A host of Britain’s largest businesses are set to join forces with British Cycling to write an open letter to party leaders asking them to support cycling improvements.
Companies including Sky, GlaxoSmithKline and The AA have been brought together by British Cycling to form the #ChooseCycling network. An open letter to party leaders asking for funding commitments ahead of the May general election has been published, with around 5% of Britain’s transport budget being requested to be designated for improving the cycling infrastructure.
Chris Boardman, the British Cycling policy adviser has said that now is the perfect opportunity for party leaders to confirm some solid cycling manifesto commitments in the run up to the general election. Boardman is hoping that the backing from major British brands will demonstrate how seriously they are taking the issue and that party leaders will view cycling as a legitimate tool for transforming Britain’s towns and cities.
GSK’s Matt Wilson who is head of environmental sustainability has spoken about the network adding: “As a healthcare company, we place as much importance on the health and wellbeing of our employees as the medicines, vaccines and consumer products that we supply to patients across the world”.
GSK have established a successful cycle scheme in the UK for their staff and they believe that with further Government investment and commitment further significant health benefits can be provided for more people whilst also protecting the environment.
The #ChooseCycling network have requested several commitments from party leaders including:
1. Fulfil the requirements of the Infrastructure Act to create adequate Cycling and Walking investment strategy with clear and ambitious targets by 2016
2. To invest 5% of Britain’s combined transport spend every year into designing cycling back into our junctions and roads
3. Make cycling account for 10% of all journeys by 2025
4. Create uniform guidance with world experts to be followed by all local authorities by 2016 (view full letter here)
Here at Cycle Shelters Direct2U we are always encouraging employers to provide safe and secure cycle parking for their employees. This is not only beneficial for employee health, but also for mental state, concentration and productivity. Not to mention the benefits to the environment. If you would like a quote or free site survey don’t hesitate to live chat with us, call us on 01922 715130 or use our online quote feature here.