Gareth Hooper
@garethhooper.bsky.social
Advocate for active travel and clean air. Cyclist. Rower. Runner. Quantitative analyst in healthcare
🌐 Birmingham
🌐 Birmingham
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
Very good point, Matthew — I remember too the fuss that was made when Obama gently suggested ahead of the EU referendum that Brexit may not be a terribly good idea and the continual commentary on our domestic affairs we are now getting from Trump.
Compare how things were described by one of the same papers when it was talking about funding (in far smaller amounts) towards groups they weren't as politically aligned with.
Even Farage wages in on one of the headlines...
Even Farage wages in on one of the headlines...
September 13, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Very good point, Matthew — I remember too the fuss that was made when Obama gently suggested ahead of the EU referendum that Brexit may not be a terribly good idea and the continual commentary on our domestic affairs we are now getting from Trump.
11 plus assessment day in Kings Heath. King Edward VI School.
An combination of:
Years of failed transport policy
Car drivers who don't give a toss about community, residents or the law
An combination of:
Years of failed transport policy
Car drivers who don't give a toss about community, residents or the law
September 12, 2026 at 7:05 PM
11 plus assessment day in Kings Heath. King Edward VI School.
An combination of:
Years of failed transport policy
Car drivers who don't give a toss about community, residents or the law
An combination of:
Years of failed transport policy
Car drivers who don't give a toss about community, residents or the law
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
"Many of the thousands afflicted each year by criminal driving felt that “the harm they had suffered mattered less” than that from other serious crimes" - this double-standard is exactly what we called out in our work on motonormativity. Road crime is crime
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/aug...
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/aug...
Victims of road crime feel ‘forgotten by system’, official review finds
Many of those affected in England and Wales think offences are not treated with the seriousness they deserve, says commissioner
www.theguardian.com
August 13, 2026 at 5:33 AM
"Many of the thousands afflicted each year by criminal driving felt that “the harm they had suffered mattered less” than that from other serious crimes" - this double-standard is exactly what we called out in our work on motonormativity. Road crime is crime
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/aug...
www.theguardian.com/law/2026/aug...
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
Please, good people of Clacton. Please, please, please....
There now follows a party election broadcast by the Count Binface Party, And if I do say so myself, it's a banger. #VoteBinface #Clacton
August 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Please, good people of Clacton. Please, please, please....
Combined Authorities only have one elected official. A mayor. Their role is most closely aligned to Local Authorities than other public bodies - Police, NHS - and their power is increasing.
They need more local accountability otherwise they're close to becoming quangos
They need more local accountability otherwise they're close to becoming quangos
August 9, 2026 at 11:31 AM
Combined Authorities only have one elected official. A mayor. Their role is most closely aligned to Local Authorities than other public bodies - Police, NHS - and their power is increasing.
They need more local accountability otherwise they're close to becoming quangos
They need more local accountability otherwise they're close to becoming quangos
@zackpolanski.bsky.social's ability to communicate through social media has been fabulous. As a member of the Green Party, I'm beginning to worry sloppy use of social media may undo the hitherto successes he's had. Reform is dying, Greens must hold Labour to account in an erudite way
August 2, 2026 at 9:17 AM
@zackpolanski.bsky.social's ability to communicate through social media has been fabulous. As a member of the Green Party, I'm beginning to worry sloppy use of social media may undo the hitherto successes he's had. Reform is dying, Greens must hold Labour to account in an erudite way
Lots lots lots lots lots more to do
Delighted to be re-appointed Transport Secretary.
First rail fares freeze in 30 years. 9 train operators in public ownership. 5 more coming. A new Road Safety Strategy. Northern Powerhouse Rail on its way. Free bus travel for kids this August.
Lots done. Lots more to do!
First rail fares freeze in 30 years. 9 train operators in public ownership. 5 more coming. A new Road Safety Strategy. Northern Powerhouse Rail on its way. Free bus travel for kids this August.
Lots done. Lots more to do!
July 21, 2026 at 7:41 AM
Lots lots lots lots lots more to do
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
“Paris has embarked on a grand transformation, planting 155k trees, adding hundreds of kms of bike lanes, pedestrianising 300 school streets and banning cars from the banks of the Seine. Parking has been turned into green space…Fewer parents fear their child being run over when they walk to school.”
How Paris swapped cars for bikes – and transformed its streets
Under Anne Hidalgo – mayor for 12 years until last week – the French capital added bike lanes, cut traffic and reclaimed public space, but not without resistance
www.theguardian.com
July 19, 2026 at 7:02 AM
“Paris has embarked on a grand transformation, planting 155k trees, adding hundreds of kms of bike lanes, pedestrianising 300 school streets and banning cars from the banks of the Seine. Parking has been turned into green space…Fewer parents fear their child being run over when they walk to school.”
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
National Highways are at it again, this time they have the intention to infill a bridge in Hertfordshire... www.change.org/p/save-bridg...
Sign the Petition
Save Bridge 2062 from being infilled
www.change.org
July 20, 2026 at 2:51 PM
National Highways are at it again, this time they have the intention to infill a bridge in Hertfordshire... www.change.org/p/save-bridg...
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
I can't work out if this is intended as a punishment to Lisa Nandy, who clearly hates the job; or a punishment to the entire UK culture sector, which is suffering as a result of that.
Maybe both?
Maybe both?
July 20, 2026 at 9:17 PM
I can't work out if this is intended as a punishment to Lisa Nandy, who clearly hates the job; or a punishment to the entire UK culture sector, which is suffering as a result of that.
Maybe both?
Maybe both?
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
None of these measures will be effective.
Meanwhile, Paris has made the streets in front of 300 schools permanently car free.
Not all cities value the children of their communities equally.
Meanwhile, Paris has made the streets in front of 300 schools permanently car free.
Not all cities value the children of their communities equally.
Six Birmingham schools set for new road safety measures
Roads near the schools are set for work such as speed humps and yellow lines to boost safety.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 20, 2026 at 8:49 PM
None of these measures will be effective.
Meanwhile, Paris has made the streets in front of 300 schools permanently car free.
Not all cities value the children of their communities equally.
Meanwhile, Paris has made the streets in front of 300 schools permanently car free.
Not all cities value the children of their communities equally.
The bus experience in Birmingham
Franchising doesn't stop this. Enforcement does
Franchising doesn't stop this. Enforcement does
July 18, 2026 at 6:04 PM
The bus experience in Birmingham
Franchising doesn't stop this. Enforcement does
Franchising doesn't stop this. Enforcement does
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
The epitome of entitlement
July 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The epitome of entitlement
This is what Burnham meant by he won't "out-Green the Greens".
I hope there's a huge move to active travel to try and offset this disaster
I hope there's a huge move to active travel to try and offset this disaster
July 18, 2026 at 8:38 AM
This is what Burnham meant by he won't "out-Green the Greens".
I hope there's a huge move to active travel to try and offset this disaster
I hope there's a huge move to active travel to try and offset this disaster
If true, how does Shabana make the bond markets sleep easier at night?
The Times reporting that Andy Burnham succeeded in persuading Shabana Mahmood to become Chancellor because it would give her more control over cutting immigration
July 18, 2026 at 8:24 AM
If true, how does Shabana make the bond markets sleep easier at night?
Birmingham not mentioned.
But Manchester is
@richardparkerwm.bsky.social West Midlands falling further and further behind....
But Manchester is
@richardparkerwm.bsky.social West Midlands falling further and further behind....
How common is cycling across major European cities? My beloved Munich does well within Germany but gets smoked by good old Groningen. Infrastructure matters. Better infrastructure leads to more cycling.
July 18, 2026 at 8:14 AM
Birmingham not mentioned.
But Manchester is
@richardparkerwm.bsky.social West Midlands falling further and further behind....
But Manchester is
@richardparkerwm.bsky.social West Midlands falling further and further behind....
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
Brum?
@bhamcitycouncil.bsky.social
@brumgreens.bsky.social
@birminghamlibdems.bsky.social
@brumcjc.bsky.social
@johnmunro.bsky.social
@betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
@birminghamfoe.bsky.social
@brumroadsafety.bsky.social
@birminghamdispatch.bsky.social
@unibirmingham.bsky.social
@mybcu.bsky.social
@bhamcitycouncil.bsky.social
@brumgreens.bsky.social
@birminghamlibdems.bsky.social
@brumcjc.bsky.social
@johnmunro.bsky.social
@betterstreetsforbirmingham.org
@birminghamfoe.bsky.social
@brumroadsafety.bsky.social
@birminghamdispatch.bsky.social
@unibirmingham.bsky.social
@mybcu.bsky.social
Fix the schools - and you'll fix the city.
Meanwhile, Paris has now 300 "rue aux écoles". These are school street where walking, playing, relaxing and cycling is allowed, and driving is forbidden.
Around 50% of all public nursery and elementary schools in Paris now have a school street in front.
Meanwhile, Paris has now 300 "rue aux écoles". These are school street where walking, playing, relaxing and cycling is allowed, and driving is forbidden.
Around 50% of all public nursery and elementary schools in Paris now have a school street in front.
July 17, 2026 at 8:43 PM
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
Reminder: this is tomorrow! 🚉
11am–3pm at the Platform for Community in St Mary’s Church gardens, Moseley.
Come and say hello!
11am–3pm at the Platform for Community in St Mary’s Church gardens, Moseley.
Come and say hello!
July 17, 2026 at 9:25 PM
Reminder: this is tomorrow! 🚉
11am–3pm at the Platform for Community in St Mary’s Church gardens, Moseley.
Come and say hello!
11am–3pm at the Platform for Community in St Mary’s Church gardens, Moseley.
Come and say hello!
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
Paris, 300
Birmingham, nil
Birmingham, nil
Fix the schools - and you'll fix the city.
Meanwhile, Paris has now 300 "rue aux écoles". These are school street where walking, playing, relaxing and cycling is allowed, and driving is forbidden.
Around 50% of all public nursery and elementary schools in Paris now have a school street in front.
Meanwhile, Paris has now 300 "rue aux écoles". These are school street where walking, playing, relaxing and cycling is allowed, and driving is forbidden.
Around 50% of all public nursery and elementary schools in Paris now have a school street in front.
July 17, 2026 at 7:46 PM
Paris, 300
Birmingham, nil
Birmingham, nil
Great Policing in Worcestershire.
July 17, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Great Policing in Worcestershire.
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
“So big outdoor watch parties aren’t just the fun option – they’re a boost to community spirit and a stimulus for local economies...”
Like it. Would love if it was used to kick start regular neighbourhood street parties or made the idea of using street space for shared experiences a norm.
Like it. Would love if it was used to kick start regular neighbourhood street parties or made the idea of using street space for shared experiences a norm.
July 17, 2026 at 6:19 PM
“So big outdoor watch parties aren’t just the fun option – they’re a boost to community spirit and a stimulus for local economies...”
Like it. Would love if it was used to kick start regular neighbourhood street parties or made the idea of using street space for shared experiences a norm.
Like it. Would love if it was used to kick start regular neighbourhood street parties or made the idea of using street space for shared experiences a norm.
If Burnham is explicitly rejecting neoliberalist, what economic policy is he adopting?
July 17, 2026 at 12:03 PM
If Burnham is explicitly rejecting neoliberalist, what economic policy is he adopting?
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
📣 We're delighted to partner with two leading thinkers and practitioners, @cormacrussell.bsky.social & @lisamcnally.bsky.social, to host their provocation paper which we hope will spark much-needed debate on a potential future for neighbourhood health approaches.
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
Putting the Neighbourhood Back into Neighbourhood Health - New Local
New Local is delighted to partner with two leading thinkers and practitioners, Cormac Russell and Lisa McNally, to host their provocation paper, which we hope will spark much-needed debate on […]
www.newlocal.org.uk
July 16, 2026 at 12:44 PM
📣 We're delighted to partner with two leading thinkers and practitioners, @cormacrussell.bsky.social & @lisamcnally.bsky.social, to host their provocation paper which we hope will spark much-needed debate on a potential future for neighbourhood health approaches.
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
www.newlocal.org.uk/publications...
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
I gave evidence to the Transport Select Committee yesterday on Speed for its inquiry into the Road Safety Strategy. I appeared alongside Lilli Matson of TfL, Adrian Berendt of @20splenty.bsky.social and Rob Török, emergency doctor. Hope I got my points across. View: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
Parliamentlive.tv
Transport Committee
parliamentlive.tv
July 16, 2026 at 8:37 AM
I gave evidence to the Transport Select Committee yesterday on Speed for its inquiry into the Road Safety Strategy. I appeared alongside Lilli Matson of TfL, Adrian Berendt of @20splenty.bsky.social and Rob Török, emergency doctor. Hope I got my points across. View: parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
Reposted by Gareth Hooper
Still find it fascinating the complete mess of the city she represents isn't seen as a negative thing. It's almost as if the ongoing bin strike (and lack of household recycling for over a year) doesn't get any attention.
Just imagine if what is happening in Birmingham was in London.
Just imagine if what is happening in Birmingham was in London.
Shabana Mahmood set to be named UK chancellor by Andy Burnham ft.trib.al/B8BshzA
Shabana Mahmood set to be named UK chancellor by Andy Burnham
Current home secretary expected to succeed Rachel Reeves as finance minister
ft.trib.al
July 16, 2026 at 7:22 AM
Still find it fascinating the complete mess of the city she represents isn't seen as a negative thing. It's almost as if the ongoing bin strike (and lack of household recycling for over a year) doesn't get any attention.
Just imagine if what is happening in Birmingham was in London.
Just imagine if what is happening in Birmingham was in London.