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smithiesmark.bsky.social

@smithiesmark.bsky.social
176 followers 393 following 35 posts

Healthy Streets Campaigner and Retired Intensivist. London W2

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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
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/...
action.electoral-reform.org.uk
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
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Carla Francome @carlafrancome.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
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
Me with Ham and High newspaper
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Will Norman @willnorman.co.uk · 24/06/2026
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...
bbc.co.uk
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.
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Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
Horrendous attack on the streets of Edinburgh. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
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.
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Andy Boenau @handle.invalid · 08/06/2026
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...
open.substack.com
The costs they don't count
Transportation experts rarely factor the human and economic toll into decisions that pave over safer alternatives.
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Transport Action Network @transportaction.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
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...
transportactionnetwork.org.uk
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 ...
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Westminster Cycling Campaign @westminster-lcc.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
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👇
The many cyclists in our fair borough...
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Will Norman @willnorman.co.uk · 10/04/2026
Good news - the Albert Bridge has reopened for people walking & cycling.
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Here is the latest Side Road Zebra government development, to which Westminster’s data and experience contributed! @maxsullivan.bsky.social
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Mehdi Hasan @mehdirhasan.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
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. 🤷🏽‍♂️
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
@londoncycling.bsky.social @westminster-lcc.bsky.social
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Brent Cycling Campaign @brentlcc.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
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
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
@westminster-lcc.bsky.social Great to see such progress
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Max Sullivan @maxsullivan.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Update: Kerbs Are In
Segregated kerbed cycle track being installed on Westbourne Terrace
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Freshminster! @freshminster.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
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
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Where are the 5000 daily bike trips going in September? @willnorman.co.uk @londoncycling.bsky.social
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Where are the 5000daily bike trips going in September? @adamhug.bsky.social @citywestminster.bsky.social @westminster-lcc.bsky.social @londoncycling.bsky.social a
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Ron Filipkowski @ronfilipkowski.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
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.
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
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...
action.electoral-reform.org.uk
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
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
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/...
action.cyclinguk.org
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 ...
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
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/...
secure.unlockdemocracy.org.uk
Out of the darkness
Scandal after scandal is eroding trust in our democracy. We need reforms to clean up Westminster. Please sign our letter.
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
Great analysis of the unfounded criticisms of those who do not seem to want reduction in road danger on Bayswater Road!
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Westminster Cycling Campaign @westminster-lcc.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
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? ⬇️
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Westminster Cycling Campaign @westminster-lcc.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
⏰⚠️⏰⚠️ 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 ⬇️
cmsbayswaterroad.commonplace.is
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.
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
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/...
action.electoral-reform.org.uk
Sign now to demand an end to big money in politics
It takes 30 seconds
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Olga Nesterova @onestpress.onestnetwork.com · 14/01/2026
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.
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Westminster Cycling Campaign @westminster-lcc.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
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⬇️
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Prof Bill McGuire @profbillmcguire.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
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...
theguardian.com
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
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Andy @anandyanyone.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
"Lady journalist notes the new woman Archbishop isn't named in Sky News headline. Her husband has been approached for comment."
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Oxfam GB @oxfamgb.bsky.social · 02/10/2025
"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.
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Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
I’d never seen this one.
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Ken Bardsley @kenbar.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
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Iain Roberts @slowbikeiain.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
I wonder how many Labour activists at the General Election thought "In less than 18 months, the party I'm working my arse off for will be nodding along politely to policies previously associated with the BNP and National Front."
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Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
On news that Ministers have lined up insolvency practitioners to prepare for the potential collapse of Thames Water, Lib Dem Charlie Maynard MP: "[We've] been warning the Government for months that the only option to get a grip on Thames Water at this point is to put it into Special Administration."
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 28/07/2025
NEW 🚨 The Government has confirmed to local MP Jeff Smith that they will continue to support high quality cycling infrastructure with floating bus stops.
The photo shows a bright, bustling street in Greater Manchester with a well-designed floating bus stop. A woman rides a Starling Bank hire bike in a clearly marked, segregated cycle lane, while a man follows on a cargo bike. A yellow Bee Network bus pulls into the bus stop, where people are waiting safely on an island between the cycle lane and road. Quotes overlaid read: “Good-quality, segregated infrastructure is vital” and “The Government does not believe a ban on floating bus stops is appropriate.” The Walk Ride GM logo appears in the corner, reinforcing the call for safe, inclusive streets.
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The Ranty Highwayman @rantyhighwayman.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Just reading that TRL which was a government research organisation as the Transport Research Laboratory and then became a charitable foundation has now had a big investment from a private equity company. Does this ever end well?
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River Action @riveractionuk.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
🚨 BREAKING NEWS!🚨: A landmark victory for the River Severn and turning point for polluting factory farming across the UK We’ve just overturned the approval of a 200,000-bird factory farm in the High Court, a major legal victory against Shropshire Council. 🔗 - bit.ly/3HY4xl4
riveractionuk.com
River Action wins landmark High Court case against Shropshire Council over industrial chicken farm chaos - River Action UK
High Court ruling sets national precedent that marks turning point for polluting factory farming in the UK We have won a major legal victory in the High Court against Shropshire Council today, success...
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Westminster Cycling Campaign @westminster-lcc.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
👀⏰🚶‍♀️PEOPLE! It’s the LAST DAY to throw your support behind turning Oxford Street from this…to this! And yes, pedestrianisation does mean NO vehicles, including BICYCLES 🚳 and YES, we FULLY support that! BUT.. action.lcc.org.uk/oxfordst
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
I see Chris Philp is now repeating Matt Goodwin's deliberate lie. The correct figure is 17%, and most of those are long-standing residents (and in many cases will have British spouses/children).
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The War on Cars @thewaroncars.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
New episode ! We talked with the delightful British journalist and author Laura Laker about her odyssey on the UK's National Cycle Network, what makes good cycling infrastructure, and her work in setting standards for how reporters & cops talk about traffic crashes. thewaroncars.org/2025/03/11/e...
A smiling white woman wearing jeans and a black jacket rides a bright pink bicycle on a city street.
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Great to see re-commitment by new Cabinet member for manifesto commitments from 2022!
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Thanks for replacing the wands in Praed Street! @maxsullivan.bsky.social @westminster-lcc.bsky.social
Thanks for replacing the wands in Praed Street
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Westminster has thousands of people who cycle to, through and within the City every day. We need @transportforlondon.bsky.social to step up and keep citizens safe by tackling our dangerous junctions.
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Patton Oswalt @pattonoswalt.bsky.social · 09/02/2025
Hey NYTimes — *now* you’re lighting the beacons? NOW?!? After months of “Sauron: Avatar Of Evil… Or Extreme Uniter?” thumbsucker reporting you’re screaming what we’ve known since 2015? Fuck all the way off.
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Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
New from the TUC: "Biggest ever poll on workers’ rights shows overwhelming support across the political spectrum and around the country" of workers' rights bill's policies MRP mega poll reveals voters in every constituency support key workers’ rights policies – inc. in Farage's & Badenoch’s seats
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
This is the sort of thing we need to make our streets safer! @westminster-lcc.bsky.social
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smithiesmark.bsky.social @smithiesmark.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
There is little point in peer review if it isn’t constructive as well as critical……but I know what you mean!
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Jonathan Kelly @heyjk.london · 13/01/2025
With the number of resident permits declining in Kensington & Chelsea, rather than taking this as an opportunity to review kerb space management, RBKC are looking to expand eligibility for resident permits! Seriously?!? consult.rbkc.gov.uk/communities/...
consult.rbkc.gov.uk
Extending Residents’ Permit Eligibility - Kensington and Chelsea's Consultation and Engagement Hub - Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
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Carlton Reid @carltonreid.com · 13/01/2025
View from Portcullis House room this evening where myself, Janet from Leicester City Council and Amy from Urban Movement briefed MPs and peers on the worth of revovating some of Britain’s 1930s cycle tracks.
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Mums for Lungs @mumsforlungs.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
It's Clean Air Night next Wednesday (22nd January). Wood burning not only harms your #Health but also the environment. Help us shine a light on the uncomfortable truth about #WoodBurning.
buff.ly
Clean Air Night
This Clean Air Night, learn the truth about wood burning and help protect yourself, your family and your community by sharing what you’ve learned.
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