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Ian P

@ianjpennington.bsky.social
84 followers 125 following 182 posts

Deadpan enthusiast. MRTPI Infrastructure Planner. North West Young Planner of the Year 2024 @RTPIPlanners.bsky.social. Healthy streets & active travel advocate @WalkRideGM.org.uk. Views are my own. he/him

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Reposted by Ian P
James Stafford @jamesdestafford.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Some before and after footage of the trial closures of Lena and Paton Street.
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Buzz @thebuzzzz.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Coming soon... 🐝
Coming to a school near you
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 15/08/2026
CALL TO ACTION: Tameside Council has announced a new consultation for improvements to the A560 that include wider footpaths, resurfaced roads and footpaths, improved pedestrian crossings, safer junctions, better bus stops, and new separated cycle lanes.
A CGI showing an impression of the proposals for a road. There are silhouettes of people walking, wheeling, sitting and cycling around. The road has trees, wildflower strips, houses, and cycle lanes running alongside, and a zebra crossing across the road in the near distance. There is a summery sky above. Text states: Raise your voice for better quality of life along the A560 (Hattersley) - and ensure the scheme isn't scrapped. Consultation runs from 17 August to 18 September.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 15/08/2026
This is another big opportunity to improve our region, so don't sit on this while objectors steal the narrative. Seize the opportunity while it’s here and add your voice to positive change for our health, wellbeing and quality of life. www.walkridegm.org.uk/2026/08/15/s...
Images showing a 20mph sign and the Walk Ride GM logo, and text stating: In May, we asked council candidates to pledge to wider rollout of 20mph to reduce road danger and give us all a better quality of life. And now… it’s happening! But we need your support in the latest consultation by 18 September via the shared link. Seize the opportunity to have your say to help realise a vision of safer, happier, friendlier neighbourhoods and make sure proposed improvements go ahead in Wythenshawe, Manchester. If we don’t speak up now, then passionately negative opposition voices could dominate the discourse and ensure we continue to hurtle towards intimidation by speeding SUVs every time we walk, wheel or cycle in our neighbourhoods.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 24/03/2026
Do you want to see more investment in North Manchester's health? Read more via our blog and have your say by Sunday 29 March to avoid missing out: www.walkridegm.org.uk/2026/03/24/s...
CGI showing the proposed street layout for Oldham Road showing a proposed Cyclops style junction. There are bus lanes and cycle lanes added alongside high quality footways.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 28/03/2026
We need you to lend your support to Oldham Road. Help this scheme over the hill of hysteria (learn more about that here: www.walkridegm.org.uk/2024/11/01/m...). Have your say by 29 March and Choose Choice here: www.walkridegm.org.uk/2026/03/24/s...
walkridegm.org.uk
Moving Up North - Walk Ride GM
The northern perspective on walking, wheeling and cycling.  Harry and Will digest each month’s policy and delivery news into a friendly, easily accessible round-up. Walk Ride GM campaigns to make walk...
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 28/03/2026
Choose Choice. Don't wake up in 6 months to learn that the proposal to give people genuine transport choice along this North Manchester corridor has cancelled in favour of car-choked roads and unreliable bus times. Have your say by 29 March and Choose Choice: www.walkridegm.org.uk/2026/03/24/s...
CGI showing the proposed street layout for Oldham Road looking south towards the Northern Quarter. There are bus lanes and cycle lanes added alongside high quality footways
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 18/03/2026
We're recruiting a Walking and Cycling Bus Coordinator and Administrator 📯📯📯 Join our team! Apply now lnkd.in/ekhTE7br
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Walk Ride Salford @walkridesalford.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
For the 2nd time this week Salford council have indefinitely postponed a scheme to make cycling safer at the expense of cutting a few seconds off motor journeys. This time it’s the cyclops junction at Trinity Way / Chapel St, meaning the status quo of danger will continue
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Rich @hoxtonrich.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
The standard of driving in London is appalling. This driver in my morning commute thought it was ok to drive through one of London’s most dangerous junctions whilst watching a video on her phone. This should be an instant ban.
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Owler Nook @owlernook.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
2025 annual summary for the Oxford Road Cycleway *drum roll* Another record-breaking year! Overall 3% growth, with new monthly records for six months, and a new daily record (7,527). Total recorded trips: 1,403,829! We're going to need a new scale for the counter displays.
A bar chart showing annual totals for the Oxford Road Cycleway, by year and with separate direction given for each year. 2025 was the biggest year on record.The northbound counter on the Oxford Road Cycleway, 25 December 2025. The 'Cyclists this year' bar, which has a maximum total of 750,000, is almost full.
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Owler Nook @owlernook.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
December 2025 on the Oxford Road Cycleway: • 5.5% growth • New daily records A strong end to the year.
Growth		
Northbound	5.7%	
Southbound	5.3%	
Combined	5.5%	
Best day		
Northbound	2901	New record
Southbound	2554	New record
Combined	5355	New record
A chart showing December cycle counts from 2017 to 2025. The highest figures for both directions occurred in 2025. The 2025 counts are up 5.5% on the previous year.

In 2023 the sensors were recalibrated, which means northbound undercounting has been corrected. 
December southbound cumulative counts. The 2025 total was 87.879, which is the highest December total.

December 2025 was ahead of previous Decembers for most of the month.
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Walk Ride Salford @walkridesalford.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
We have today submitted our formal support for the Peel Green Active Travel Scheme. We are encouraging all our followers to submit their own support (see following post), as drivers are objecting to this scheme based on it adding a mere 70 seconds to their morning drive.
walk ride GM
This submission is on behalf of Walk Ride GM, the campaign for active travel in Greater Manchester.
Walk Ride GM strongly support this traffic order to enable delivery of the Peel Green Active
Travel scheme.
Importance to network
This scheme is a strategically important part of the emerging active travel network, as it is the only highway route connecting communities in the Cadishead and Lower Irlam, Higher Irlam and Peel Green neighbourhood area with the rest of Salford, providing a continuation of the existing A57 shared use route which runs as far as the community stadium.
The proposed scheme provides those wanting to walk/cycle to major trip generators in the area with a safe way to do this, including:
- Visitors to Salford Community Stadium and Barton airport
- Current and future employees at Port Salford's employers, which are planned to expand significantly in coming years as one of GM's designated growth locations
-Children walking/cycling to Barton Moss primary school and Salford City Academy
(~15 min cycle from Higher Irlam)
- Any future Metrolink stop(s) at Port Salford / community stadium
38.4% of households in Peel Green have no cars or vans (2021 Census - Peel Green
MSOA), so providing safe alternatives to driving is essential.
Current safety issues
The scheme will resolve a number of safety issues issues for those currently walking/cycling along this section of highway, with a number of the below issues classed as 'critical' by Active Travel England and in the GM Streets for all design check:
- speed and volume of traffic cyclists are expected to mix with, including proportion of that made up of large vehicles
- areas of inconsistent lane widths throughout the section which don't dissuade close passes
- Narrow sections of shared use path along northern side with lack of marked priority across side roads
- Lack of tactile paving at side roads
Cyclists heading west have to rejoin carriageway immediately after M60 roundabout exit on left han…Unsuitable alternatives
At a recent community meeting and on social media, objectors to this scheme have suggested alternative off-road routes via a recently improved path alongside Peel Green cemetery and Eccles definitive footpath 28.
While this would provide a useful additional leisure route for some, it should be considered a complimentary route rather than an alternative to delivering the scheme along Liverpool Rd.
Aside from the fact only the new section of path is actually passable on a cycle, routing those walking and cycling through an unlit isolated area with a lack of passive surveillance will render this route unusable for many, particularly women, especially at night, and would undermine the scheme's objectives of enabling modal shift for everyday trips:
- In 2024, only 44% of women (vs 67% of men) were satisfied with their personal safety at night while walking. (draft 2050 GM Transport Strategy, 2025)
- In 2024, only 48% of GM residents were satisfied with their personal security while cycling at night (GMA active travel annual report, 2024)
- "Targets for increased numbers of sustainable journeys on our public transport network and through active travel are non-achievable if the fundamental issue of feeling safe is not addressed." (In Her Shoes, GMCA 2025)
Validity of petition
We are also aware that a change.org petition is being circulated as part of objections to this scheme. We would like to highlight that there is no validation that the signatures on this petition are from those within Salford or even Greater Manchester. The petition was circulated on a number of anti-cycling social media accounts and it is clear that it will include signatures from those who have no connection to the local area, with some even openly declaring they live as far afield as Scotland.
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Walk Ride Rochdale @walkriderochdale.org.uk · 07/12/2025
Well done @rochdalecouncil.bsky.social! @triciaayr.bsky.social
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 07/12/2025
@rochdalecouncil.bsky.social’s advancements over the year were rewarded with the Most Improved Council prize – acknowledging their commitment to continuing with the Castleton scheme for the greater good despite noises from a vocal minority of objectors.
Two people posing with an award in front of a TV screen
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 07/12/2025
The 2025 Walk Ride GM Awards celebrated council, local volunteer and community efforts to progress active travel across Greater Manchester.
Man speaking next to a TV screen
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 10/11/2025
The Walk Ride GM Awards return! Grab your seat now for the most anticipated night of the year 🎊
Walk Ride GM Celebration and Awards 2025 Tues 2nd Dec, 6pm
Station South Levenshulme M19 3NP
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Walk Ride Stockport @walkridestocky.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
This consultation closes today. Please read this thread and respond to the consultation if you can.
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Owler Nook @owlernook.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
Back in 2020, Stockport Council consulted on a walking and cycling scheme along (or occasionally parallel to) the A34. It was a mixed bag, but local campaigners supported it with several caveats. It’s back for another consultation – because part of the scheme is being dropped.
A detail of the A34 MRN scheme plan.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 08/11/2025
Today we rode to demand safer streets for women cycling in winter. Cycling is joyous but many women feel left out of our movement. It's time that changed.
Cllr Tracey Rawlins speaking to the crowd about Manchester's commitment to safer streets for people walking, wheeling and cycling. 
RIDES FOR WOMEN flag on the back of Anna's lit up bikeLights Up Marshall photoRide out of All Saints Park for Lights Up
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 14/10/2025
This could be a key strategic connection between existing routes, responding positively to TfGM's 'Streets for All' Design Guide. But currently, as a pavement parking hotbed, it is riddled with obstacles that prevent its use by people.
Map of the Old Trafford area showing existing active travel routes in orange and yellow and a proposed Seymour Grove route in green
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 14/10/2025
So here's your opportunity - it's never been more important to have your say via the Trafford Council website. You can do so here: www.trafford.gov.uk/residents/tr...
Parents and school children walking and cycling on a road near a school
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 14/10/2025
📯Huge Opportunity for Public Space Improvement Do you want to see a joined-up #BeeNetwork in #GreaterManchester? Then have your say on this impressive proposal for Seymour Grove. It's ambitious on paper, but local Councillors need confidence that there's public backing to approve it.
A computer generated image of a street scene with small text stating Option 1 - One-way cycle lanes on each side - view south on Seymour Grove at Junction with Chatham Road
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 29/09/2025
If you scroll aaaall the way to the bottom they've managed to put in *one* positive comment. Please can we have a bit more balance and research next time, @manchestereveningnews.co.uk? It's a well-evidenced fact that schemes like this are good for businesses and residents.
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Walk Ride Stockport @walkridestocky.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
We weren't approached for comment on this, so we'll do it here.
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
'This is going to massively impact our business - it's life changing'
Work to build a new cycling track is causing concern in part of Stockport.
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Walk Ride Stockport @walkridestocky.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
The work on Compstall Road is happening to safely link the quieter roads either side of the busy main road. Confident road cyclists such as those interviewed in the article might not see the use - but it's not intended for them.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 14/09/2025
Walk Ride GM was horrified by the recent news of a hate crime against Klaudia Mitura on the Ashton Canal. There is no excuse for violence, including this example of male violence against women. Incidents like this are made more likely by a widespread press and media bias against cyclists. 🧵
Text stating 'Walk Ride GM statement on canal assault' and the Walk Ride GM logo.
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Ian P @ianjpennington.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Anywhere
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 28/08/2025
HUGE win for Walk Ride GM! Manchester Met has agreed to revise the plans that would have blocked Cavendish Street to cyclists. A massive thanks to everyone who spoke up with us. Meet us at All Saints Park at 5pm next Thurs (4th Sep) to toast our success and take a celebratory photo. 🥂🚲
Drake meme. Drake reacts positively to a map showing a straight cycle route along Cavendish Street, connecting Stretford Road with Grosvenor Street, but negatively to a map showing that route diverted around Boundary Lane West.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 09/09/2025
Fed up with pavement parking? We're supporting @livingstreets.bsky.social to show where pavements are used as car parks to the detriment of all who walk/wheel. Go & take photos (make sure you cover over reg numbers) & upload them to the Living Streets map: lnkd.in/ekEmPn3q Contribute by 22 Nov
A red car covering most of a pavement on a residential street. There are other cars covering the pavement further along the road.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 03/09/2025
At Walk Ride GM, we’re demanding safe active travel for women and girls in Greater Manchester. Research by Lime found that 100% of female survey respondents want improvements aimed at personal safety. Read more here: www.walkridegm.org.uk/2025/08/27/s...
A banner stating 'Women Out + About' raised above a few bicycles that are leaning against wooden deck seating. In the background there are some trees.
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Ian P @ianjpennington.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Thanks for pushing on this important issue
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Afzal Khan MP @afzalkhanmcr.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Cars parked on the pavement can be frustrating and dangerous. 5 years ago, there was a consultation into giving councils powers to tackle this, but the Tories ignored it. I've written to Minister Greenwood & 36 Labour MPs to share our support to end this practice. Pavements are for people
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 20/08/2025
If you want to get more involved in campaigns like this, join our discord with over 400 members. Be the change you want to see! discord.com/invite/scjf9...
discord.com
Join the Walk Ride GM Discord Server!
Check out the Walk Ride GM community on Discord – hang out with 425 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 20/08/2025
We did it! @manmetuni.bsky.social has dropped plans to block Cavendish Street to cyclists A huge thanks to everyone who spoke up with us Join us at All Saints Park on 4th September at 5pm as we celebrate our success together with a toast to the campaign
A render showing the updated plans to maintain the cycle access on Cavendish Street. TEXT MMU Cavendish Street Cycle Access RETAINED
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 27/08/2025
There's been very little movement on this so far from most of the GM boroughs. That's why we NEED you to contact your councillor and make your voice heard. Thanks! 3/3 #escooter #scooter #activetravel #micromobility
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 27/08/2025
There are so many compelling reasons why councils should apply, especially the huge success seen from the trial in Salford. We've put a list of these reasons together on our website, so you can contact your councillor armed with all the necessary info. 2/3
walkridegm.org.uk
Call to Action: Let's grow e-scooter hire in GM - Walk Ride GM
An invitation for Greater Manchester residents to influence the future of the region's sustainable transport system via more e-scooter trials
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 27/08/2025
🚨 URGENT ASK to help us push micromobility forwards in Greater Manchester 🛴 Your local authority has until 21st October 2025 to apply for an e-scooter trial. We believe e-scooters are a crucial part of the shift away from cars, so PLEASE email your councillor and ask them to apply. 1/3
A woman riding a Lime hire e-scooter along a bike lane in a US city
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Ian P @ianjpennington.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Brilliant 👏 so much better than before
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 25/07/2025
Great news for active travel in Wigan! The works on St Helens Road are finished and looking really good. @wigancouncil.bsky.social we look forward to seeing lots more where this came from 🙏
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 19/07/2025
Whether you’re a long-term Walk Ride campaigner, supporter, or just interested in what we do, we’d love you to join for a social to meet each other face-to-face, share ideas & feedback, and hear about successes we’ve all worked to achieve so far in 2025! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/walk-ride-...
eventbrite.co.uk
Walk Ride GM Supporter Social & Merch Giveaway
Walk Ride GM meet-up and open house for friends and supporters - plus a first look at our new merch items to take home
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Royal Town Planning Institute @rtpiplanners.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
Today's milestone English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill offers new powers for mayors — but resourcing concerns remain. Read our statement for more: www.rtpi.org.uk/news/2025/july/mile…
rtpi.org.uk
Milestone devolution bill offers new powers for mayors
but resourcing concerns remain, says RTPI
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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Ban cars, not children. Why can't the drivers park in nearby car parks rather than on the street. Kids moving about have priority over parked cars
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Owler Nook @owlernook.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Wonderful to see the Heaton Mersey Common scheme now completed. You would not believe the hostility this created among some of my neighbours back when the scheme was consulted on.
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James Stafford @jamesdestafford.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Visited the Heaton Mersey Common in Stockport pathways upgrading project. 2km of upgraded paths with fully accessible entrances from all around the park. Good connections to local schools.
Entrance with bollards to Heaton Mersey Common.Shared Pathway heading towards Heaton Mersey Common.Path upgrade as part of Heaton Mersey Common upgradesUpgraded Path Through Heaton Mersey Common
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Owler Nook @owlernook.bsky.social · 31/05/2025
Arguably, the problem is that for many councils, consultation is something that happens *to* residents not *with* them. If your resident cyclists are repeatedly telling you that you're doing bad schemes, try talking to them before you want your finalised scheme rubber-stamping.
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Ian P @ianjpennington.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Great stuff - I know there's demand for one on York Road and it'd help to keep part of the footway clear of pavement parking, so win-win ❤️
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Ian P @ianjpennington.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Brilliant to start seeing this crucial cycle parking now available in Manchester suburbs. It stores 6 cycles and is smaller than an SUV - much better use of the space 🙌 Reach out to your cllr if you'd like the same near you!
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Walk Ride Stockport @walkridestocky.bsky.social · 03/05/2025
Bike hangars have arrived in Manchester. Would you like a secure place to park your bike in Stockport? Let us know!
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Walk Ride GM @walkridegm.org.uk · 07/04/2025
On Thursday after work, we're celebrating the opening of Deansgate with a celebration ride. Come along and cycle Deansgate to Chorlton on protected cycle lanes for the first time 🚲
Deansgate celebration ride poster 

Great Northern Square 

Thursday 10th April 17:45
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