Cycling UK General Election Manifesto 2024
Cycling UK has published a manifesto for the UK General Election on 4th July 2024.
The campaign group said:
‘…we’re emphasising the importance of investing in cycling infrastructure, promoting road safety measures and fostering a culture that encourages more people to choose cycling for their daily commutes and recreational activities.
By championing this cause, we aim to ensure that cycling remains firmly on the political agenda, addressing key issues and advocating for policies that support the growth and accessiblity of cycling nationwide’.
cycling uk
Vision
Cycling UK’s Vision is bustling high streets you can walk down, millions more children walking and cycling to school, and more people building physical movement into their daily lives.
Walking and cycling can reverse rising levels of physical inactivity and obesity, and save the NHS billions.
Cycling UK has six asks of the next UK government:
- Long-term investment in cycling, wheeling and walking
- Better transport choices to reduce traffic
- Build truly sustainable new homes and developments
- Make our streets safer
- Help everyone to access nature
- Fix our failing road traffic laws
1) Long-Term Investment in Cycling, Wheeling and Walking
Active travel investment should account for 10% of the total transport budget within 5 years.
Local authorities need the security of long-term funding so they have the confidence to develop and deliver long-term plans for active travel networks.
2) Provide Better Transport Choices to Reduce Traffic
This means an integrated transport strategy to give people more transport choices and reduce traffic.
The majority should be able to get around by walking, wheeling or cycling, and/or by public and shared transport.
3) Build Truly Sustainable New Homes and Developments
All new homes and developments should be built around frequent public transport services, safe streets, and excellent walking and cycling networks.
4) Make Our Streets Safer
This includes supporting speed reduction measures, both in urban and rural areas.
Reducing vehicle speeds creates streets that feel, and are, safer.
5) Help Everyone to Access Nature
Increase access to the countryside by extending public open access rights to more landscapes and to cycling and horse-riding.
6) Fix Our Failing Road Traffic Laws
Commision a review of road traffic laws within the first 12 months of the new government being formed.
The aim should be to reduce danger on our roads
The Benefits of Cycling
Cycling UK says that more cycling benefits us all, and highlights the facts that:
- popular infrastructure boosts mayoral and political support
- cycling boosts the economy, with an average BCR of 5.62 on investment
- cycling promotes public health, with a 46% lower risk of heart disease
- cycling fights climate change, and as 52% of trips by car are less than 5 miles, we can do much more of it
Comment on Cycling UK’s Manifesto
This is a great initiative by Cycling UK.
They have produced a succinct manifesto – not 120 page pdf, thank goodness – with just the key points. Political parties, please listen to Cycling UK’s requests.