§ 4. Mr. Andrew F. Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make recommendations to local authorities to improve facilities for cyclists.
§ Mr. HoramWe have already drawn the attention of local authorities to the desirability of making cycling safer and more convenient, both in the White Paper on transport policy and in a recent circular. We are providing extra finance for selected local authority schemes and, as my hon. Friend is aware, we recently accepted a proposal to widen the powers of local authorities to provide cycle racks.
§ Mr. BennettI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. Is he aware that the Friends of the Earth have recently published a bicycle planning book? Will he take steps to ensure that all local authorities read that book and take positive steps to help the cyclists? Will he stop the negative attitude of local authorities which on many occasions hinders cycling?
§ Mr. HoramI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that advice and for providing me with a personal copy of the book in question. I am half-way through it.
§ Mr. FormanIs the Minister satisfied that enough is being done to enhance the safety and well-being of cyclists? Is his 215 Department looking sufficiently actively at what goes on on the Continent, where pedestrians and cyclists are generally grouped together, rather than that cyclists should have to contend with motor vehicles?
§ Mr. HoramAs the hon. Gentleman will be aware, we appointed someone with sole responsibility for cycling and cycling matters in the Department following publication of the transport policy White Paper. I am sure that he will take that point of view and evidence from the Continent as well as British experience into account.