The transport group linked to the Northwich Neighbourhood Plan, supported by the town council, has been working with Sustrans to see how we can progress plans for making Northwich into a “cycle-friendly town”, which it is not at present.

Integrate this thinking into and alongside the new redevelopment plans for the town for both commercial and housing.

The government has been making funding available through different schemes for cycling initiatives for some time. However, those authorities without a full feasibility plan for projects are always left at the bottom of the queue when it comes to funding allocation.

If we are serious about wanting to become a proper cycle town, then we have to put our money where our mouth is and invest in a feasibility plan. It’s the vital first step.

The transport group has liaised with Sustrans, who have indicated that they are prepared to develop plans for a cycling network in the town which would form part of the emerging Neighbourhood Plan and become the blueprint for future development.

CWAC’s Cycling Strategy points the way forward in terms of what it sees as the future for cycling. In particular, its long-term strategy states that it will commission additional cycle master plans to help identify opportunities and future programmes to improve and increase cycle networks so as to improve connectivity to jobs, schools and local services elsewhere in the borough; encourage local communities who are preparing Neighbourhood Development Plans to consider cycling facilities, provision and access to cycle routes.

In commissioning Sustrans to produce this piece of work we are helping CWAC fulfil its aims, and in terms of future funding initiatives it would mean that when the government announces new pots of cycle funding in the future, Northwich would be on the front foot and have a greater chance of securing resources.

This initiative would help to create by moving some local journeys onto bikes and the reduction to CO2 emissions can only be of benefit to local people. In the year when the UK became so successful in hosting the start of the Tour de France, and more locally hosted the Tour of Britain Cycle Race in September, our local authorities should also grasp the initiative to make Northwich safer and more cycle friendly.

Mike Cooksley, Northwich