Transport minister cites £2bn fund as evidence of commitment to supporting ‘active travel’
The public’s growing enthusiasm for walking and cycling around UK towns and cities must be supported and encouraged as the country emerges from Covid-19 lockdowns, a minister has said.
The transport minister Chris Heaton-Harris said there was huge interest in “active travel” in the UK and called on people to walk and cycle wherever possible.
“This year has been one like no other, changing the way we travel whether it be for work or leisure … We do need to make sure we keep people’s newfound love for walking and cycling,” he said.
Speaking at an online conference organised by the Living Streets charity on Thursday, Heaton-Harris pointed to the government’s £2bn funding for walking and cycling announced last year – with £200m already allocated to local authorities – as proof of its commitment.
He said that despite vocal opposition to some schemes, the majority of residents backed proposals such as low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) and improved cycle lanes and walkways, with two-thirds of respondents to a government-commissioned survey in support of road space being given over to walking and cycling.
“We need to take people with us on this journey, but we know the majority support the improvements to their local communities,” he said.
There has been a huge increase in cycling and walking provision during the pandemic, with hundreds of miles of new cycleways built, pavements improved and LTNs introduced across the UK, as well as around the world.
