Active travel investment welcomed

12 May 2020 11:02 AM

The government's £2 billion injection of cash aims to maintain increased levels of walking and cycling when restrictions ease.

After the government announced a £2 billion investment into cycling and walking, our executive director with responsibility for active travel hopes it will now become the “natural choice”.

Saturday’s announcement from transport secretary Grant Shapps saw the government pledge £250 million as an emergency active travel fund, which will act as the first stage of the £2bn investment.

In what is the largest ever boost for cyclists and pedestrians, emergency bike lanes will help to support the transport network as people seek to travel while maintaining social distancing.

The emergency fund will also provide wider pavements, safer junctions and cycle and bus-only corridors in England as the government tries to maintain the increased levels of walking and cycling seen since the coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions came into effect.

It's a move that's been welcomed by our executive director with responsibility for active travel, Charles Johnston.

“We’ve seen in the past that people are discouraged from cycling due the amount of traffic on the roads and therefore fears about their safety,” he said.

“We must ensure that those who have now been encouraged to try using their bike by the empty roads continue with cycling once the restrictions are lifted, so that it becomes their natural choice for those shorter journeys rather than the car.”

Click here for the full press release