Mark Birbeck, Gabriele Schliwa, Andy Groves and Nick Vaughan will introduce a discussion on improving the road experience for all, chaired by Keith McCabe.

Having a bicycle as a child was often a precursor to travelling beyond the physical confines of your neighbourhood, and the first steps to adolescent freedom.  Though older generations may have known bicycles as their only mode of transport for going to work, most people now have access to a car yet many commuters are frustrated by congestion, and a plethora of impediments on the road. A return to the bicycle as a realistic form of transport is being publicly promoted, so what are we to make of such campaigns to get us on our bike again? Advocates of increasing cycling say it must be made safer, with new cycle paths and perhaps even compulsory helmet wearing; but would we then risk over-complicating this most straightforward of activities? Do cycle paths do more harm than good by shunting cyclists to one side and causing friction with car drivers? And how best to manage existing tensions between cyclists jumping red lights, cycling on pavements and other road and pavement users? Join in tonight’s discussion, hosted by Manchester Salon and supported by Northern Soul and the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Booking details can be found here.