because a passer by appears on the scene.
Few people, however angry they may be (even if alcohol or drugs is involved), are that stupid to attack others in front of strangers (as opposed to a peer group who may cover up for them).
So my thoughts are that if more people from a wider age range cycled at all hours, as well as the obvious rise in traffic safety due to slower speeds, this might also result in a drop in crime, as cyclists become "extra eyes and ears".
I am not however suggesting they become eco-friendly vigilantés and get directly involved in incidents (as it is of course risky to their own personal safety), but I think a someone on a bike (with an obvious tactical advantage) might be more minded to hide up out of direct view of the incident, discreetly call 999 and report a crime in progress, including younger people who otherwise might not want to be viewed as a "grass" or "snitch".
My own younger friends often have a very low tolerance to violent and dysfunctional behaviour (particularly peer group violence and relationship violence) but in their peer group some folks get away with it because others are frightened to be seen talking to the authorities, so it leads to a vigilanté culture and a spiral of violence..
To add to this, if more people cycle to their night time social activities, they might even drink less as they won't be able to stay on their bikes for the journey home!
What do others think? Especially after this weekend Ipswich in particular is getting a bad reputation for "night time crime", the Police are doing their best but it might reduce people's freedom to socialise (for instance the Carribean club was popular with myself and my raver friends), perhaps we need to have a "Transition-based" night time economy as well?
Alex
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