While Sustrans welcomes the potential reopening of disused railway lines in principle (Beeching’s axed rail lines could be revived, 29 November), it will be critical that the many walking and cycling routes that have been built along some of these lines are also maintained.
These routes are a critical part of the country’s active travel infrastructure and strategy, encouraging people to walk and cycle in a safe environment, as well as providing important commuting access for people choosing to travel actively to work.
Every year an estimated five million people use the National Cycle Network. These trips save the UK economy over £550m each year by reducing levels of obesity; of this £75m is saved from the NHS budget.
Xavier Brice
CEO, Sustrans (the guardian of the National Cycle Network)
• You quote the transport secretary, Chris Grayling: “We need to expand [the rail network] to unlock jobs and housing growth across the country”. This implies that a decision by a Tory government locked up jobs and housing growth for 50 years or so. Will people in 2060 be saying the same of the imposition of austerity?
David Murray
Wallington, Surrey
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