British Cycling’s policy advisor Chris Boardman has called on Prime Minister David Cameron to ‘get moving’ on delivering the promises he made about cycling before the General Election.
The Conservative leader, who gained a majority government in the May 7 election, wrote to Boardman during the campaign to signal his commitment to making Britain a cycling nation.
Mr Cameron indicated a commitment to doubling the number of journeys made by bike by 2025 and boosting Bikeability training, with £200m set aside for these provisions.
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But now Boardman says there’s nothing stopping him from delivering on these promises and that there’s no time to waste.
He says on the British Cycling website: “Cycling is booming in Britain despite having been a political afterthought, but this year for the first time during a General Election there was an argument between the major parties about who would do more for cycling. Some good commitments were made and there is real common ground.
“There are basic steps such as publishing the cycling and walking investment plan required under the Infrastructure Act, and ensuring that roads and junctions are fit for cyclists. The Prime Minister has made some important commitments on this.
“Now he has a majority in the House of Commons there is nothing to stop him from delivering, and we have written today to the Secretaries of State for Transport, and for Culture, Media and Sport, in an attempt to get this moving.”
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He added: “Campaigning for better conditions on our roads is a key part of the service we offer to our 108,000 members, but it’s good for the whole country. Active travel is on the front line of the fight against obesity and its spiraling cost to the NHS.
“More cycling will reduce pollution and make our towns cleaner, more prosperous and more vibrant. Breaking down the barriers that stop more people from cycling – namely poor investment and poor infrastructure – are easy wins for any government and this Prime Minister has a unique opportunity to transform Britain into a cycling nation. There is no time to waste.”
