Annual funding for cycling should increase to £10 per head by 2020 according to a new report from the Transport Select Committee.

It says investment on this scale is essential for the long term development of cycling infrastructure and would encourage more people to take up the mode by improving road safety for all users. Current spending on cycling is estimated at just £2 per head.

In 2013 109 cyclists were killed on roads in England, Scotland and Wales.

Transport Committee chair Louise Ellman said: “Cyclists have told us of the dangers they face every day from a lack of cycling infrastructure, to poorly designed junctions and aggressive driving.”

The Committee made several conclusions, including that the Department for Transport should make it easier and cheaper for local authorities to introduce 20MPH speed limits in high risk areas. It also said that safe cycling should be an integral part of the design for all new infrastructure projects.

“Transport Ministers must demonstrate clear political leadership by championing cycling and the Department for Transport must coordinate action across Government on this vital agenda,” Ms Ellman added.

Cycle charity Sustrans head of policy Claire Francis said: “This report is making all the right noises but lacks the urgency that this issue deserves. The recommendation of £10 per head for cycling is fantastic, but it needs to be implemented now, not in 2020.”

CIHT welcomed the report, particularly in terms of providing comprehensive, comfortable and attractive routes for cyclists and how traffic management can best be adapted to accommodate them.

(Photo: Tejvan Pettinger)

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