CREWE and Nantwich residents are being urged to get on their bikes in a campaign to help ease traffic congestion on South Cheshire's road network.

The borough council's shadow environment spokesman Roy Cartlidge is calling for a 'cycling revolution' to slash gridlock and boost health levels amongst the local population.

He has given his backing to the national Bike to Work week and as part of the campaign local events were organised for council workers at Delamere House and Municipal Buildings on Monday.

Cllr Cartlidge said: "There aren't many activities which have the potential to genuinely change the lives of individuals and improve society - but cycling is one of them.

"Whether it is improving health, easing congestion or tackling traffic pollution, the bicycle offers a powerful way to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face."

He is now calling on the borough and county councils and the NHS to fund a new ten-year cycling strategy to improve health, ease congestion and reduce pollution.

He added: "We need a total rethink about how to tackle traffic congestion in the area.

"If we can get people cycling it will improve congestion and reduce journey times for everyone.

"More improvements in the local cycle network are needed, only then can more people be encouraged to get on their bikes and do so safely.

"This is a real opportunity to do some 'joined up thinking' on a very important local issue.

"I hope the different public services will recognise the huge financial and social benefits of increased participation in cycling."

Only one per cent of all journey in the UK are made by bike, while four out of ten journeys are less than three miles.