Responding to the recent announcement by the coalition government hat Cycling England is to be abolished, UK charity Sustrans warns of less travel choice if low cost investment in schemes that enable walking, cycling and public transport use are not continued by other means.
Today's announcement emphasises the importance of the Department for Transport's newly announced Sustainable Transport Fund. The size and timing of the fund is yet to be revealed and much effort must be made to ensure that progress is not lost.
Malcolm Shepherd, Chief Executive of Sustrans says “Cycling England has been a crucial conduit for funding which has touched the lives of millions of people by making it possible for people to cycle for everyday journeys.
“With increasing challenges of health, congestion, carbon reduction and energy security, the low cost solution that cycling offers must be pursued with more vigour than ever. And local authorities must increase their efforts to work with charities and other partners to make it possible for more people to get around by bike."
Malcolm Shepherd continued; “The new Local Sustainable Transport Fund must not be a smokescreen for wider cuts to the spending that gets people cycling, walking and using public transport. From Sustrans' own practical work we know that minimal investment can reap huge rewards, for example, every £1 spent on encouraging people to change their travel behaviour brings a benefit of £8. The Fund must ensure that the benefits of Cycling England's successful work are not lost and smarter travel choices are extended to an increasing number of people.”
