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We're in chase to be first of cycle towns
PLANS to transform Kettering into a cycle town have been unveiled.
Up to 1m could be spent on new cycle routes and educational programmes if a bid submitted to Cycling England is successful.
Cycling England, which was set up by the Government in 2005, is looking for 10 towns and one city to be transformed into cycling towns after a successful trial in six towns across the country.
In the application, which was submitted by the county council, highways and transportation spokesman Bob Seery said: "A successful bid will enable Kettering to make cycling a serious option for its existing and future residents.
"Historically, funding for cycling in Kettering has been focused almost exclusively on short cycle tracks.
"For the first time we have the opportunity to deliver everything required to get more people cycling, more safely, more often in Kettering.
"We will deliver a package of measures in Kettering that improves the quality of life for everyone in the town by reducing the reliance on the private car and improving health."
Funding for the scheme would be based on the population of individual towns – with between 5 and 10 per resident available. Kettering's population has been estimated at 50,000. The final grant will be matched by a similar sum from the county council – meaning up to 1m could be available.
There are currently cycling contraflow systems in Kettering town centre.
Mr Seery said if the scheme was a success it would be rolled out to other towns in the county including Corby and Wellingborough.
Currently only 2.3 per cent of workers and 2.5 per cent of school children bike to work.
There are currently more than 18km of cycle paths across Kettering – with only 1.3km signed on-road routes.
A further 10km of cycle routes could be built if the bid is successful.
Mr Seery said: "Corridors for cyclists will be provided but it is essential that people can easily access these through routes, particularly around and into the town centre. Funding will be used to create links to these corridors.
"A new town-wide signing strategy showing travel times rather than distances will be implemented ensuring the network is navigable without a map.
The county also piloted Bikeability in three Kettering schools this year. The funding would enable this to be extended to all 11,000 Year 6 pupils at schools in Kettering and involve a cutting-edge indoor mountain bike studio combining virtual reality cycle training.
Cyclist Walter Dobrowolski, of Mill Road, Kettering, welcomed the idea of more cycle paths.
He said: "I use my bike about twice a week for shopping and leisure.
More cycle routes in the town would certainly be a good thing."
Cycle England will shortlist the towns which have applied in April and May.
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Weather for Kettering
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North west
