I moved to Crewe for love.  We lived in a gridlocked city that was getting busier. We were bringing up kids, and working all hours. My job took me all over the country so we looked for somewhere with all the facilities, but near to the country and well connected. Brighton was too crowded, Bristol too busy, and Leeds too far. My wife grew up in Crewe, and after a series of visits, she remembered the good things about her home town. Everything you need is close by and in one place, the countryside is on the doorstep. She was convinced, but I worried; I could be at work in any city by 9, but could I belong here? 
I got the answer late at night walking down the Nantwich Road. A gang of teenagers spilled out of a pub, and were walking towards us. Where I had lived, this usually was a Bad Thing, and I braced for trouble.  Miraculously, they parted in front of us, smiled and said 'Hiya!'.
That was my defining memory of Crewe, and marked the moment that I decided to live in, and for, the town. People are nice, you just have to meet them. We are happiest when we feel social connection, and when people come out of cars, and onto the streets, buses and trains, they feel part of a community. Active travellers keep fit and healthy and make Crewe a  better place to be, by reducing the traffic, air pollution and fuel debt that are choking our streets, our neighbours and our economy.
Thats why I support ACTive Crewe Travel, its good for you, and good for Crewe.

The Institute of Civil Engineers magazine this month celebrates the innovative solution to town design in Poynton which has reduced accidents and created a safe and pleasant shared space for cyclists and walkers. For a full description and film showing how the community was engaged go to http://www.ice.org.uk/poyntoncasestudy