Leighton Linslade cyclists pedal their way to victory

19 June 2008

Bedfordshire County Council has been successful in its partnership bid to secure over £1million funding for Leighton Linslade to become Bedfordshire’s very first cycling town.

Leighton Linslade was the smallest town shortlisted for the funding (£600,000), which will be made available over three years and will be matched by the County Council, topping the total amount of money for the project up to £1.2million.

Leighton Linslade has beaten several larger towns to become one of 10 cycling towns and one cycling city in the whole of the UK. The money will help deliver the town's Cycling Strategy which, among other things, aims to train more children and work with local businesses and train operators to encourage more people to cycle to work. As part of the project, the council will improve cycle lanes, open up new cycle tracks and introduce 20mph speed limits to improve safety and help make cycling more convenient.

Councillor Madeline Russell, Leader of Bedfordshire County Council, said: "I am delighted to hear that the Leighton Linslade Cycling Town bid has been successful. When the cycling improvements are introduced, I hope residents will be encouraged to cycle to work, school or to the train station.

"Leighton Linslade is the smallest town to receive funding and I know that local people are excited and appreciative. It is fantastic news which will make a huge difference to congestion whilst improving the environment and helping to make people healthier. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Leighton Linslade Town Council for their support and continuing involvement in this scheme."

Councillor Norman Costin, Leader of South Bedfordshire District Council, added: "The announcement of the successful bid for funding is tremendous news for residents of Leighton Linslade. This delivers £8 per head of population worth of funding for the project which will improve the well-being of residents and help to alleviate congestion within the town."

Cycling England, the organisation behind the national drive to encourage cycling in towns, asked councils to come forward with bids for a share of the £47 million government funding available to 'Cycling Towns'. Bedfordshire County Council submitted a bid in partnership with Leighton Linslade Town Council and South Beds District Council. The funding will see more people cycling to school, to work, to the station and local shops, and simply using a bike for leisure and pleasure.

ENDS