The wonderful world of whacky transport
As dedicated Campaign for Better Transport supporters know, we are the only national charity supporting all sustainable transport modes across England and Wales. Our vision is for all communities to have high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and helps protect the environment. From bikes to buses, we love them all. Outside of the UK and the usual modes of travel, we also enjoy the charm of alternative and unconventional means of transport. There is a whole world of quirky and unique transportation experiences waiting to be discovered...
The World’s Steepest Funicular
Switzerland is famous for its mountains, clocks and cheese but did you know it is also home to the world’s densest public transport network? This includes Europe’s steepest Funicular, which delivers you to the car-free town of Stoos. Because of the angle of ascent, the carriages are barrel-shaped and rotate so that you stay level for the entire journey.
Nuremberg’s Techno Train
Do you love electronic music and high-speed trains? Then this is the unique party experience for you. Hop on the train at Nuremberg and speed through the Bavarian countryside all afternoon and into the evening, ending with a late-night party in the Bavarian capital. The train is equipped with everything you need for an all-day party, with each car of the train serving a different purpose – from dance floor, to lounge area. A must attend for those situated in the middle of the techno/train Venn diagram.
Elizabeth Line Funicular
Funicular lift at Farringdon Station, Crossrail
The Millennium Inclinator, wikicommons
A bit closer to home, you can ride a Funicular at both the Farringdon and Liverpool Street Stations for the newly built Elizabeth Line. The ‘sideways elevators’ were installed in an effort to save space and energy when designing the futuristic looking stations. If you don’t fancy taking a trip to a station, you can always visit the only public Funicular in London at the Millenium Bridge – delightfully named the Millennium Inclinator.
Man-Powered Sledges
Ever commuted to work by wicker toboggan? Since 1850, the Carros de cesto do Monte have been used to quickly transport people and goods from the village of Monte to the town of Funchal on the island of Madeira. The Carreiros mainly now transport tourists down the 2-kilometre route, sometimes achieving speeds of up to 38km per hour! It begs the question – is this the world’s most sustainable form of transport?
Carreiros in 1935, wikicommons
…and today! Alberto-g-rovi via wikicommons
The Falkirk Wheel
While not exactly a transport option in itself, the Falkirk Wheel is pretty cool. This rotating boat lift connects two canals in Falkirk, Scotland – replacing the eleven(!) locks that were last useable in the 1930’s. Don’t have a boat of your own for the trip? Not to worry – you can book a tour with Scottish Canals.
Malcolm Colegate via unsplash
The world’s first bicycle lift
Feeling a bit tired after a day of riding? The svkkelheisen Trampe in Trondheim, Norway has you covered! It opened in 1993 as a world-first bicycle lift and has been whisking people up-hill since – between 20,000 and 30,000 every year!
Sillerkiil, via wikicommons
Weird and not wonderful
There are many fun examples of transport solutions from around the world – but there are also many examples of poor infrastructure and solutions which are not supporting and greener, fairer, more sustainable transport system. On a recent trip to Halifax, Canada, I came across one of these examples in real life for the first time – the pedestrian crossing flag. In an attempt to draw driver attention to pedestrians, you are meant to cross using a florescent flag. If anything, seeing these flags at a crossing made me feel less safe. How little were the drivers paying attention that they also missed the painted crossing? The signage? The flashing lights? Here is to hoping there are better alternatives to reaching vision zero.
Tony Webster, via wikicommons
Header image: Nix-dorf via wiki commons
