Green Party pledges to spend £30 per head per year on cycling
In response to British Cycling's #ChooseCycling network, the Green Party says it will push for £30 per head per year to be spend on cycling if part of the government
The Green Party is pledging to reduce the number of journeys made by car if it gets into government after May 7 in response to a request by British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling network.
The publication of the response comes a day after Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg also backed the network’s request to meet four key demands on cycling, including allocating five per cent of Britain’s transport budget to improving infrastructure.
The response from the Greens commits to spend £30 per head per year on cycling, which is a level reached by countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands.
>>> Cyclists most likely to vote Liberal Democrats, according to research
Changes to the justice system are also promised by the Greens, who say “motor vehicle drivers should be presumed liable for injuries to pedestrians and cyclists.”
In response to the high number of cyclist deaths caused by collisions with lorries, the Greens say such vehicles should be fitted with technology to allow drivers to be fully aware of cyclists and pedestrians.
“Lorries already in use must be retro-fitted with the same equipment and lorries not so equipped will not be allowed into our towns and cities,” the response reads.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
British Cycling’s policy adviser, Chris Boardman, said: “The Green Party clearly recognise the many benefits that investing in sustainable transport can bring to communities and it’s commendable to see them committing to giving cycling £30 per head per year from the off.
“If the Green Party do end up with some influence within the next government it would be fantastic to see them put their cycling commitments at the heart of their agenda as a way to transform Britain’s towns and cities, creating more pleasant places to live and work.”
Boardman recently criticised the Conservative Party's pledges on cycling and British Cycling says it will publish the Tories' response to the #ChooseCycling network on Wednesday.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Cannondale Mavaro Neo SL 1 review: a solid, dependable commuter e-bike that won't get pulses racing but will get the job done
A reliable choice for the urban commute, the Mavaro Neo SL 1 is built to serve
By Stephen Shrubsall Published
-
I didn't realise the risks of DVT until I ended up in A&E - here's how to keep safe when flying
Having learned the hard way by suffering a flight-induced blood clot, Josephine Perry warns against complacent travel habits with eight ways to ensure you arrive fit and fresh
By Josephine Perry Published