The choice facing voters on May 6 is simple: do we accelerate the progress of the last four years, or do we go back to the old failing approach?
This is an ambitious project designed to appeal to the 30 per cent of people here who don’t cycle but say they would like to give it a go.
They are simply outdated and, given the financial challenge we now face, the often-suggested online sales tax looks even more attractive.
A proposed transformation would move away from the reliance on big anchor stores and create 1,300 new homes – all on reclaimed brownfield sites.
With the help of government funding, the region is pioneering new technologies to create vital jobs and build more homes.
On this day each year, we celebrate the first steam engine hissing into operation. And retain the decisive vision that powers progress.