Goodwill calls for more cycling and walking

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill has called for an increase in cycling and walking, in a new government strategy launched to encourage more of the public to travel by bike or on foot.

The strategy’s main objective is to establish the form of travel as the natural choice for shorter journeys by 2040. It includes aims to double cycling, reverse the decline in walking, reduce the rate of cyclists killed or seriously injured and increase the number of children walking to school.

The project will provide safe and appealing infrastructure to encourage more people to undertake journeys on bike and on foot.

Goodwill said: “The government’s blueprint to encourage more people to cycle and walk will benefit the whole of society by boosting the economy, improving health, cutting congestion and improving air quality. Realising our ambition will take sustained investment in cycling and walking infrastructure. That’s why we have committed over £300 million to support cycling and walking over this Parliament and this will increase further when spending on enhancing and maintaining existing infrastructure is taken into account.

“Delivering this long term plan will require patience, persistence and a change in attitudes – amongst government, local bodies, businesses, communities and individuals. We cannot afford not to grasp the opportunities available and we are determined to make this country a cycling and walking nation, comparable to the very best in the world.”

A consultation has been launched to procure views on the strategy and will conclude 23 May 2016, where responses will be assessed and a final strategy published in the summer.