Creation of a “walking and cycling nation” where travelling by bike or on foot will be the natural choice for shorter journeys is the aim of a new consultation launched by Government over Easter.

 

The Department for Transport is seeking views on its draft cycling and walking investment strategy which includes ambitions to double cycling journeys and reverse the decline in walking by 2040.

 

But British Cycling’s policy adviser and former Olympian Chris Boardman has warned that the document “won’t be worth the paper it’s written on” unless backed by sustained funding.

 

Government claims its strategy – which looks to encourage active travel by providing safe and attractive infrastructure – marks a major shift from short term funding streams to a strategic long term approach. An investment of £300M has been committed to cycling and walking over the current Parliament.

 

However Mr Boardman said: “Far more ambition is needed if we are to have any hope of creating a cycling and walking culture to rival countries like Denmark and the Netherlands, let alone the Government’s own modest targets.

 

“This consultation exposes the Prime Minister as reneging on the ‘cycling revolution’ he promised us three years ago. If the Government won’t commit to £10 per head every year, this strategy is stalling before it’s even got started.”

 

UK walking charity Living Streets’ chief executive Joe Irvin said: “The strategy sets ambitions to reverse the decline in walking and to increase the number of children walking to school. But the lack of any measurable target for either is mystifying.”

 

He added that increasing walking would cut traffic jams and improve the nation’s health. “Government action needs to happen now.”

 

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill argued that the strategy would benefit the whole of society by boosting the economy, improving health, cutting congestion and improving air quality.

 

“Delivering this long term plan will require patience, persistence and a change in attitudes – among Government, local bodies, businesses, communities and individuals,” he said. “We are determined to make this country a cycling and walking nation, comparable to the very best in the world.”

 

The consultation will close on 23 May ahead of the final strategy’s publication in the summer, when Government will also issue guidance to local bodies on developing their own plans.

 

(Photo: David McKelvey and licensed for reuse under this Creative Common Licence)