It's Bike Week and apart from a small piece about stunt Mountain Bikers in Manchester - I am sorry to say I saw very little coverage in the press from the big towns (especially Congestion Charge Planners of Manchester) in their local press this time.
However I did come across the quoted nub of this thread from the Bolton press.
However, I have emboldened the bits I think people might want to comment on. Namely the thousands spent on pepermint tarmac and which remain "empty".
Now some lanes - fine. My two sisters (since moving to the 'burbing sprawl of Manchester) have always used the one on the East Lancs (built with a shared cycle/footpath for great chunks of the distance - but some "engineered out" when the road was linked to motorways
They say they can also use the old railway lines but add this can be dodgy if they are alone on there. In fact - they only ride it with family in broad daylight and make sure their dogs are with them - such is the fear from junky yobs in the area these days. Sad but true indictment of today's "society"
They say Salford Council paid thousands on "developing the paths" but now say there's talk of these old lines being returned to railed track to accomodate the Metro Link to Leigh/Bolton with toll tax cash.
They cannot give me proof of this other than a pub chat over a pie and pint with a local Labour councillor they know.
However, despite the sometime yob element (twilight hours) - they and the locals actually do enjoy using those traffic free and very "rurally prettily developed routes" in any case.
Bolton News (and on web site with a picture) wrote:
Get on your bike and shape yourself
By Andrew Mosley
CYCLING is one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly ways to take exercise and see the country at the same time - and more of us are doing it . . .
HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds have been spent on creating cycle lanes and encouraging more people to get on their bikes, save the planet and keep fit.
The often empty green lanes made many wonder whether people could ever be persuaded to leave their cars at home, but recently more people have been cycling to work or the shops, though bike riding still makes up only one per cent of journeys undertaken in this country.
I usually do ride down to the shoppe for my wife's errands. I usually go with my two youngest sons, although they prefer to go without me - claiming I am one "old fuddy duddy fusser" (polite version
)
Trouble is - it does not suit all of the time. Some folk out there are "fair weather people" after all
Also, people make large shopping sprees as a family together, which makes a car more practical to cart back home.
I am saying then that we make choices according to situation and sometimes the bicycle can be an impractical
for large family groups heading for a major blitz on (usually my) bank account
Quote:
In London it is estimated that cycling levels increased by more than a fifth between 2003 and 2004, largely due to the sheer volume and relatively slow speed of traffic, the introduction of the congestion charge and improvements in cycling infrastructure.
Hmmm. So volume makes traffic crawl. I agree. I never find traffic jams a serious threat when I drive or ride my bicycle to be honest
As for the congestion charge?
IG posted up a letter which he read in the CW rag in which a reader suggested that the lesser volume made traffic flow
faster and thus he or she thought it made her cycling commute more dangerous.
But per the next bit in his piece, if the facilities are there and are convenient and safe and
meaningfully fit for purpose then people will use them.
I could never use the lane provided at Ambleside and would think twice about using ones in Penrith and Keswick as I have no intention of dying prematurely!
Quote:
In York, the opening of the Millennium Bridge with cycling facilities in 2001 led to an increase of 17 per cent in the number crossing the river; and in Hull, where the local authority has adopted a range of speed management policies and cycling levels have, traditionally, been relatively high, 14 per cent of journeys to work are by bike - all of which shows that if the facilities are there and encouragement is given, people will ride their bikes.
I think I more or less fall into the category of "recreational" as my commute is a bit on the long impractical side.
Quote:
The Department of Transport claims its policies are working, and a spokesman says: "Recreational cycling has increased in recent years, which is good in itself, as it is a form of exercise for adults and children that can play a part in improving health, and as a way of encouraging novice cyclists who might subsequently use a bike for a wider range of journeys.
"There is a real need for recreational, off-road cycling opportunities for the full range of cyclists, from those on family outings to experienced mountain bikers."
No problem with the following. I do try to encourage my patients to try cycling for pleasure and their health
Quote:
The Department of Health recommends that an average person should take 30 minutes of exercise that leaves us slightly out of breath five times a week, and cycling is ideal for this.
A spokesman said: "Getting out on two wheels can become a straightforward part of your regular routine. It's not necessary to spend extra money on costly equipment. And don't worry about fashion - just make sure you can be seen. Light colours, high visibility material, lights and reflectors are all important.
"Cycling is definitely a great way for the whole family to get fit together, but if you normally travel to work by car, switching to pedal power is also a great chance to do your bit for the environment.
"You could even park and ride if you can't cycle all the way to work. At least think about doing some of your journey by bike. It may help avoid congestion at the end of your journey - and you get to arrive at work invigorated and fit."
One option to build confidence is using an off-road National Cycle Network, which makes up 10,000 miles of attractive on and off-road cycling and walking routes across the United Kingdom. These can be studied on Ordnance Survey maps or at
www.ordnance survey.co.uk.
Sustrans is the UK's leading sustainable transport charity and its National Cycle Network Director Andy Wistow said: "Why not get in the saddle and discover the health and environment benefits of cycling? And with cycle routes on your doorstep, there's no excuse not to take to two wheels and keep fit and healthy."
Bolton News journalist Nick Jackson took up cycling when he was a child and credits it with helping his fitness improve, reducing stress levels while cycling to and from work and, of course, not polluting the atmosphere.
He said: "Cycling in to work and around the congested streets of Bolton can be quite an exhilarating experience -
mainly because from where I live, it's down hill.
"Within a quarter of a mile of my Wigan Road, Deane, home there is a sign which flashes on and off warning motorists to slow down in a 30mph zone.
"It always gives me a buzz when I go past that on my way into work and it's flashing. 
Boy racer
Quote:
The reality is less impressive, however. It's not me that is making it flash - it's usually the cars passing me about 10mph faster than me that are triggering it
That's his excuse!
Quote:
.
"Nevertheless, by the time I get to the bottom of Deane Road and into the bus/bike lane I'm already overtaking cars queueing up to get through the lights.
"Coming home, it's uphill but even with the wind in my face, I'm always quicker getting home than all the cars lining up towards the M61.
"Add to that, I can't remember the last time I filled my car up with fuel.
"The Middlebrook Cycle Way has just been completed and I can bike all the way from the bottom of Haslam Park to the Reebok Stadium without going on the road if I want to.
It's fantastic to get off the main roads and ride along a quiet cyclepath."I can't work out whether it's biking or walking my two dogs that have made me lose over a stone in weight over the last few months - but it feels great."
To find local cycle routes visit
www.sustrans.org.uk A decent enough piece over all.
I agree we must use the decent facilities as provided - but must protest properly about the naff ones which are just serving some "target"
By the way - see no probs with the proposed Highway Code. I do not interpret it in any other way than as current. Insurers are sadistic sharks and you just have to fight your corner with them at all times
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John, my friend and kindred spirit.