Election 2019: candidates told to pledge support for proper investment in cycling

By Sam Jones
Thursday, 21 November 2019
Cycling UK has written to all the main parties’ candidates asking them to make a simple pledge to stand up for cycling and walking if they are successful in their election campaigns.
  • Cycling UK calls on nation’s future MPs to pledge support for increased investment in cycling and walking
  • Charity calls for at least 5% of transport spending to go on cycling and walking in 2020, and rise to at least 10% within five years

Take action

The charity is calling on each candidate to pledge their support to an increase in investment in cycling and walking to at least 5% of transport spending next year, rising to at least 10% within five years.

Cycling UK says this level of funding is the minimum required for the next Government to meet its targets of doubling cycling journeys in England by 2025, and to achieve similar levels of walking and cycling throughout the UK. 

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK’s Chief Executive explained the importance of increasing cycling and walking, “We’re breathing toxic air. Too many people are becoming obese or enduring inactivity related ill-health. Our roads are congested and vehicle emissions are compounding the climate crisis.

“But the good news is that fixing this isn’t rocket science. We just need proper investment in cycling and walking, to enable more people to move around actively, particularly for short journeys.”

We just need proper investment in cycling and walking, to enable more people to move around actively, particularly for short journeys.

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK Chief Executive

Up till the election, only 2% of transport spending went towards cycling and walking. To create healthier streets, towns and places which are better for people, communities and businesses, the charity says this needs to increase urgently.

Cycling UK has created a simple online tool which will allow anyone to see if their candidates have made the pledge and write to those candidates who have not.  

“We need people to ask their candidates to stand up for cycling, walking and a healthier future,” said Mr Tuohy. “Don’t delay – take action now and help us identify the Parliament’s future champions for greener travel.”

Since Friday 15 November, Cycling UK has contacted 2164 candidates, of whom 199 have made the pledge. 

Take action

Notes to editors

  1. Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org
  2. For further information and campaign updates head to: www.cyclinguk.org/2019election
  3. A short film is available at: https://youtu.be/QcXKshYyvU4

Press contact information

For more information contact the national Cycling UK Press Office on 01483 238 315, 07786 320 713 or email [email protected]

Election 2019 Video Campaigner and activist

Further reading