Candidates urged to pledge support for investment in cycling and walking

Cycling UK has written to all the main parties’ candidates asking them to make a ‘simple pledge’ to stand up for cycling and walking if they are successful in their election campaigns.

The charity is calling on each candidate to pledge their support to an increase in investment in cycling and walking to at least 5% of transport spending next year, rising to at least 10% within five years.

Cycling UK says this level of funding is the minimum required for the next Government to meet its targets of doubling cycling journeys in England by 2025, and to achieve similar levels of walking and cycling throughout the UK.

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK’s chief executive, said: “We’re breathing toxic air. Too many people are becoming obese or enduring inactivity related ill-health. Our roads are congested and vehicle emissions are compounding the climate crisis.

“But the good news is that fixing this isn’t rocket science. We just need proper investment in cycling and walking, to enable more people to move around actively, particularly for short journeys.”

Up till the election, only 2% of transport spending went towards cycling and walking. Cycling UK has created an online tool which will allow anyone to see if their candidates have made the pledge and write to those candidates who have not.

“We need people to ask their candidates to stand up for cycling, walking and a healthier future,” added Tuohy. “Don’t delay – take action now and help us identify the Parliament’s future champions for greener travel.”

Since 15th November, Cycling UK has contacted 2164 candidates, of whom 199 have made the pledge.