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VOTE: On yer bike, Kelly tells schoolchildren
8:50am Tuesday 22nd January 2008
Half a million more 10-year-olds across England will take part in cycle training under a £140 million investment programme unveiled by the Government.
Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly announced the scheme, which aims to cut road congestion, improve air quality and get a generation of adults to rediscover their bikes.
The money, which will be invested over the next three years, is also being targeted to form part of the Government's forthcoming strategy to tackle obesity, Ms Kelly said.
In addition, the money will build 250 safe links to schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network, and create an extra 10 cycling demonstration towns in England.
Ms Kelly said today: "Cycling brings many benefits, both for the individual in terms of health and fitness and for the local community as it helps tackle congestion and improve air quality.
"Being able to cycle safely is an important life skill and I want to give more children the opportunity to do it and encourage more adults to reach for their bikes.
"By 2012, I expect 500,000 more children to have been able to learn how to cycle safely and responsibly. This will give parents reassurance that their children are suitably equipped to use the roads and enjoy their bikes."
Health Secretary Alan Johnson said: "We know that children and young people need to be moderately active for at least an hour every day. While schools are successfully increasing the amount of sport and other physical activities pupils take part in, it is essential that young people do more beyond the school gates.
"Cycling or walking to and from school is an excellent way to keep active, as well as helping to install a culture of exercise for adult life."
Cllr Margaret Clare, Bolton spokesman for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: "I think this is positive news and I hope Bolton will benefit from the programme."
Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council's executive member for the environment, who has responsibility for road infrastructure, said he thought any plan to encourage youngsters to cycle rather than be driven by parents was good for children's health and the environment.
Your Say Yourtheboltonnews
RagReader, Horwich says...
9:51am Tue 22 Jan 08
I don't think it would work now.
Quote - In addition, the money will build 250 safe links to schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network, and create an extra 10 cycling demonstration towns in England.
I can't see how that would help, how many schools are there in the country?
tosh, says...
9:52am Tue 22 Jan 08
Andrew, Bury says...
9:59am Tue 22 Jan 08
RagReader wrote:My lads both did a something similar to the CPT at primary here, but they were among a lucky group. However, the training seemed better than in my day as the instructors used a real road (appropriately signed to warn drivers) as part of the training which hopefully got across the potential dangers out there.
I can remember the Cycling Proficiency Test back in the 50's when lots of kids learned to ride bikes, it was OK then, a lot less traffic on the road and a lot less selfish 'don't hold me up' drivers. I don't think it would work now. Quote - In addition, the money will build 250 safe links to schools, connecting around 500 more schools to the National Cycle Network, and create an extra 10 cycling demonstration towns in England. I can't see how that would help, how many schools are there in the country?
500 schools isn't a lot in the grand scheme but then the cycle network doesn't cover the country. It's a start I guess.
chas, suffolk says...
10:24am Tue 22 Jan 08
Disgusted, Tunbridge Wells says...
10:41am Tue 22 Jan 08
bolton parent, bolton says...
11:48am Tue 22 Jan 08
Rocky, Bowton says...
11:49am Tue 22 Jan 08
Disgusted wrote:Has anyone tried going off bury road to the entrance to leverhulme park ... get a reporter down there for a photograph the road looks like it's been in a war zone its got that many potholes.
Well of course its OK in theory but anybody who rides a pushbike will know the roads are full of potholes near the kerb and of course school opening/closing time fills the roads with Women charging about often recklessly in extra large 4WD's full of there own self importance and not looking out for kids on bikes as their kids are safely in the Wagon, yes its aimed at getting rid of these unnecessary 'school run' Mum's and their 4WD's but how come us 1970's kids managed to walk to School but today's kids can't, not like nasty men are everywhere trying to snatch them. could it be about an opportunity they can't miss to show off the size of their vehicles ?
PLEASE BOLTON NEWS GO HAVE A LOOK YOU WILL BE SHOCKED.
Rocky, Bowton says...
11:50am Tue 22 Jan 08
Disgusted wrote:it isnt 4wd that cause potholes its the crap repair job that's done and the quality of the tarmac and finishing.
Well of course its OK in theory but anybody who rides a pushbike will know the roads are full of potholes near the kerb and of course school opening/closing time fills the roads with Women charging about often recklessly in extra large 4WD's full of there own self importance and not looking out for kids on bikes as their kids are safely in the Wagon, yes its aimed at getting rid of these unnecessary 'school run' Mum's and their 4WD's but how come us 1970's kids managed to walk to School but today's kids can't, not like nasty men are everywhere trying to snatch them. could it be about an opportunity they can't miss to show off the size of their vehicles ?
Everyone in the construction trade knows it.
notlob, bolton says...
12:17pm Tue 22 Jan 08
It will only work when we invest more than the cost of a few white lines and build proper off road cycle routes to schools.
I for one wouldn't dream of letting my kids cycle along any of Bolton's main roads.
Tommy, says...
1:09pm Tue 22 Jan 08
First and foremost, there is nowhere at all in Bolton to safely store your bike.
I thought the place outside Albert Halls was safe, but since my bike was nicked from there back in 06, I was made aware of the fact that there was no CCTV looking at that area.
..maybe if I rode a colourful elephant things might change.
chas, suffolk says...
1:21pm Tue 22 Jan 08
Disgusted, Tunbridge Wells says...
1:27pm Tue 22 Jan 08
Rocky wrote:Yeah I wasn't implying it was the 4WD's causing the Potholes, they're all over the place and very dangerous for Cyclists causing them to either veer further into the road or even fall off and damaging to Cars too. The situation might of improved a little bit in Bolton but the Council should have a team out everyday filling these Potholes in.
Disgusted wrote: Well of course its OK in theory but anybody who rides a pushbike will know the roads are full of potholes near the kerb and of course school opening/closing time fills the roads with Women charging about often recklessly in extra large 4WD's full of there own self importance and not looking out for kids on bikes as their kids are safely in the Wagon, yes its aimed at getting rid of these unnecessary 'school run' Mum's and their 4WD's but how come us 1970's kids managed to walk to School but today's kids can't, not like nasty men are everywhere trying to snatch them. could it be about an opportunity they can't miss to show off the size of their vehicles ?it isnt 4wd that cause potholes its the crap repair job that's done and the quality of the tarmac and finishing. Everyone in the construction trade knows it.
Rocky, Bowton says...
2:24pm Tue 22 Jan 08
4wd (wheel drive) cars are far safer as not only are they 4 wheel driven on bigger cars like say 4 x 4 they are even safer because the view of people driving 4x4 is les restricted.
In fact you will find most 4x4 drivers are safer drivers.
It's a nonsense to suggest that the bigger the car the more dangerous the driver.
It's entirely down to the skills and anticipation of the driver.
Rocky, Bowton says...
2:30pm Tue 22 Jan 08
That's why I believe its safer to drive a 4x4 than a car.
4WD is known to make a car more stable.
Rocky, Bowton says...
2:31pm Tue 22 Jan 08
Disgusted wrote:Sorry yes the potholes are a danger I do agree with that.
Rocky wrote:Yeah I wasn't implying it was the 4WD's causing the Potholes, they're all over the place and very dangerous for Cyclists causing them to either veer further into the road or even fall off and damaging to Cars too. The situation might of improved a little bit in Bolton but the Council should have a team out everyday filling these Potholes in.
Disgusted wrote: Well of course its OK in theory but anybody who rides a pushbike will know the roads are full of potholes near the kerb and of course school opening/closing time fills the roads with Women charging about often recklessly in extra large 4WD's full of there own self importance and not looking out for kids on bikes as their kids are safely in the Wagon, yes its aimed at getting rid of these unnecessary 'school run' Mum's and their 4WD's but how come us 1970's kids managed to walk to School but today's kids can't, not like nasty men are everywhere trying to snatch them. could it be about an opportunity they can't miss to show off the size of their vehicles ?it isnt 4wd that cause potholes its the crap repair job that's done and the quality of the tarmac and finishing. Everyone in the construction trade knows it.
A swerving cyclist or car for that matter is the last thing anyone wants.
spice, bolton says...
2:50pm Tue 22 Jan 08
tom3465, Farnworth says...
3:28pm Tue 22 Jan 08
gazz_ball - Supera Moras!, bolton says...
3:30pm Tue 22 Jan 08
Ali, says...
3:54pm Tue 22 Jan 08
RagReader, Horwich says...
4:27pm Tue 22 Jan 08
Thank goodness the earlier stupid ones were removed.
Well done Bolton News.
chas, suffolk says...
4:33pm Tue 22 Jan 08
RagReader, Horwich says...
5:10pm Tue 22 Jan 08
chas wrote:I don't want to start an off topic debate but the idiot wasn't called Andy, any way it worked because he's since posted sensible ones.
I agree. Much better without Andy.
On this thread anyway.
Rocky, Bowton says...
6:44pm Tue 22 Jan 08
chas wrote:Think it was Eric anyway
I agree. Much better without Andy.
Sun Tzu, says...
7:29pm Tue 22 Jan 08
Cycle lanes cut across busy roads putting cyclists between lanes of traffic. Some times they come to an abrupt end, because the lane has obviously been put in without any proper planning. Leaving both cyclists and motorists confused.
Add to this the fact that many drivers are obviously in a constant state of confusion - Probably shouldn't be driving at all - Throw in street furniture and unneccessary road markings, flashing speed signs, speed camaras, and a liberal sprinkling of signs for everything and it's a recipe for disaster for anyone brave enough to pull on the yellow jersey.
Our roads aren't safe for cyclist. Any adult who ventures into Bolton on a bike is taking their life in their hands. Bearing this in mind how many parents could wave little Johnny of to school, on his bike and then not spend all day worrying if he survived the journey.
Come next election there will be at least one more person on their bike.
Ruth Kelly.
Tommy, says...
9:58pm Wed 23 Jan 08
Sun Tzu wrote:Well said sun, I agree with you 100% there.
You would have to be on some kind of death wish to cycle on the roads of Bolton.
Cycle lanes cut across busy roads putting cyclists between lanes of traffic. Some times they come to an abrupt end, because the lane has obviously been put in without any proper planning. Leaving both cyclists and motorists confused.
Add to this the fact that many drivers are obviously in a constant state of confusion - Probably shouldn't be driving at all - Throw in street furniture and unneccessary road markings, flashing speed signs, speed camaras, and a liberal sprinkling of signs for everything and it's a recipe for disaster for anyone brave enough to pull on the yellow jersey.
Our roads aren't safe for cyclist. Any adult who ventures into Bolton on a bike is taking their life in their hands. Bearing this in mind how many parents could wave little Johnny of to school, on his bike and then not spend all day worrying if he survived the journey.
Come next election there will be at least one more person on their bike.
Ruth Kelly.
Your sayYourtheboltonnews
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JooBee, Bolton says...
9:35am Tue 22 Jan 08