The funding - which is the remaining allocation of the Government's
£60m cycling budget for this year - will deliver new parking
provisions, designated routes and a range of other enhancements aimed at
encouraging more people to cycle.
Results from an evaluation of the original six Cycle Demonstration Towns
(Aylesbury, Brighton & Hove, Darlington, Derby, Exeter and Lancaster)
show that they are working. The survey found a 27 per cent increase in the
number of cycle trips as well as strong evidence of new cyclists taking to
the road and demonstrable health benefits.
Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said:
"The new money for the Cycling Demonstration Towns and the Peak
District National Park represents a great opportunity for people to
join the cycling revolution. By getting more people cycling, we can
help tackle congestion and pollution, as well as helping to promote
health and fitness.
"I have been hugely pleased with the Cycle Demonstration Town project
and these results prove that when you provide the right facilities and
support, more people will get on their bikes.
“I am also pleased to announce that we will be providing Sustrans
with £6m this year to install cycle parking and build cycling and
walking links to schools, making it easier for children, and others
living nearby, to travel on foot or by bike.”
Phillip Darnton, Chairman of Cycling England, said:
“This is fantastic news for our demonstration programme. Cycling
England and the Department for Transport set out in 2005 with six
cycling towns to show that investing in cycling can deliver real impact
– in tackling congestion and pollution, and improving
health. The results from the original six towns, and the promise
shown by the new wave of 11 additional cycling towns and one cycling
city alongside other cycling demonstration projects such as the Peak
District National Park, give us great confidence we can make a real
difference to the travel culture of the UK.”
Also announced today by the DfT was a best practice guide for local
authorities. The guide covers a wide range of sustainable travel
initiatives that authorities can consider bringing forward as part of their
third Local Transport Plans. It also aims to help them choose and deliver
measures which are carefully tailored to specific locations and achieve
sustainable transport goals.
