From Helena Butler, Delph
I read an article in the Saddleworth Independent (August 2020) about cycling in Saddleworth.
The article invited comments about what would make readers cycle more in Saddleworth.
Myself and my husband live in Delph with our boys aged three and seven. We like to take the boys out cycling, with our three-year-old in the bike seat and our seven-year-old on his own bike.
The Pennine Bridleway now has a bridge missing which is a real shame as it formed one of our main family cycle routes-from Delph, down the Delph Donkey, down the canal and to the Royal George in Mossley, and then back to Delph via the bridleway and the Delph Donkey again.
The missing bridge means that we have to cycle down High Street in Uppermill on our return journey-the stretch from the zebra crossing outside Buckley’s Bakery to the Limekiln.
This section is sadly not safe for our seven-year-old on the road although he is a confident and experienced cyclist. Last time we tried it, cars were trying to pass him far too closely and it was dangerous.
Even as an adult this stretch of road is not inviting for a cyclist as it is narrow and cars constantly try to overtake far too close.
Repairing the bridge on the bridleway and signage on this section of road both ways about cyclists are two ideas to encourage cycling in Saddleworth.
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No you don’t.
Just come off by Saddleworth Gym, cycle down the path that runs parallel to the bridle path, then onto Church Road and up the steps back onto the Bridle Path. Bit of a pain but no need to use the busy High Street.
We have tried a few different diversions now instead of using the main road. It is possible- but just a bit of a pain. The canal path via Kenworthy Gardens is busy and even the detour through the housing estate back up to the the all weather pitch at the school is surprisingly busy. This is such an important path for so many users in Saddleworth!
I am both a cyclist and a horse rider and frequently walk my dog along this route. Whilst the footpath diversion is logical for walkers it is impossible to maintain social distancing. It is also difficult as a cyclist because it is narrow and overgrown and again impossible to keep social distance. And finally the horse riding community have been advised to take an extensive road route diversion on roads that are lined with parked cars and drivers who are not savvy to safe passing distances and the highway code. This bridge is a vital village to village link bypassing the very busy Uppermill high street where a 20 mph speed limit has been implemented to aid pedestrians and social distancing. Replace the bridge and reduce the number of pedestrians, cyclist and horse riders on the main highways.