Drew Mabey
@drewmabey.bsky.social
Sound recording engineer, general technophile, urban utopiaist, and all round problem-solver.
Reposted by Drew Mabey
It is the source of so many of our evils: the astonishing concentration of wealth in the hands of a very few, and the immense political power that gives them. We cannot solve our problems until we tackle it.
This week's column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
At the root of all our problems stands one travesty: politicians’ surrender to the super-rich | George Monbiot
There are many excuses for failing to tax the ultra-wealthy. The truth is that governments don’t tackle the problem because they don’t want to, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:18 PM
It is the source of so many of our evils: the astonishing concentration of wealth in the hands of a very few, and the immense political power that gives them. We cannot solve our problems until we tackle it.
This week's column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Drew Mabey
There's something I can't quite put my finger on that seems to be the common denominator between all of these streets.
Oh, I know what it is. It's the complete lack of cars.
Oh, I know what it is. It's the complete lack of cars.
Britain’s 20 prettiest streets
Our writer lays out the country’s very best alleys, avenues, crescents, cut-throughs, side roads, back streets and boulevards
www.telegraph.co.uk
January 12, 2026 at 3:42 PM
There's something I can't quite put my finger on that seems to be the common denominator between all of these streets.
Oh, I know what it is. It's the complete lack of cars.
Oh, I know what it is. It's the complete lack of cars.
Reposted by Drew Mabey
"You are not stuck in traffic. You are traffic."
January 11, 2026 at 4:50 PM
"You are not stuck in traffic. You are traffic."
Reposted by Drew Mabey
The casual acceptance of risk from driving cars is utterly bemusing.
If this many people were being killed on trains the rail system would be shut down until the risks could be eliminated.
Why is it seen as normal that so many people are killed and injured while people drive vehicles?
If this many people were being killed on trains the rail system would be shut down until the risks could be eliminated.
Why is it seen as normal that so many people are killed and injured while people drive vehicles?
In 2024, more than 1,600 people died on UK roads. Yet a major new road safety strategy has passed largely unnoticed. This reflects media acceptance of road danger and a societal complacency—an “it won’t happen to me” mindset. Sadly, it can, and by then it is too late. How do we change this?
January 9, 2026 at 8:32 AM
The casual acceptance of risk from driving cars is utterly bemusing.
If this many people were being killed on trains the rail system would be shut down until the risks could be eliminated.
Why is it seen as normal that so many people are killed and injured while people drive vehicles?
If this many people were being killed on trains the rail system would be shut down until the risks could be eliminated.
Why is it seen as normal that so many people are killed and injured while people drive vehicles?
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Critically, we also need the public to support actions that enable older people to live great lives without having to drive for when they fail the eye tests. So the public need to get onboard with no pavement parking, pedestrian priority, denser housing, fewer out-of-town shopping centres, etc etc
90% of Britons support government proposals to require drivers over the age of 70 to have their vision checked every three years - including 89% of the over-65s
yougov.co.uk/topics/trave...
yougov.co.uk/topics/trave...
January 7, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Critically, we also need the public to support actions that enable older people to live great lives without having to drive for when they fail the eye tests. So the public need to get onboard with no pavement parking, pedestrian priority, denser housing, fewer out-of-town shopping centres, etc etc
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Unhook ourselves from oil and gas and we unhook ourselves from dependency on dictators, autocrats and expansionist regimes all over the planet.
Renewables and other low-carbon energy sources are not just good climate sense. They are also good political sense.
Renewables and other low-carbon energy sources are not just good climate sense. They are also good political sense.
January 6, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Unhook ourselves from oil and gas and we unhook ourselves from dependency on dictators, autocrats and expansionist regimes all over the planet.
Renewables and other low-carbon energy sources are not just good climate sense. They are also good political sense.
Renewables and other low-carbon energy sources are not just good climate sense. They are also good political sense.
Reposted by Drew Mabey
What if instead of killing people for oil we just put up some solar panels and some wind turbines. You know, the cheapest form of energy
January 4, 2026 at 7:32 PM
What if instead of killing people for oil we just put up some solar panels and some wind turbines. You know, the cheapest form of energy
Reposted by Drew Mabey
The big difference is that solar+battery is fit and forget. Once it's installed, whether from China or anywhere else, it's yours and you are independent. No more payments to anyone.
With fossil fuels you're an addict, dependent on your dealer who can make you dance to their tune.
With fossil fuels you're an addict, dependent on your dealer who can make you dance to their tune.
There's a global solar energy revolution happening led by China and it should have been one of the biggest stories of 2025.
While the US is committing to a suicide pact with fossil fuels, the rest of the world is leapfrogging into cheap nearly limitless energy.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/c...
While the US is committing to a suicide pact with fossil fuels, the rest of the world is leapfrogging into cheap nearly limitless energy.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/30/c...
Cheap Solar Is Transforming Lives and Economies Across Africa
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:59 AM
The big difference is that solar+battery is fit and forget. Once it's installed, whether from China or anywhere else, it's yours and you are independent. No more payments to anyone.
With fossil fuels you're an addict, dependent on your dealer who can make you dance to their tune.
With fossil fuels you're an addict, dependent on your dealer who can make you dance to their tune.
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Wrote a thing:
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
Five Facets of the Attack on Venezuela by the Rogue Nation the US Has Become
1
They are saying it baldly: this is an oil grab. There is a history of oil grabs going back to British imperialism in the middle east in the late nineteenth century and murders of Osage Nation triba...
www.meditationsinanemergency.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Wrote a thing:
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
The carnage associated with fossil fuel is why speeding the transition to renewables is good for international stability as well as everything else. Fossil fuel is inseparable from violence, and dependence on it it has created a brutal world order....
Reposted by Drew Mabey
1. Headlines everywhere today read "Grok apologizes."
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
January 3, 2026 at 12:12 AM
1. Headlines everywhere today read "Grok apologizes."
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
This is bullshit. A chatbot is not something that can apologize.
Pretending otherwise is simple laundering these companies' bullshit about what AI is, while diffusing blame away from the human beings that developed and released this system.
There’s no denying that it’s now pogie season 🥶🥶🥶🚲
January 3, 2026 at 10:53 AM
There’s no denying that it’s now pogie season 🥶🥶🥶🚲
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Having basic needs met is a huge factor in determining health
If everyone had shelter, food, healthcare & a basic income…society would be healthier
Instead the billionaires & corporations hoard wealth and blame us when we become disabled or homeless
Poverty is a policy choice. Not a moral failing
If everyone had shelter, food, healthcare & a basic income…society would be healthier
Instead the billionaires & corporations hoard wealth and blame us when we become disabled or homeless
Poverty is a policy choice. Not a moral failing
December 30, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Having basic needs met is a huge factor in determining health
If everyone had shelter, food, healthcare & a basic income…society would be healthier
Instead the billionaires & corporations hoard wealth and blame us when we become disabled or homeless
Poverty is a policy choice. Not a moral failing
If everyone had shelter, food, healthcare & a basic income…society would be healthier
Instead the billionaires & corporations hoard wealth and blame us when we become disabled or homeless
Poverty is a policy choice. Not a moral failing
Reposted by Drew Mabey
More anti-renewables astroturfing from the BBC, quoting exactly three (3) villagers opposed to a solar farm, and zero data.
Plans to build a huge solar farm set to be opposed by villagers - BBC News
Villagers have expressed concern about plans to build a 373 acre solar farm nearby.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 24, 2025 at 8:39 AM
More anti-renewables astroturfing from the BBC, quoting exactly three (3) villagers opposed to a solar farm, and zero data.
A digital advertising screen masquerading as a public service. This is more public space sacrificed to private profit, driving consumerism in a time of climate emergency
vogonline.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Dis...
@adblockcardiff.bsky.social
@adfreecities.bsky.social
vogonline.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Dis...
@adblockcardiff.bsky.social
@adfreecities.bsky.social
December 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM
A digital advertising screen masquerading as a public service. This is more public space sacrificed to private profit, driving consumerism in a time of climate emergency
vogonline.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Dis...
@adblockcardiff.bsky.social
@adfreecities.bsky.social
vogonline.planning-register.co.uk/Planning/Dis...
@adblockcardiff.bsky.social
@adfreecities.bsky.social
Now and then you spot a glimmer of hope in the wild. Spotted this in deepest darkest Merthyr today:
December 21, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Now and then you spot a glimmer of hope in the wild. Spotted this in deepest darkest Merthyr today:
Reposted by Drew Mabey
This - again and again.
Stop victim blaming, start politician, infrastructure and lawmakers "blaming".
“First, the designers of the system are responsible for the design, operation, and use of the transportation system. Second, road users are responsible for following the rules of (it).”
Stop victim blaming, start politician, infrastructure and lawmakers "blaming".
“First, the designers of the system are responsible for the design, operation, and use of the transportation system. Second, road users are responsible for following the rules of (it).”
Not happy to hear someone with the Future Of Privacy Forum trot out the old "94% of crashes are caused by human error" nonsense. usa.streetsblog.org/2020/10/14/t...
The 94% Error: We Need to Understand the True Cause of Crashes — Streetsblog USA
You’ve heard the claim that 94 percent of crashes are due to human error. Traffic safety campaigns are grounded in it. Agencies are using it to advocate for autonomous vehicles. But simply put: It’s n...
usa.streetsblog.org
December 21, 2025 at 1:33 PM
This - again and again.
Stop victim blaming, start politician, infrastructure and lawmakers "blaming".
“First, the designers of the system are responsible for the design, operation, and use of the transportation system. Second, road users are responsible for following the rules of (it).”
Stop victim blaming, start politician, infrastructure and lawmakers "blaming".
“First, the designers of the system are responsible for the design, operation, and use of the transportation system. Second, road users are responsible for following the rules of (it).”
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Kids who got new bikes for Christmas, "super excited" to walk them around the city that's too dangerous to ride in.
www.creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorec...
www.creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorec...
December 19, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Kids who got new bikes for Christmas, "super excited" to walk them around the city that's too dangerous to ride in.
www.creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorec...
www.creativebyrovelo.com/therovelorec...
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Cycling and walking could help deliver almost everything Brits say they want to achieve in 2026 — if we design streets to support them.
Getting fitter, losing weight, being healthier, saving money; enabling active travel quietly does all of it. With no gym contracts.
Getting fitter, losing weight, being healthier, saving money; enabling active travel quietly does all of it. With no gym contracts.
December 17, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Cycling and walking could help deliver almost everything Brits say they want to achieve in 2026 — if we design streets to support them.
Getting fitter, losing weight, being healthier, saving money; enabling active travel quietly does all of it. With no gym contracts.
Getting fitter, losing weight, being healthier, saving money; enabling active travel quietly does all of it. With no gym contracts.
Reposted by Drew Mabey
"Rich white blokes In suits have done more damage to me and mine than a poor bloke in a dinghy ever could"
via The Daily Scar
via The Daily Scar
December 17, 2025 at 8:18 AM
"Rich white blokes In suits have done more damage to me and mine than a poor bloke in a dinghy ever could"
via The Daily Scar
via The Daily Scar
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Want to see billionaire brainwashing in action?
Seven out of ten Brits are big fans of renewable energy and want to see lots more of it.
But they think the majority of people DON’T support it.
That disconnect isn’t an accident. 🧵
Seven out of ten Brits are big fans of renewable energy and want to see lots more of it.
But they think the majority of people DON’T support it.
That disconnect isn’t an accident. 🧵
December 16, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Want to see billionaire brainwashing in action?
Seven out of ten Brits are big fans of renewable energy and want to see lots more of it.
But they think the majority of people DON’T support it.
That disconnect isn’t an accident. 🧵
Seven out of ten Brits are big fans of renewable energy and want to see lots more of it.
But they think the majority of people DON’T support it.
That disconnect isn’t an accident. 🧵
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Cars are a lot slower than people think. This driver commutes at 4 MPH. That's barely faster than walking (avg walking pace is around 3.3 MPH)
They could cut their commute to 15 minutes biking at 12 MPH, but they might not have a safe route to do so
We are forcing people into terrible car commutes
They could cut their commute to 15 minutes biking at 12 MPH, but they might not have a safe route to do so
We are forcing people into terrible car commutes
December 16, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Cars are a lot slower than people think. This driver commutes at 4 MPH. That's barely faster than walking (avg walking pace is around 3.3 MPH)
They could cut their commute to 15 minutes biking at 12 MPH, but they might not have a safe route to do so
We are forcing people into terrible car commutes
They could cut their commute to 15 minutes biking at 12 MPH, but they might not have a safe route to do so
We are forcing people into terrible car commutes
Reposted by Drew Mabey
If you regularly cycle on British roads you'll have come across aggressive, dangerous drivers like Paul Doyle who use their motor vehicles as weapons, the roads are full of them. Their behaviour is completely normalised until the day they run over 100 people
![Prosecutor Mr Greaney said Doyle's vehicle arrived on Dale Street at 17:54 BST.
More dashcam footage is played showing Doyle following a bus along the road as pedestrians stream around him.
It is clear Doyle is getting increasingly frustrated.
He can be seen to pass through a red light and is faced by a steady, dense stream of pedestrians.
The beep of his parking warning indicators are audible as people pass by the car.
He suddenly shouts "Get off the [expletive] road!"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:iewju3ccszsunaiwusidikdc/bafkreiayt3l72wlpdhgeapsp5ebbdb6yycwtbup63nzlvt7zz7il3jk3gq@jpeg)
![Mr Greaney has been describing the moment at 17:58 BST when Doyle drove towards an unidentified man with ginger hair who was walking with a child.
He said the man appeared to become concerned that Doyle posed a threat to his son.
The prosecutor said: "It appears that in order to protect his child, he placed his right foot on the bumper of the Galaxy as he manoeuvred the child out of the way.
"The man pointed his finger at the defendant, who shouted, "it's a '[expletive] road"](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:iewju3ccszsunaiwusidikdc/bafkreihtyfekwyavifjrkcolkrtmk74lpxbhfv5k2hondho3fuzud5yhh4@jpeg)
December 15, 2025 at 1:12 PM
If you regularly cycle on British roads you'll have come across aggressive, dangerous drivers like Paul Doyle who use their motor vehicles as weapons, the roads are full of them. Their behaviour is completely normalised until the day they run over 100 people
Reposted by Drew Mabey
How the BBC upholds fossil fuel industry narratives, 09/12/2025: an article about a battery storage project featuring one (1) person objecting to the scheme. The opinion is presented as indicative of popular opposition. No other viewpoint is offered.
December 10, 2025 at 10:58 AM
How the BBC upholds fossil fuel industry narratives, 09/12/2025: an article about a battery storage project featuring one (1) person objecting to the scheme. The opinion is presented as indicative of popular opposition. No other viewpoint is offered.
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Item 1
A highway that will cost billions, take 20 years and contribute to the destruc.....Approved!
Item 2
A bike lane that will cost almost nothing, reduce traffic and align with our climate emerg...Do you have approval from every living and deceased resident in the city?
A highway that will cost billions, take 20 years and contribute to the destruc.....Approved!
Item 2
A bike lane that will cost almost nothing, reduce traffic and align with our climate emerg...Do you have approval from every living and deceased resident in the city?
December 9, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Item 1
A highway that will cost billions, take 20 years and contribute to the destruc.....Approved!
Item 2
A bike lane that will cost almost nothing, reduce traffic and align with our climate emerg...Do you have approval from every living and deceased resident in the city?
A highway that will cost billions, take 20 years and contribute to the destruc.....Approved!
Item 2
A bike lane that will cost almost nothing, reduce traffic and align with our climate emerg...Do you have approval from every living and deceased resident in the city?
Reposted by Drew Mabey
Just listening to the @LBC news, and it occurred to me - why do they read out the ftse100, and exchange rates, as if these make a difference to the everyday person?
Maybe it’s time to add CO2 levels, or global temperature increase, or climate change deaths, so we’re all more informed?
Maybe it’s time to add CO2 levels, or global temperature increase, or climate change deaths, so we’re all more informed?
December 8, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Just listening to the @LBC news, and it occurred to me - why do they read out the ftse100, and exchange rates, as if these make a difference to the everyday person?
Maybe it’s time to add CO2 levels, or global temperature increase, or climate change deaths, so we’re all more informed?
Maybe it’s time to add CO2 levels, or global temperature increase, or climate change deaths, so we’re all more informed?