Cycling must be part of an effective transport policy

As cars and various other forms of transport, especially railways have seen a dramatic increase in use in recent years, cycling has lagged behind considerably. It is vital that we have investment in cycling and include cycling as part of an effective transport policy.

From Government statistics we know that the number of people cycling has increased, but it is not possible to discern how much of the increase is due to recreational use and how much is due to the increase in cycling use as a utility – e.g. as part of a routine for short journeys to the shop or as part of longer journeys.

I have heard from many of my constituents about the barriers they feel exist in choosing cycling as a mode of transport; the quality and maintenance of existing cycle lanes, the infrequency and disappearing act of cycling lanes on roads and the safety of sharing the road with vehicles.

As a cyclist I am acutely aware of the lack of good quality bicycle racks which, by their presence alone, promote cycling. If you create the right environment – the cyclists will come. Our local authorities have a duty to provide the environment suitable to support and promote cycling.

Trends peaked by the Olympics and the Tour de France are not sustainable, although they generate a great deal of interest in cycling as a sport – we need to ensure that people feel they can cycle as part of their daily routine. 

Through setting out the process and timescales for the first Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, the Government is ensuring for the first time that funding for cycling and walking will be allocated on the same basis as rail, motorways and main A roads, with £300 million dedicated to cycling and walking over the next five years.

But perhaps more important than pinpointing an exact figure of investment is to ensure that current investment levels are being adequately utilised, and are good value for money, by the main practitioner of these funds: the Local Authorities.

Making cycling ambitions a reality requires collaboration at all levels of Governance.

This Wednesday I have secured a Westminster Hall debate on Government Investment in cycling. My hope is that during the debate MPs will be able to share their own experiences of cycling facilities, how we can promote and support cycling in our constituencies, and what more can be done to ensure that we don’t become complacent with cycling in transport policy.

There is no quick fix or easy solution to create both an attitudinal change and an increase in cycling, we need strong leadership from Central Government and commitment from Local Government.

Chris Green MP is the Conservative MP for Bolton West