UK cycling networks in line to receive £200m funding boost.
More than £200m will be spent on encouraging and developing cycling in an attempt to make the UK a cycling nation of bike lovers similar to Denmark and the Netherlands.
The Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg is set to reveal the funding news at a cycling summit in Bristol in a move hoped to appeal to his party’s natural support base. Many of this base have already switched to Labour or the Green party since 2010.
Clegg had previously made the statement that he wished to see the number of journeys made via bike more than doubled by 2020. The investment includes £114m to support the development of local cycling networks in cities such as Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol, Cambridge, Manchester and Oxford.
Then, a further £100m will be used to improve the conditions for cyclists and walkers to travel alongside each other and make it safer for them to cross some of the country’s busiest roads.
It has been reported that Clegg wants to use cycling in the Alps as inspiration for his vision of cycling in Britain. The 2012 Olympics also provides inspiration and the Tour de France starting in Yorkshire this year has started somewhat of a revolution in cycling for our nation. Cycling in velodromes or wearing lycra may not be for everyone but any one can cycle to work or the shops if they want to.
Being committed to helping the dream of becoming a cycling nation is important to Clegg and he has vowed to make that dream a reality. As Clegg has previously mentioned, the rewards and benefits from such a reality could be huge; billions of pounds in savings for the NHS, less pollution and congestion. A happier and safer population is also a huge plus. The Government are putting the money and now they have appealed to the public and local authorities to get on their bikes and “get us to the finish line”.
Clegg is also supporting the launch of a scheme from Halfords which will recondition bikes and helmets for school children in disadvantaged areas.