Chris Boardman and Robert Goodwill visit Copenhagen
13th October 2015
Cycling minister Robert Goodwill said he was 'blown away' by
what he had seen on a visit
to Copenhagen with British Cycling's Chris Boardman,
and it had given him '...an additional feeling of wanting to re-double
our efforts back home to ensure that we can do more for cyclists.'
Goodwill had accepted British Cycling's invitation to visit Copenhagen with Chris Boardman, the Danish capital being chosen because it is one of the world's best cycling cities. 63% of journeys to work or school in Copenhagen are made by bike.
Goodwill's comments
Mr Goodwill said, 'It was rather a shock to see just how many people were cycling. When I say people, I mean just that - ordinary people in ordinary clothes; people of all ages, people with young children, and a lot of women.'
'The other thing that struck me was that if all of those people on their bikes had been in cars, the place would have been completely jammed. So I think the motorists understand that having all these people on bikes actually gives them more space to get around. It's all very impressive.'
'Here, we've seen vast numbers of people on bikes, very good provisions on the roads and a lot of innovative ideas that I'm sure we'll be taking back with us.'
'This has happened over a long period of time. The problem we have in Britain is that we should have started 30 years ago. That means we need to re-double our efforts to ensure we get what the Prime Minister called a 'cycling revolution' in the UK, so we can come here without having to hang our heads in shame a little bit.'
Boardman's comments
Chris Boardman said, 'Copenhagen is a shining example of what can be achieved with committed investment, not just in infrastructure but in everything required to make cycling and walking a legitimate choice for the people living there.'
'Robert Goodwill was able to see how much work is needed to bring British cities up to speed with Copenhagen - this is a big step forward, and I thank him for taking part in the visit. I think he saw the huge benefits of proper investment in cycling and I think more of his colleagues in government should see this for themselves.'
'The Minister has said some positive things, but the first real test of this government's commitment will be the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy they have promised. This needs meaningful funding and I want to see it published before the next Budget.'
'Mr Goodwill will have to fight hard in government to deliver the 'cycling revolution' promised before the election, but with the Prime Minister's backing I am confident he can persuade Treasury ministers to release the £10 per head per year that could transform cycling provision in the UK and save us from crises in obesity and pollution that the country can't afford.'
Video of the Boardman/Copenhagen visit
This is a short video about the Copenhagen visit: