§ Mr. RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what efforts he is making to promote cycling in Wales. [47103]
§ Mr. HainThe Welsh Office has endorsed the National Cycling Strategy which aims to quadruple cycle use by 2012 and is represented on the National Cycling Forum which is charged with taking the strategy forward. We are working actively with others to implement it.
I have recently announced that up to £500,000 per year will be available for local authority Safe Routes to School initiatives in Wales. I expect cycling to play a major part in such initiatives.
§ Mr. RuaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department has spent on the provision of cycling facilities in each of the past 10 years; and what is the projected amount to be spent in each of the next five years. [47102]
§ Mr. HainLocal authorities are the primary agents for providing facilities for cyclists. We support local authorities' efforts with funding through the Transport Grant scheme in relation to packages; the Strategic Development Scheme; the Welsh Capital Challenge scheme and the annual capital block allocation.
The Welsh Office also provides cycling facilities as part of new or improved trunk road schemes where a need can be justified.
The cost of providing these facilities cannot be disaggregated from the overall costs.