Today in Squirrel News, the number of cycle journeys in the City of London sharply increases; Fashion Revolution stages events with free classes for textile upcycling; and community libraries improve access to books in rural India.
Bikes outnumbering cars in City of London 2 to 1, biggest rise recorded
Cycling journeys in the City of London have increased by 57% within two years. The rise has been driven in part by a huge increase in ridership of dockless e-bike sharing services in the city.
Toronto suburb is example of how to succeed with suburban public transport
The suburb of Bramberg set out to improve its public transport system 20 years ago and had resounding success with gradual changes and minimal investment. Instead of the original light rail idea, planners expanded and improved the buses, creating a frequent, reliable service whose ridership now beats much denser communities.
Official launch of new sodium-ion EV battery by China’s CATL announced
An alternative to lithium in batteries, sodium ions are considered more available and the batteries generally safer and better at starting in cold weather. CATL also launched a fast-charging battery this week and announced a new design for a EV dual battery system.
Rights groups celebrate as Tenn immigrant education bill dies in House
Months of protest by families, advocates, and faith and business groups seem to have paid off as lawmakers in the Tennessee House get cold feet and decide to check if they could lose federal funding. The bill would have allowed schools to check citizenship and deny free access to children unable to prove it.
Publishers printing new editions of the US Constitution as interest surges
Rapid changes in US governance have sparked renewed interest in the country’s “core documents”: the US Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and the Federalist Papers. Retail book market trackers say the interest in these is the highest it has been since they began tracking in 2004.
Syrian White Helmets emergency responders now serve the nation
During the war, the Syrian White Helmets were based in rebel territory and became known to the world for daring efforts to rescue civilians. Now their founder is a minister in the new government and their new mission is to serve the whole country as first responders and helpers in rebuilding and providing disaster relief.
Fashion Revolution launches “Mend in Public Day” for defiant upcycling
This weekend participants from all over the world can join free local community classes to learn how to mend and stitch. Offering such workshops as making clogs from antique rugs and holiday shirts from tablecloths, the nonprofit says that “in an age of throwaway fashion, repairing our clothes is a revolutionary act.”
Clinical trial shows adults with peanut allergy also able to desensitise
When scientists found that children with a life-threatening peanut allergy could train their immune systems to accept peanuts, it was thought that adults with their older immune systems might not benefit. This study, though small, suggests otherwise. Almost all were able to tolerate five peanuts a day by the end.
Access to books in rural India increases as community libraries catch on
Public libraries are often far away and charge fees, making them difficult especially for rural Indians to use. In the spirit of universal free access to books, community libraries are filling the gap. From “Book Nests” at bus stops to spaces in temples and bazaars, books in both Hindi and English are easier to find.
Eating out group in Maine addresses social isolation in older men
When a volunteer group, Harpswell Aging at Home, noticed too many men living alone, not getting out, and not eating well, they started a circle of men dining out together. A group like this has particular value, with older men often slower to ask for help and as a group, at higher risk for suicide.
