Council chiefs from Cheshire West and Chester back cycling initiative

Feb 25 2010 by Antonia Merola, Chester Chronicle

LOCAL authorities must see cycling as a vital part of integrated transport planning for tackling congestion, climate change and obesity, according to a group of senior council officials.

A letter signed by 20 council chief executives and transport directors, including Steve Kent, director of environment, Chester West and Chester Council, and Steve Robinson, the authority's chief executive, says local transport plans will be crucial to tackling such challenges.

The chiefs point to results from the six cycling demonstration towns which show that on average trips by bike are up by 29%, while there are significant rises in pupils cycling to school once a week.

They also argue that cycling is inexpensive to fund, with every £1 spent generating benefits valued at around £3.