Protected cycle lanes “need to be an urgent Government priority”

Authorities are being urged to show “real ambition” and commit to installing protected cycle lanes along main road routes to schools.

The call comes from Sustans, in the midst of the Cycle to School Week (3-7 October).

The annual event, led this year by The Bikeability Trust in partnership with Sustrans, is expected to see thousands of pupils and families cycle to school instead of travelling by car. 

Sustrans says it should be an “urgent priority” for the Government and local authorities to embed these new active travel habits, particularly at a time when many people are having to change the way they travel as a result of the cost of living crisis.

The charity notes this can be achieved by installing protected cycle lanes on main road routes to schools, removing the long-term barriers to feeling welcome and safe on the road.

Xavier Brice, Sustrans CEO, said: “Engaging this generation of younger school pupils with cycling and teaching them the importance of travelling actively, will only have a lasting impact if we all strive to make sure children and families feel safe and welcome on the road.

“That’s why this Cycle to School Week, Sustrans calls on local authority leaders and the Government to show real ambition and commit to installing protected cycle lanes along main road routes to schools.

“Enabling and encouraging families across the UK that are suffering financially to choose to travel actively would demonstrate commitment to a new transport hierarchy in which the car is not king, for the sake of our wallets, our health and our planet.”

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