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The CTCs Benchmarking scheme was launched in February and aims to encourage cycling in the UK. It was over-subscribed within four months of its formation.
Ten new councils have now been allowed on the scheme.
With the help of CTC, the ten councils that signed up are currently appraising measures to promote and develop cycling. From their findings, CTC will be able to issue best practice guidance to all
authorities.
The ten new authorities will be involved in the second year of the initiative. They will visit and host visits from other councils, attend workshops
and carry out self-audits over a one-year period.
The councils already involved have been full of praise for the scheme, says CTC. Projects developing from the Benchmarking include: cyclist consultation in Sandwell, West Midlands; contra-flow cycling in Cambridge; partnerships with health promotion agencies in Glasgow; and Edinburgh Councils innovative cycle crossings.
John McIlroy, a Principal Planner at Sandwell, said: The project has really made us think about what we are doing for cycling, why and how we do it. There is a substantial time commitment but it is well worth it.
Tony Russell, CTCs Benchmarking Project Officer said: The authorities involved see this as a valuable contribution to the way in which they apply best value to their cycling policies. We are now keen to build on this and move into the second year.
Tony Russell, tel 0117 925 6115, tony.russell@ctc.org.uk
