The evidence that well designed and constructed cycle paths benefit many people is clearly shown in Europe and now in London. Granted people in London have been forced to give up their cars but they were heading for a log jam plus excessive pollution anyway.
Much nearer to home I suspect most motorists welcome the school holidays when the school run isn’t functioning. If many of those school children could cycle to school then there would be less congestion and less pollution.
Wheels says he could cycle from home to the Pyramid in 30 minutes, and Andy says he can cycle from Rosehill to Manchester Piccadilly in 35 minutes, although he admits he could do with a shower. For the majority of people who ride regularly, and aren’t trying to beat the train, there is no need to work up a sweat any more than for running for the bus.
Dave says he is more concerned with the congestion in the Bredbury and Offerton area. Well, blame Stockport’s Transport Department for this. When the Marple to Chadkirk cycle path was first discussed it was intended to go all the way into Stockport, but the Council failed to complete the original plan, and now, if it hasn’t been forgotten altogether, it is considered an “aspirational” route dependent on another (in my view unnecessary) bridge. You can imagine when Stockport MBC will say they have enough money for another bridge for the benefit of cyclists.
Countrywide there is recognition that we need to get more people cycling but it will only occur in those areas where the Council actually caters for cycling, which up till now, it has been considered of least of importance in Stockport and will not change without more pressure from people who actually cycle, and others who would do so when Stockport MBC makes it priority in their plans.