The crop circle painted on the side of Pete's house
Well-known local environmental activist, Pete Taylor, died last Monday. It's thought that his emphysema or asthma, that he'd suffered with for a long time, was the cause of death.
Pete didn't fit the stereotype of an environmental campaigner; with his wizened features and strong Devonshire accent, he seemed a bit like a pirate. In fact, he did spend many years in the merchant navy, though I don't think he engaged in piracy; I wouldn't put it past him though.
In the 90s he started off the "Switch Off" campaign against idling motor engines. This campaign was taken up by Bristol city council and other councils around the country.
Pete blamed traffic pollution for his chest condition, though he did smoke as well which couldn't have helped.
I saw him in the week before he died and he was telling me that a neighbour of his who didn't smoke used to get asthma attacks at the same time as him, which coincided with periods of high pollution.
Pete was very outspoken and opinionated and not afraid to offend anyone. This didn't endear him to everybody of course, but it did achieve results in his campaigning.
One of his greatest achievements, in my opinion, was getting Greenbank Road and Robertson Road closed to motor traffic. I know there were others involved, but I suspect that Pete was a leading figure. The closing of these roads has made a great improvement to the quality of life in Greenbank and I doubt that many people would want to go back to how it was.
So farewell then, Pete. I hope there aren't any cars in Heaven and that they'll let you smoke outside the gates.
Other local tributes: http://greenlung.blogspot.com/2009/05/pete-taylor.html
http://bristolcars.blogspot.com/2009/05/pete-taylor.html
Photo of Pete and Cat on a food stall at the bottom of the M32.
