Government announces big boost for cycling in England

British Cycling welcomes David Cameron’s commitment to put cycling at the heart of transport policy.

The Prime Minister has today announced he will introduce measures to ensure ‘cycle-proofing’ – British Cycling’s term for designing provision for cycling on all new roads and junctions – is common practice for councils.

Brian Cookson OBE, President of British Cycling, said: ‘It is very encouraging that Mr Cameron has shown leadership by recognising that better provision for people who want to travel by bike is fundamental to modern transport policy.’

In the plans announced today, the Government will expect councils to cycle-proof all highway and traffic schemes and require the Highways Agency to improve cycle travel along or across trunk and motorway corridors.

The Prime Minister also confirmed £94million of funding to encourage more people to use bikes in eight major cities and four national parks in England. Along with a competition for cycle-friendly schools and a feasibility study for improved provision for cycling along the corridor of the High Speed 2 rail line.

• A total of £77million urban funding will be divided between Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Newcastle, Bristol, Cambridge, Oxford and Norwich.
• The New Forest, Peak District, South Downs and Dartmoor will also share another £17million funding for great cycle access in rural areas.

What is cycle-proofing?

To mark today’s announcement on cycle-proofing and greater funding, British Cycling has produced a video explaining the concept with British Cycling policy advisor Chris Boardman.