It's time to transform Britain into a great cycling nation, says British Cycling

British Cycling is continuing its push to elevate cycling on the political agenda and improve cycling infrastructure across the UK with its new #ChooseCycling Charter, launched on Friday.

The national governing body for cycling is urging local authorities to sign up to the three-point Charter, which broadly sets out how the country can be 'transformed into a cycling nation' by making riding a bike easier, safer and more appealing.

BC drew up the charter after consulting its 20,000 members and some of the country's biggest businesses, which are already part of the #ChooseCycling Network.

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"The Charter states that strong political leadership, smart investment – working towards five per cent of public sector transport spend – and a programme to deliver networks of cycling infrastructure, built to agreed standards will encourage more people to travel on two wheels, helping to make us and our streets healthier," said BC in a statement.

British Cycling’s campaign manager, Martin Key added: "In recent years, we have undoubtedly made great strides in turning Britain into a true cycling nation. However, millions of Brits still don’t consider cycling to be a viable transport option for them or their children, thanks in part to the fact that our towns and cities do not accommodate cycling.

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“Given how cycling can help alleviate so many societal problems – the obesity crisis and a rise in conditions such as type 2 diabetes, traffic congestion, air pollution – this is unacceptable. Put simply, our current transport structure is failing our citizens.

“This can change, though. We are giving local authorities the chance to sign up to this charter and deliver on measures which will lead to healthier and more prosperous communities. There are no logical arguments against these aims.”