Cycling supremo tells Isle of Man politicians 'address the traffic problem before it's too late'

Olympic gold medallist Chris Boardman has been briefing Tynwald members, Government departments and business leaders in a trip to the Isle of Man.

Boardman, who is now Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, is currently leading a £1.5 billion, ten-year program that will ensure the people who live, work and play in the City Region, have a viable and attractive alternative to using cars.

His visit to the island was organised by the Isle of Man Cycling Association and key events include a briefing to the Chamber of Commerce as well as a presentation to Tynwald members.

Accompanying Boardman is Brian Deegan, one of the UK’s leading street design engineers and Infrastructure Lead to Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Chris is best remembered for the gold medal winning ride at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics aboard the iconic Lotus bike.

Since retiring from professional cycling, a career which saw Chris wear the coveted yellow leader’s jersey in the Tour de France and hold the World hour record, he has been a successful businessman, TV commentator and technical advisor for the British Cycling Olympic Team.

For nearly 20 years, Chris has been involved in Cycling Advocacy, largely through his role as Policy Advisor to British Cycling.

This culminated in agreeing to take up the post of Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester.

According to Isle of Man Cycling, the island is estimated to spend approximately £21million a year from public funds on diseases caused by inactivity and over £25million a year from the impact of road traffic incidents.