§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent steps 95W he has taken to encourage (a)(i) Ministers, (ii) officials and (iii) employees of his Department and (b) other Ministers to use bicycles. [47834]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe upper limit on salary advances to staff for purchase of bicycles and associated equipment was increased in April 1998. Staff cycling to work on National Bike to Work day were welcomed at DETR headquarters buildings with a bike breakfast. Further encouragement to use bicycles for business travel should stem from Green Transport Plans being developed for DETR premises.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of journeys to work in London are made by bicycle. [47831]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAccording to the Department's most recent National Travel Survey 1994 –96: for that period, an average of 2.7 per cent. of people living and working in London, travelled to work by bicycle.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of dedicated cycle lanes separated from other traffic there are in London. [47830]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonTaking together the London Cycle Network, the Thames Cycle Route, the priority (Red Routes) programme and other measures on London's trunk roads, approximately 225 miles of cycle lanes were in place by March 1998. Specific information on dedicated routes separated from other traffic is not held centrally, nor are details of cycle lanes provided by highway authorities on local roads outside of the LCN and red route Network.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that trains arriving in London terminals are able to carry bicycles. [47836]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonIn general, services arriving in London are able to carry bicycles except during the morning commuter peak. It would be impracticable to require franchisees to make facilities available on all services because, on busy local and commuter networks, passenger capacity is of prime importance to both operators and passengers. The provisions in the franchise agreements therefore strike a balance between the desire for operators to accommodate cyclists whilst acknowledging that it may not always be possible for them to do so. The Franchising Director, as part of his remit under the Objectives, Instructions and Guidance issued last year, discusses with franchisees the provision of space for bicycles on new trains.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which of his Department's buildings in London have parking racks for bicycles available for use by visitors. [47833]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonBicycle parking facilities are available at Eland House, Ashdown House (V), Great Minister House, Riverwalk House and St. Christopher House. The facilities are available to all Departmental employees, pass holders and visitors on a first come first served basis. There are no reserved spaces.
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§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with Westminster Council about bicycle traffic in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster; and if he will make a statement. [47835]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe Deputy Prime Minister met representatives of Westminster City Council in March 1998 to review progress on the "World Squares for All" Masterplan. The Masterplan covers the main routes in the vicinity of the palace of Westminster, and makes a number of proposals to assist cyclists.
§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of journeys to school in London are made on bicycles. [47832]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAccording to the Department's most recent National Travel Survey 1994 –96: for that period, an average of 1.3 per cent. of children aged 4 –16 living in London, travelled by bicycle for the purpose of education.