Political parties make cycling pledges

The general election is fast approaching and already the political wheels are turning. One group that the parties are desperate to get on side is cyclists.

Whilst the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats are yet to outline their manifestos, Labour has already began wooing two-wheeled voters with a series of high-profile promises that are sure to be attractive.

On the more sober side of the spectrum, Labour have announced that, should they get into government in May, they will work to actively promote cycling as a primary form of transport and an integral part of their transportation network.

Labour has also pledged that a Labour government will “set a new national ambition to improve the uptake of physical activity” and “will deliver a long-term investment strategy to increase cycling and walking rates, with targets and clarity over funding”. Ed Miliband’s party has also promised to create a high level cycling and walking advisory board, with ministers from across government, that will “help put cycling at the centre of policy making.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Green Party are going even further to push cycling, a very ecologically friendly mode of transport, to the front of the national consciousness, promising to take billions of pounds away from various road programmes and invest it into cycling.

Cycling infrastructure and cyclist safety are arguably bigger issues now than they have been at previous elections thanks to a boost for the sport following the London 2012 Olympic games and a recent spate of fatal and serious accidents in London and beyond.

Share this article