Cycling UK is calling on the Government to embed active travel infrastructure into new housing developments.
Alongside MPs and partner organisations in England, the charity is seeking amendments to the current Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to ensure cycling and walking become ‘fundamental to development plans’.
Cycling UK hopes that by pushing for this legislation, developers will be incentivised to prioritise active travel options in new projects rather than locking in car dependence. It says this will also help communities to feel safe when cycling and walking for everyday journeys, and in turn enjoy the cost, environmental and health benefits.
Zak Viney, campaigns officer at Cycling UK, said: “In the midst of the house-building boom in the UK, we have lost sight of the fact that most new developments are designing for car dependency and preventing homeowners from experiencing the many mental and physical health benefits which come from active travel.
“For the Government to reach its Net Zero targets and deliver its ambitious Cycling and Walking Plan, we must provide a safe environment to allow people to pedal or walk for everyday journeys.”
The plea comes as the findings of a new survey suggests almost 75% of the people feel that there hasn’t been any improvement in cycling infrastructure in the last year.
The survey, conducted by Shimano, shows that despite a large increase in cycling during the Covid-19 pandemic, just 27% of people in the UK feel that improvements have been made in their local area to ensure safety for cyclists.
This is in stark comparison to other countries such as Poland and France, where 56% and 49% (respectively) of people feel that infrastructure has improved.
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