Responding to Forbes article on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

It is usually nice to be referenced in a mainstream publication. It means that you have been noticed, people are reading what you publish and maybe taking you seriously. However, it can be something of a mixed blessing on occasions. Recently North East Bylines was mentioned in a Forbes article on Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs). We would like to make a response.

The article in question was entitled By Railing Against 15-Minute Cities Rishi Sunak Aligns U.K. Government With Conspiracy Theory Believers, and was written by Carlton Reid.

The article states:

“It dilutes your argument when some fellow travellers are chemtrail chancers, out-and-out racists, and moon-landings-were-faked grifters.”

Leaving the main thrust of the argument aside, let’s look at how North East Bylines works, and how it is dealing with views on LTNs.

North East Bylines is a volunteer-run citizen journalism publication that aims to encourage a range of views and voices on a range of subjects, in particular those that relate to the North East. Our writers are encouraged to research, investigate, and report accurately, whilst still using their own voices on topics that really matter to them in their everyday lives. LTNs are a good example of such a topic. We recognise that such a contentious and therefore potentially divisive topic needs to be handled with care whilst allowing people to have their say.

So far North East Bylines has published eight articles on LTNs, with particular focus on the Jesmond LTN. These include pieces from those who are vehemently against them as well as those passionately in favour (Including one from the writer of the Forbes piece!) There are also more neutral articles. You can search for them on our website.

If you would like to write for North East Bylines please contact us on [email protected]