207-08 City Council welcomes pedal power

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has welcomed a multi-million pound investment in pedal power in the city. The Department for Transport’s Cycling England fund has given the city £5 million to make the city a national beacon for cycling by 2011. The cash boost is also being matched by Stoke-on-Trent City Council from its own budget.

Elected Mayor Mark Meredith said he believes the city is in a prime position to benefit from the cycle strategy.

He said: “We fought hard to get this and we are the only city in Britain to secure this funding, so it’s fantastic news. The good thing for us is that we are starting from a level that is already ahead of most other towns, as we have got most of the cycling infrastructure in place. We have got miles and miles of lovely tranquil areas to cycle around here in the city. The main thing is going to be changing public habits and lifestyles.”

Councillor Debra Gratton, portfolio holder for sport and leisure, said: “This is fantastic news for the city and those who have worked hard over many years to improve cycling conditions for residents of Stoke-on-Trent. This gives us great confidence for the future.”

The news comes as the city hosts a leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race in September.

For more details on the scheme go to stoke.gov.uk/bikeweek.