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Bolton cycle track approved but again faces local pressureLeverhulme Park (via StreetView).jpg

Bolton cycle track approved but again faces local pressure

Petitions for and against have attracted similar numbers of signatories
by Alex Bowden
Sat, Oct 22, 2016 13:03
7

Planning bosses have approved a new cycle track in Bolton’s Leverhulme Park. However, Bolton News reports that it is already facing local opposition after plans to construct the facility at a nearby location were abandoned earlier in the year.

Bolton Council had originally planned to build an £800,000 cycle track on land at the New House playing fields, but switched locations following a public backlash.

Planning bosses have now voted 11 to nine in favour of constructing the cycle track in Leverhulme Park.

However, the latest plans have also prompted objections. A petition against them, set up by resident Rob Tattersall, has so far attracted 668 signatures. Another in favour of the proposals, set up by Janet Darwell, has attracted 656 signatures.

The New House playing fields plans were abandoned after residents argued the project would affect their privacy, with concerns also raised about traffic issues and the loss of green space.

In the petition against the new plans, Tattersall writes:

“After this project recently failed in another local location, Bolton Council has now continued by proposing the large tarmac cycle track (1km approx) and large car park (40 cars) on one of the few green spaces left for the people of Breightmet.

“The local people, myself included do not want this intrusive track that will ruin this much loved space used by dog walkers, cyclists, rounders teams, footballers and people of all ages who want to sit and enjoy some green space, among the estates and roads.

“I call on Bolton Council to respect its residents and put a stop to what will become a disused eyesore within 6 months with anti-social behaviour, broken glass and graffiti.”

He then goes on to reference the same rundown local basketball courts mentioned in the petition against the previous plans, before concluding “...it is a park, let’s not turn it into some industrial estate type location with numerous fenced off facilities, with little green space for the people.”

Writing in favour, Darwell said the project would be a way to tap into growing interest in cycling.

“This would be a purpose built safe and secure environment for cyclists of all ages and abilities to use as part of an already established sports facility and park area.

“Jason Kenny has become one of the nation’s most celebrated sportsmen. This local lad and his fellow Olympians, Paralympians and Special Olympians have inspired a new generation of cyclists. Bolton already has a strong local cycling scene but has no dedicated facility. Let's all support a fabulous opportunity for the Borough to provide a new cycle track for the community to use.”

Bolton
Breightmet
cycle track
Leverhulme Park
Alex Bowden

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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7 comments

Avatar
davel | 8 years ago
0 likes

Right.

What about for people who just use a bike?

Avatar
terrahawk | 8 years ago
0 likes

I know Leverhulme Park and Breightmet well, I agree with the petition against this. There's very litle green space in that area and to propose a car park and a tarmac track for the purposes of one sport isn't going to do that sport or the people who use the park any favours.

Avatar
longassballs | 8 years ago
0 likes

I'd love a cycle track a few miles from where I live but I understand the objections, if genuine. There's a lot of parkland and countryside near Leverhulme park (which is why I'm not that familiar with it) so there's no lack of space, but they're right - nothing is ever maintained.

I guess all these grants are only available for new projects, and councils keen to look like they're improving facilities apply for them without having a medium to long term budget for staff. Can't blame them, they'd get no money at all otherwise. I only asked my Step Father a few days ago what undercoat they use at his work as he works for Bolton At Home, a housing association. He answered that they don't use undercoat any more. In fact, he said from next year they won't have a painting team; new residents will be given a decorating budget as it's cheaper.

Even before I read the last part of the article quoting the petition in favour I was thinking the only reason they're so keen on a cycle track is so they have something to name after Jason Kenny. Paraphrasing (only slightly though) a comment in the local paper recently, a letter read "Why does Bolton keep celebrating Jason Kenny? He never mentions Bolton and as soon as he was successful he got the fuck out of this shithole."

Kneejerk reaction from us cyclists just to assume it's cycle-racism again.

Avatar
davel | 8 years ago
1 like

The media does have a lot to answer for....
http://road.cc/content/news/208883-peterborough-councillors-will-be-able...

Avatar
tritecommentbot | 8 years ago
4 likes

It is odd. I can understand certain responses like feeling irritated when slowed down. Feeling repelled and excluded by people in lycra. Feeling insecure when someone appears fit on a bike next to you while you're unhappy with your own appearance.

These things are normal and the responses to them should be mild.

That's not what this country has though, there's a furious vitriol about cyclists. If anyone doubts that I'm glad. Ride happy in your bubble. Just avoid forums and news sites that discuss cyclists. 

 

Ultimately I think in the UK there's so much angst that naturally a target to vent on had to be found. The vulnerable are the path of least resistance. Cyclists. The poor on welfare. Immigrants. Weak or small groups can't fight back vocally, so they can get knocked on repeatedly without any consequence. 

 

The BBC have a large roll to play here to. They have always had a hang-up about cycling and Jo Public thinks how Auntie tells them:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2015/jul/17/the-bbc-ha...

 

 

Avatar
burtthebike | 8 years ago
7 likes

Literally Not In My Back Yard.  Why are some people so utterly opposed to cycling that they oppose any improvement?  Must be a Phd in finding out why so many people are antibike.

If this was anything else, it would be recognised as irrational hate, like racism, sexism or ageism: bikeism?  cyclism?

Avatar
gcj replied to burtthebike | 8 years ago
0 likes

burtthebike wrote:

Literally Not In My Back Yard.  Why are some people so utterly opposed to cycling that they oppose any improvement?  Must be a Phd in finding out why so many people are antibike.

If this was anything else, it would be recognised as irrational hate, like racism, sexism or ageism: bikeism?  cyclism?

To be fair, most of the recent comments on the petition against seem to be objecting to building on the green space, rather than objection to what's being built. Not quite as narrow minded as the chap with the rowing erg.

A petition supporter wrote:

we already have to tolerate motorbikes nearly killing people on the grass and caravans leaving human excrement where children play

Sounds lovely.

 

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