A Congleton councillor has praised the changes to the Highway Code which were implemented at the end of January.

Congleton West Independent Group Councillor Suzie Akers Smith was speaking to Congleton Nub News, a week-and-a-half after the changes came into force.

The revisions were presumed to have made cycling more palatable.

This includes protection for cyclists such as a requirement to be 1.5 feet away from the kerb edge on busy roads, and riding in the centre lane on quiet roads with slow moving traffic,

Cyclists are now also reccommended to ride 2 abreast, only if it is considered safer to do so. But cyclists should consider whether any drivers would like to overtake before doing this, and should consider moving back into single file or stopping if safe.

While not in Congleton, Cycle traffic lights were introduced in some cities, and everywhere in the UK two-wheelers are now given priority when going straight at junctions. So motor users should be careful when zooming off from traffic lights at a junction.

Cllr Akers Smith, who lives near Lower Heath, said the following, which has also been sent as an open letter.

"As the cycling and walking champion for Cheshire East Council I am very 

grateful for the changes in the highway code that protect pedestrians, cyclists

and horse riders. 

"Walking around myself I have enjoyed walking over junctions rather than 

running to get out of the way of a vehicle and I have experienced an 

overall positive impact to my safety whilst being active than before the changes. 

"The changes define how drivers should behave towards vulnerable road 

users and make it clear that there is a responsibility on vehicle users to 

protect those not in a vehicle. 

Feeling safe using our roads is the biggest reason why residents choose not to walk or cycle 

for short journeys. "I sincerely hope residents will feel encouraged this spring and summer 

to get their bikes out to visit the town or village centre and to walk a bit 

more for their health.  "Keeping ourselves fit is the biggest thing we can do to improve our health

and leaving the car at home for short journeys is the best thing we can do

to reduce our carbon footprint and congestion.  Encouraging our children to use their bikes instead of being driven around will give them independence 

to travel to a friend's house and to school. 

"Whilst I appreciate, for some people the changes feel drastic and 

unnecessary, they will take time to embed.  "Remember, drivers are pedestrians after they have parked their car 

and will be grateful when drivers give way at junctions. If you live 

within one mile of where you work, try walking on Footstep Friday 

and Cycle Saturday if you are out and about, you will be amazed 

at how great being active makes you feel." Cllr Akers Smith is both a Cheshire East and Congleton Town Councillor. For the former, she serves as the borough's Walking and Cycling Champion. She's been a councillor since 2019, and is a former Conservative. Congleton: The full changes to the Highway code can be read here. Congleton: Have you signed up for our Friday weekly newsletter? It contains each week's top 10 Congleton news stories, and one FREE exclusive article? 3600 of you have signed up already. Simply enter your email address in the shaded box below or on this link. Free from pop-up ads, or unwanted surveys, Congleton Nub News is a quality online newspaper which produces 15-20 stories a week for our town. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.