Government must listen to MPs' and Lords' call for funding for cycling

‘Stuck in first gear – the Government’s Cycling Revolution’ sets out the cross party’s recommendations to strengthen the Government’s ambition for the future of cycling and walking. The report makes eight recommendations, including Cycling UK’s calls for the need for greater investment, national standards for cycle friendly design and an updated Highway Code.

In 2013, the APPCG published its first inquiry into the Government’s cycling strategy, called 'Get Britain Cycling' which made 18 recommendations. This resulted in Prime Minister David Cameron saying he wanted to launch a “cycling revolution”. The Prime Minister also announced new funding to boost cycling in eight cities and four national parks. This was welcomed as good news, but widely recognised as only a fraction of what was needed for the whole country.

Subsequently over 100 MPs debated the ‘Get Britain Cycling’ report in Parliament and gave its 18 recommendations an unopposed vote of support.

In reaction to the report, contributor to the inquiry’s evidence sessions, Cycling UK’s Policy Director Roger Geffen MBE, said:

“It’s great the APPCG renewed its call for a high level of ambition and funding for cycling, as well as national design standards to ensure public money is spent well.

“Parliament, as it has in the recent past, should get behind this important report. Government needs to provide funding for cycling, national design standards to make sure public money is well spent, and revise its Highway Code in the interests of breaking down the barriers which prevent getting Britain cycling.”