Whilst the idea of a national cycle network is commendable, the current routes include choppy pavements right next to dual carriageways with only a grass verge

Whilst the idea of a national cycle network is commendable, the current routes include choppy pavements right next to dual carriageways with only a grass verge separating you from 70mph traffic (A64 west of York, for example). This is neither a pleasant experience nor anyone’s idea of a safe cycling route. Cycling in The Netherlands opened my eyes to how utterly backwards we are in relation to cycling in the UK. We need behind-the-hedgerow and across-the-fields separated cycle routes where families can get to everywhere they want to go without feeling threatened by idiots in Audis.