Cycling (Hansard, 18 May 1992)

§ 2. Mr. Waller
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage safer cycling.

§ The Minister for Roads and Traffic (Mr. Kenneth Carlisle)
We shall continue to provide support and technical advice to local highway authorities on traffic engineering techniques to help cyclists and shall undertake publicity and other initiatives as the opportunities arise.

§ Mr. Waller
As I am sure my hon. Friend will agree, cycling is an extremely healthy and environmentally friendly activity, but, unfortunately, the casualty rate is far higher than it should be. Will he encourage local highway authorities, when developing their future plans, to incorporate dedicated cycle tracks and other means of making cycling as safe as humanly possible?

§ Mr. Carlisle
My hon. Friend makes some good points. We are anxious to promote proper and dedicated cycle routes in our towns and cities and our regional cycling officers—who exist in every region—are working hard with local authorities to promote such routes. Good schemes are available in a number of our cities, including Exeter, Nottingham and Cambridge.

§ Ms. Walley
Does the Minister realise that we need an integrated approach to transport which includes cycling and accepts its importance? Does he agree that 47 per cent. of local journeys could be made by bicycle? Will he now make it a priority within his Department to enable local authorities to plan for cycling, because, if he does not, it will be clear that the Government do not have the political will to get the nation on its bike?

§ Mr. Carlisle
The hon. Lady obviously did not listen to what I said. We are working closely with local authorities to develop cycle routes. I suggest that the hon. Lady goes away and reads some of our traffic advisory leaflets or local transport notes, which explain just how we are working with local authorities to make life easier for cyclists.