§ Sir Raymond PowellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of cycle way have been introduced since May 1997; and what(a) encouragement and (b) support is given to local authorities to introduce cycle ways. [41589]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonInformation about the lengths of cycle tracks or cycle routes provided in local authority areas in England is not held centrally. We encourage all local authorities to respond to the National Cycling Strategy by establishing local cycling strategies, and by setting local targets for increases in cycle use. We support local authorities efforts with funding from the annual local transport budget, based on their Transport Policies and Programme submissions. This year, over 70 package bids are being supported, all containing cycling measures. We also provide technical support through an extensive range of Traffic Advisory Leaflets and other publications on cycling, and in response to day-to-day inquiries.