I WHOLEHEARTEDLY applaud Transport Minister Mike Jackson’s suggestion that people should leave their cars at home one day a week.

In fact, I have noticed this week, as the snow has fallen, that probably four times as many pedestrians have been making their way down Mont Millais towards town than I normally see as dawn breaks.

But why oh why have Public Services and the Parish of St Saviour been so short-sighted about their gritting policy? All the way down Mont Millais and Wellington Road the roadways have been gritted to perfection, and consequently travelling along them has been both safe and easy. But the same cannot be said of the pavements, which have become veritable ice rinks as melted snow freezes over, forcing those of us who prefer to travel by foot out into the path of oncoming vehicles.

Even yesterday morning, when the schools were due to reopen, no attempt had been made to clear the pavements on Mont Millais or Wellington Road. Several groups of children and parents were having to step into the road or risk life and limb literally walking on thin – and very slippery – ice.

I wonder how this has affected the emergency services and how many limbs have been injured as a result.

If the good Transport Minister really wishes to encourage walking to work, he needs to take account of the facilities available to non-motorists – preferably before people’s New Year resolutions go the same way as some of mine already have.

Let cyclists have a choice on wearing helmets
I SUPPOSE as a cyclist I’d better have my tuppence worth on the subject of this week’s hoo-ha over what to wear on your head while atop a bicycle.

I do have a helmet. I also wear it, mostly. It is, however, quite elderly and should probably be traded in for a model less than ten years in age.

I’m rather fond of this model, actually, because it is quite well-travelled, as helmets go. Whether or not it is roadworthy, I haven’t a clue. During colder weather it helps to keep my head warm, combined with a fleece bandana. In summer it is a damnable nuisance and far too hot for comfort.

Once I reach the outskirts of major arteries I remove it and replace it with a sun hat.
So although I recognise the sense in making children small and large wear helmets, I am not a child. I like to decide for myself whether I want to be safe, safer, or sorry.

A short perusal of the internet shows that some countries have already brought in legislation. Spain, for example, has had a cycle helmet law since 2004, but it exempts (curiously) cyclists in built-up areas, those climbing steep hills and people cycling in ‘extreme heat’.

In New Zealand and Sweden, cycle helmets are compulsory only for children of 15 and under.

So perhaps Jersey could cherry-pick and bring in a law which varies according to the weather conditions, is truly compulsory only for those below the age of consent, and is exempt in certain helmet-free zones, such as green lanes.

The ‘why didn’t they make it snappier?’ advert
THE tourism office, we learned this week, is this year shelling out £1.2 million on its annual advertising blitz designed to attract more UK visitors.

I’m not sure how that sum compares with last year’s, although I suspect that it is not as high this year because there will be no television advertising. Tourism marketing director David de Carteret says there is not enough money for TV.

Instead, Jersey’s west coastline will be displayed on billboards, sporting its new strapline: The ‘why didn’t we come here sooner?’ island.

On the whole, I find this description truthful – I’ve heard the same thing said at least once last summer, notably by two walkers I encountered somewhere between Corbière and Beauport. ‘Never been here before,’ said male visitor, gazing out to the azure waves beyond. ‘Can’t think why – we’re having a wonderful time.’

However, I’m not totally convinced that the true meaning of this awkwardly phrased description of our holiday destination home will be readily understood by many of those who, after a visit, would no doubt say exactly the same thing themselves.

Snappy it ain’t – although no doubt the UK advertising firm who coined it will be paid handsomely from the States budget for their efforts