§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to ensure that cyclists are not disadvantaged in plans for Britain's road network.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 8 January 1990]: The Department takes the needs of cyclists into account when planning new trunk roads and improving existing ones. Close attention is paid to the design of junctions and other locations where cyclists are known to be at greatest risk, and we try to enhance the safety and convenience of routes for cyclists. We encourage local highway authorities, which are responsible for the roads on which most cycling takes place, to do the same. We shall continue to promote safer cycling mainly through the publication of technical advice and guidance based on our research and application studies.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to ensure that local authorities are able to plan for cyclists within their tranportation plans; and if he will ensure that such initiatives are properly resourced.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 8 January 1990]: Decisions on allocating resources for cycling and the appropriate level of provision are for individual highway authorities to take. The current circular to local authorities on transport policies and programme submissions for 1990–91 encourages them to provide facilities which benefit cyclists. Such schemes will be considered for transport supplementary grant when they are integral to highway or traffic management schemes which are large enough to qualify for grant in their own right.
The Department makes available technical advice mainly in the form of publications which are available from our regional offices (free traffic advisory leaflets) and Her Majesty's Stationery Office (local transport notes). Copies are placed in the Library.