On yer bike!

Cheshire East Council have appointed a cycling and walking champion – “to help spearhead moves to get more people more active”.

The new council leader, Councillor Sam Corcoran, announced that independent Councillor Suzie Akers Smith has been appointed to the post.

Counc. Akers Smith will work to promote cycling for all age groups across the borough focusing on policies that put cycling at the heart of the planning and design of the borough’s streets, communities and green spaces.

The authority’s ambition is a ‘step change’ in the take up of cycling by residents of all ages across Cheshire – encouraging more people to cycle safely and walk more often with confidence for everyday journeys and leisure, especially into and out of town and village centres.

They’re confident that incorporating walking into the role will enable the thinking around sustainability, connectivity and accessibility – especially for wheelchair users, pushchairs and mobility scooters.

Counc Akers Smith said: “I am proud to be appointed the council’s cycling and walking champion and am passionate about the importance of getting more people to travel by bike on safe cycle networks and walk more for journeys under a mile. I am really looking forward to working with colleagues across the political spectrum to work towards delivering a truly cycle-friendly network of routes to connect people and places across the borough. This cycling network will be crucial to connect more people to jobs, skills, schools, key services and leisure opportunities across Cheshire East.”

Cllr Corcoran added: “Cycling has many benefits and is certainly a good investment – as the UK government estimates that for every £1 invested in cycling, £5.50 is returned in social benefit. The research is very clear: by cycling and walking regularly, our residents and visitors will be healthier, happier and wealthier – and it’s great for businesses, the visitor economy and the environment too.”

So there you have it – get on yer bike!