Make A Beeline For Manchester!

Every year in Greater Manchester there are more than 250 million car journeys made which are less than 1km long. That's the equivalent of a 15minute walk or 5minute cycle ride. And the authorities are determined to get more people out of cars and walking or pedalling their way around.
Having appointed a Walking and Cycling Commissioner - champion cyclist Chris Boardman - and tasked him with producing a report on city travel, "Beelines" is happening.
Taking inspiration from the Dutch, who know a thing or two about bikes, ambitious plans are underway 

Dedicated cycle lanes, more pedestrianised streets, safer junctions. 

You can read more here. I think this is excellent news, and I really hope the plans proceed smoothly and quickly.
What's really good is that other groups are coming on board with the authority's initiative. 
Liz has sent me a cartoon by Dave Walker. He's a keen cyclist and an Anglican - so the Diocese of Manchester  asked him for a cartoon showing their backing for the Beelines. Manchester, cycling, church - my daughter knows that ticks the boxes for me!

Perhaps I should pin this up at UCF [yes we do already have a bike rack, and quite a few of us cycle to church]
Update; very sorry to discover that although the new Bloomberg HQ in London has just scooped the top architecture prize, cited as "the world's most sustainable office", the building actually has a policy of not allowing bicycle couriers at their deliveries entrance [despite having extensive bicycle racks available to staff who work there]