Spotlight falls on ‘unsafe’ network of cycling routes
w/c 12/11/18 Available in majority of stores. Whilst stocks last. Subject to availability. Offers/prices may vary at morrisons.com and Morrisons Daily. Offer ends Sunday 25th November 2018. report, although saddened it has to be in there because we had a route identified in the Unitary Plan in 1998.
“We had funding in the Kirklees budgets and had approached the crucial local land owner but it was blocked by Clr David Sheard and the money spent in Dewsbury.”
Referring to the huge cost of Sustrans’ proposals, Clr Bolt added: “We shouldn’t think of this as taking money away from pothole repair funds.
“Kirklees has got a number of areas where the air quality is deemed to be dangerous.
“If Sustrans’ facilitates people to make short journeys by bike instead of car, it’s removing traffic and potentially improving public health.
“Loneliness is also a big issue and you’ll find people cycling or walking up the Spen Valley Greenway are far more likely to talk to each other than someone who was just travelling up Bradford Road.
“It’s a lot of money but you’ve got to look at the long term benefits.”
Clr Bolt said it was also important that access to the cycle routes was considered, highlighting Kirklees Council’s recently completed Huddersfield to Milnsbridge stretch, which he said was inconvenient for people to use as there weren’t many entry points in the neighbourhoods between the two areas.
The call to improve the network comes just a few days after it was revealed that a new “mass transit” system from Leeds could be using the route of the current Spen Valley Greenway.
A map produced by transport officials planning new public transport systems shows a new service from Bradford Low Moor station to Dewsbury, the exact route of the Greenway, which uses a former rail line abandoned in the 1960s.
Clr Bolt, who was at the meeting in Leeds where the proposal was discussed, said it was still unclear if the route was just a concept or if they were seriously considering the greenway itself.
Sustrans’ chief executive Xavier Brice said: “Historic problems such as poor surfaces, incomplete signage or barriers mean that for people with mobility issues or those of us who are less physically active, there may as well be a ‘no entry’ sign on their local path.” Based close to Kyrenia’s famous harbour, this wonderful weeklong holiday, in addition to sparkling celebrations, features a mix of included highlights and optional tours. A half day tour of Kyrenia Visit Bellapais and St Hilarion Explore ruined Famagusta and ancient Salamis Enjoy a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner at your hotel These holidays are organised & operated by Newmarket Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply Standard phone charges