Petition Altenative use for HS2 finance

The Government should cancel the proposed HS2 scheme and use some of the money saved to turn the thousands of miles of disused railway lines (axed under Beeching) into high quality cycle/walk ways.

The lines cover the whole of the UK and this scheme would:

Encourage healthy activities and lifestyle.
Provide a safe way to travel for those who want a green alternative.
Provide safe cycling for children and encourage use for going to school, clubs etc
Reduce traffic on our roads.
Boost tourism especially by cyclists and walkers.
Enable the establishment of a vast number of varied, small businesses along the routes - shops, B&B etc.
Rural areas will benefit.
Etc,etc.

The potential good for the population and economy is unlimited and the return in this investment can be understood before it even starts.