§ Mr. ChidgeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to encourage bicycling; and if he will make a statement. [1180]
§ Mr. NorrisFollowing the Government's statement of policy on cycling last year, we have taken a number of initiatives to encourage cycling. We are currently considering bids made under the cycle challenge competition, designed to bring forward new ideas and partnerships capable of widespread application in the United Kingdom. We have encouraged local highway authorities to give a higher profile to cycling within their transport policies and programme submissions, and we have indicated that we will take special account of package bids which include provision for cycling. We are supporting the development of the national cycle network, which will open up new route opportunities for recreational, tourist and utility cyclists alike. And we are making good progress in generating a national strategy for cycling which I hope will be complete by next summer.
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