Cycling legend launches cycle network
Yesterday, Olympic cyclist, Chris Boardman MBE, launched the brand-new Cycle Network in Irlam and Cadishead, which we hope one day will inspire a Dutch-style bike revolution across the area.
The Olympic gold medallist and Greater Manchester Cycling and Walking Commissioner met cyclists from Breeze Network Lancashire, Salford Cycling Club and a group of local cyclists at Irlam Station as they set off on an inaugural ride along the first 14km of the Irlam and Cadishead Cycle Network, running from the station at Irlam to the Boathouse in Astley.
We are really pleased that the initial parts of the network are now in place and hope the launch will kick start our ambitious plans to expand it to around 50km of cycleways across the area, including the expanse of Chat Moss.
As well as the health and wellbeing benefits cycling brings, we hope that the network can be expanded over time to also improve connectivity to other areas via the National Cycle Network routes 55 and 62 which border the north and south of the area.
Last year, with key stakeholders, we launched a proposal for a £30m project to re-open Cadishead Viaduct, which is currently disused and closed off by shipping containers, separating the communities of Irlam / Cadishead and Carrington / Partington.This would take us a step closer to reviving 9.5km (6 miles) of disused railway track which could form part of the national cycleway extension as well as further modes of transport which could include a heritage railway carrying steam and diesel trains between Irlam and Timperley.
We believe Irlam and Cadishead is a great location for cycling and hope to do our part in helping the area contribute to the target of 10 per cent of journeys being made via bikes by 2025. A target set by Sustrans and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Chris Boardman said: “I was really impressed by the commitment HDT is making to encouraging people to get out on their bikes across Irlam and Cadishead. People will only take cycling if it is accessible and easy for them to incorporate into their day. Initiatives like this are key to helping to inspire new people to travel without a reliance on cars and I look forward to seeing how further plans develop to open up more cycling routes locally.”
HDT trustee, Neil McArthur said: “This event lays the foundations to develop cycling further across the area, which has a fine blend of urban and rural countryside and is a great location for cyclists.
We hope in years to come to develop an extensive network of cycleways, which will encourage local people to get on their bikes as well as attracting many tourists and visitors.
We’ve been inspired by the Dutch model and we have ambitious aspirations that one day cycling could be just as popular in Irlam and Cadishead as it is there.”
Working in partnership with Salford City Council we have been able to map the new cycle network and install waypoints and directional signage, based on the Dutch cycling model.
In addition to the signs, we have also been working with other partners including TfGM, Cycling UK, the Doctor Bike Surgery, the Carbon Landscape Trust and Manchester Bike Hire to promote cycling as a whole in Irlam and Cadishead. We really appreciate the commitment they have made and are still making to cycling across the area.
For more details on the Irlam and Cadishead Cycle Network and how it works, please visit your community website.
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Posted on: 25th April 2018