§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on cycling policy during National Bike Week.
§ Mr. KeyI have today released a new statement of our cycling policy which has been developed in consultation with other Government Departments. In it the Government recognise the need for us as a nation to take full account of the benefits which cycling offers.
A change of perceptions is needed. More local authorities should consider cycling from the outset in planning and traffic management. Secure cycle parking should be more widely available near offices, shopping centres and public transport stations. Employers should make available cycle parking, and changing and showering facilities. Cycling should be more widely seen as a sensible means of transport, offering a realistic alternative to the car for local journeys.
We intend to work with other organisations to create the conditions in which more people will choose to cycle.
Copies of the statement have been placed in the Library, and are being sent to all local authorities.