§ 17. Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his Department's strategy for(a) increasing cycling journey numbers and (b) reducing cycling injuries and deaths. [138871]
§ Mr. McNultyOur strategy for encouraging cycling involves improving both cycling infrastructure and promotion. We have assessed provision for cyclists in all English local authorities. We have initiated the Cycling Projects Fund and given over £4 million to local cycling initiatives. The Department is also a major contributor to the cross-departmental Activity Co-ordination Team, which is seeking to raise levels of physical activity across the board. On the safety front, and in addition to encouraging better facilities for cyclists, we are promoting measures which cyclists can take to protect themselves, such as taking cycle training and making themselves conspicuous. We are also improving training and testing for motorists.