HC Deb 20 March 1998 vol 308 c747W
Mrs. May

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the Government's policy on the designation of footways for the use of shared facilities in respect of pedestrians and cyclists. [34547]

Ms Glenda Jackson

Shared use facilities do not offer a ubiquitous solution to providing better conditions for cyclists. They are very much a last resort measure, where there is a safety problem which cannot be solved on the road.

Conversion of a footway to a cycle track may be feasible in ensuring the continuity of a cycle route where numbers of pedestrians are low, or where there is a road safety problem which cannot be solved on the carriageway. Decisions on what is appropriate in particular cases fall to individual local highway authorities, who are able to take account of local circumstances.

The Department intends to review existing guidance to local authorities, and to update it so that it fully reflects policies for promoting both cycling and walking. The review process will involve consultation with interested organisations.