§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress his Department has made towards developing a network for longer distance cycling in London; and if he intends to extend the initiative outside London.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Department has welcomed in principle the proposed development of a 1,000-mile strategic network of cycle routes for London.
The idea of establishing a network has been promoted by the London Cycling Forum, of which the Department is a member. It is for individual highway authorities to develop those parts of the network which fall within their areas, but the Department is ready to help London boroughs with guidance and technical advice.
The Department has already contributed towards the development of a cycle network in London by providing crossing points of trunk roads for cycle routes. We have also provided some cycle tracks on new trunk roads and additional cycling facilities on existing trunk roads
In conjunction with the London planning advisory committee, the Department is organising a technical seminar to be held later in the year. This would be for London boroughs, and other bodies with an interest in providing cycling facilities in London.
191WThe Department offers guidance to all local authorities on aspects of planning and designing facilities for cycling, through its traffic advisory unit and a wide range of publications.