Central government have asked all borough councils to implement measures that facilitate active travel, the tight time scale to implement these measures is why consultation about the schemes is happening whilst the measures are in place, and we welcome feedback, both positive and negative.

The emergency monies provided only allows us to achieve changes that are quick and easy to implement and sharing space in town centres creates safety for people to cycle around the town avoiding main roads, which with heavy vehicles and speed of traffic feels dangerous to cycle on and discourages people from cycling, especially for young and inexperienced people.

These measures are temporary and will be removed if they are ineffective in what they are trying to achieve.

Looking at the broader picture, if the 'share with care' scheme is successful in Congleton the government has further funding that we can apply for to create permanent measures such as segregated cycle lanes, pedestrian and toucan crossings, improved safety and access across roundabouts and fixing infrastructure that doesn't work.

I don't know of one person who hasn't risked their life crossing over the junctions of the roundabout at Mill Street, Rood Hill and Aldi. The cost to make that junction safer will cost in excess of £500,000.

If we do not demonstrate vision in helping people be active it is unlikely we will receive further funding and we need significant monies to fix the existing infrastructure that makes walking and cycling in Congleton feel unsafe.

Enabling some people to have an alternative option of travelling instead of driving everywhere is a key element to how we achieve our climate change ambitions of improving air quality, reducing congestion and for people to be more active and fitter enjoy and have fun.

This funding is key for Congleton to be accessible, more attractive and help people be more active.

Cycle dismount signs discriminate against people who find it difficult to dismount and are a barrier to an effective cycling journey, and are being recommended for a country wide removal of them.

They discriminate against our young people and we will be working with schools to help students understand share with care both as a pedestrian and a cyclist.

Cycling without consideration is anti-social behaviour and something we are looking to address.

The signs discriminate against people who can't afford or simply choose to cycle for their everyday journeys. We don't ban all people from a safe environment just because of a few.

If we can get 100 children cycling to school, that is a reduction of 50,000 car journeys in one year, over two terms and children cycling to school helps them get fit every day.

If any residents have any concerns or would like further information, please get in touch. If any residents would like to try cycling not having cycled for years, I would be happy to cycle around with you.

And if these measures to make cycling safer are simply unworkable then I will be first person to ask for them to be removed and we will find an alternative solution to making life safer for people to cycle around the town.

Yours sincerely

Cycling and walking champion