The £20million government funding boost announced this week to get more people on their bikes has been hailed and applauded by a leading Manchester cycling club.
Greater Manchester is to benefit more than any other area of the UK, ahead of other conurbations such as South Yorkshire and the West Midlands.
And Viv Slack, Manchester Wheelers’ Club vice-president – which has 294 members – hopes the money will inspire non-cyclists to get on their saddles.
“It’s great news that Manchester will be able to build on its existing cycling infrastructure and make journeys safer for those willing to travel by bike,” she told MM.
“Many more are realising the benefits of cycling for their health, budget and the environment, but don’t feel safe enough on the city roads to do it regularly.
“We hope that by the city joining up various initiatives and creating safer routes people will be able to consider commuting and doing more short journeys by bike.
“We hope this will enable those that don’t consider themselves ‘cyclists’ to discover the joy of a life better by bike.”
The funds will help to provide segregated and dedicated continental-style cycle routes – called ‘spokes’ – to employment and education sites across Greater Manchester.
These will separate bikes from other traffic, improving both cyclists’ safety and that of other road users and aims to increase Greater Manchester’s current cycling numbers by 300% by 2025.
‘Cycle and Ride’ points are also in the pipeline for Gatley, Irlam, Flixton and Guide Bridge railway stations and at Prestwich, Hollinwood and East Didsbury Metrolink stops.
All these plans will go to help Velocity 2025, Transport for Greater Manchester’s ambitious plan to increase cycling numbers over the next decade.
For more information about Manchester Wheelers’ Club visit http://www.manchesterwheelers.co.uk/.
Picture courtesy of Professor Cooper, via flickr, with thanks.
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