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Cyclists use pedal power to tackle congestion charge
Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 26/11/2008
Cyclists from Rochdale will be using pedal power to ride across Greater Manchester – in a bid to promote anti-congestion transport.
On Saturday 29th November, cyclists from all over Greater Manchester will take part in the 'Tour de TIF' to encourage people to vote “yes” to the congestion charge.
The ride will pass ten town halls, including Rochdale.
Starting from Swinton Civic Centre the Tour de TIF will travel 80 miles around Greater Manchester via the town halls of: Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Ashton, Stockport, Altrincham, Sale and Trafford, finishing at Manchester Town Hall.
A spokesperson for Clean Air Now, an anti-pollution campaigning body said: “We believe that the TIF package will be good for motorists, public transport users, cyclists, pedestrians - and for air quality. Reducing traffic congestion helps not only drivers but will encourage more people to cycle in Greater Manchester.
“Since the introduction of the congestion charge in London in 2003, cycling levels in the capital have nearly doubled.”
The three Tour de TIF cycling groups (slow, medium and fast) should arrive at Rochdale Town Hall between 12.50pm and 1.30pm where they will be stopping for a quick lunch.
Rochdale councillor Wera Hobhouse will be joining the ride for the Rochdale to Oldham section.
Have Your Say
20 odd years ago, it took getting on for an hour to commute by cycle from Rochdale to Bradford/Beswick. I know, I did it on occasion. It is going to take longer now and there are no safe, long distance cycleways. The same journey by car takes about 30 minutes at rush hour.
I do not think that cycle is a viable method of commuting at that distance. would Wera ride into the centre of Manchester? I doubt it!
By johnb @ 26/11/2008 12:56:46
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