"Plans include a new network of traffic-free cycle facilities..."

How can this be considered the right sort of thing to come out of a sport development budget. What is the Department of Transport doing? Why are we constantly seeing multi-million pound investments in junction improvements on our major roads, but little or no investment in cycling provision? I see charities like Sustrans working to secure and maintain cycle routes on a large scale, but aren't cyclists tax payers too, don't we deserve SERIOUS investment in serious cycling infrastructure.

I should add I really don't mean paint on the road as that just pushes vehicles and bike closer together at higher speeds. I mean well thought out, lengthy sections of cycle route that take you from one place to another, and don't just peter out when it gets a little inconvenient.

Surely this money should be used for real sport development and not frittered on transport infrastructure?

Is a velodrome a traffic free cycling facility?

I thik that's a very good point. Unfortunately everyone is always trying to get more money for their "cause". At the moment, with all the financial trouble I wonder if cycling won't get slowly relegated to the "to do" pile. I just hope the Bristol project won't fail miserably. I think that will the make the biggest difference.

It appears to me that the powers that be have a very deluded idea of what the sport of cycling is. Unless of course, British Cycling is intending to turn commuting and sunday outings along the towpath with the kids into competative events. However, if it means race tracks and velodromes, I take it all back.

I think they should build a velodrome in the south east kent area, the nearest one is in london and that isn't exactly close?

I suppose the good thing is that cycling is getting some attention with money being thrown at it. It's about time cycling got the recognition it deserves. I thought the cycle demonstration cities are doing there bit for recreational biking?? I think we need more capital investment to go along and compliment the coach development side of things.

I suppose we will get there in the end......lets see what the olympic legacy brings...hopefully DH and 4X!

some money is better than none and I would like to think the vast majority that do participate in road and MTB do commute too. So we should benefit some way even if its not directly into the discipline we enjoy most.

However I think that the sport should be televised more than just on big events just like other sports. This would generate more money in it and they would not need to "sponsor" it like a charity and maybe we will see it become more main stream.