The Government have been accused of “spin” after linking plans for a new national cycleway to HS2.
Prime Minister David Cameron revealed that a feasibility study will be launched to look at developing the route “broadly following” the one planned for the controversial high speed rail project.
Now campaigners have accused the Government of a cynical ploy to attract support for HS2, which will cut through parts of Lichfield and the surrounding villages.
“This is clearly another attempt to try and sell HS2 to a different set of voters,” said Stop HS2’s chair Penny Gaines. “It is a sign of desperation.
“We have long argued the need for local transport solutions for local people. But if the Government was seriously committed to cycling they would cancel HS2 and use the money to build the proposed cycle networks.
“They would still have enough money left over then to buy a brand new bike for every man, woman and child in the country.”
