§ Mr. RathboneTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government have taken recently to improve the safety of cyclists using public roads.
§ Mr. ChopeRecent initiatives are detailed in the Department's memorandum to the Transport Select Committee hearing on cycling. The Committee's minutes of evidence have now been published.
We are continuing to add to the body of published technical advice for local authorities on means of providing for cyclists, which now exceeds 30 traffic advisory leaflets and four more detailed local transport notes.
We are encouraging the use by local authorities of urban safety management techniques, which can make a significant contribution to reducing accidents to the most vulnerable road users such as cyclists. This effort has been underpinned by the introduction of more flexible road hump regulations, and an increasing number of authorisations for the use of 20 mph speed limits.
Our recent child safety campaign was designed to raise the awareness of the potential dangers to child cyclists on the road, and to encourage the wearing of cycle helmets. This has been supported by complementary campaigns by the private sector.