Cycling UK praises "excellent" Government guidance on planning networks for bikes

The Government's Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy has been welcomed by Cycling UK as providing a legally-binding plan to double the amount of cycling, with "excellent" guidance on planning comprehensive networks for cyclists and pedestrians.

Cycling UK, writing for The Guardian, said the strategy, whilst based on less funding than the £10 per person per year recommended by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cycling and the transport select committee, was "a gamechanger as it has committed to long-term funding for the first time". With the bulk of the cash expected to come from local authorities and local enterprise partnerships, Sam Jones, campaigns and communications coordinator, said it was "absolutely crucial it is spent wisely," which is why the 'Propensity to Cycle Tool,' pinpointing the potential for increased travel by bike under different scenarios - including whether routes avoid hills - was welcome.

Jones concluded: "The Government has said it can achieve its goal of doubling cycling with half the recommended amount, and is now legally bound to do so."