Latest cycle funding will help thousands not millions

The latest announcement on cycling and walking will get thousands more active, but not the millions needed to meet the Government’s targets of doubling cycle journeys by 2025, says Cycling UK.

Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival, which last year helped 40,000 people across England take up cycling, also saw its funding renewed in a move welcomed by Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK Chief Executive.

“Projects like the Big Bike Revival and Bikeability provide the skills for safer cycling to some of the people who need it the most,” said Paul. “It’s fantastic to see the Government continue to back programmes that deliver and are helping thousands of people every year on their cycling journeys.”

Projects like the Big Bike Revival and Bikeability provide the skills for safer cycling to some of the people who need it the most.

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK Chief Executive

Bikeability (once known as Cycle Proficiency) will also get a boost as its expanded to allow all school children in England to receive training. Currently, funding for Bikeability means only half of school going children can access the training.

Paul Robison, Chief Executive Officer of the Bikeability Trust, said: “We are delighted that essential bike safety and skills training will now be offered to every child in England. 

“The value-for-money that this investment represents cannot be overstated.  High-quality cycle training enables confident and enjoyable cycling, raises awareness of skilful cycling among all road users, and contributes to better transport, health and wellbeing.”  

While it’s good news for projects that are providing the skills to help more people cycling, there’s bad news in the Department for Transport’s report to Parliament on cycling and walking.

In his introduction to the report, Cycling Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP admits that with the current levels of funding available, in England there will only be a 40 per cent increase in cycle journeys by 2025, not a doubling.

Without significant investment in infrastructure the Government is on a highway to failure in getting more people active.

Paul Tuohy

“We won’t get millions more cycling unless there’s further significant investment in infrastructure,” said Mr Tuohy in reaction to this update. “Without it the Government is on a highway to failure in getting more people active.

“Funding for cycling and walking between 2020 and 2025 must increase to between £6 and £8billion to meet the Government’s own targets to double cycle use and increase walking.”