Discuss - Transport Cycle Routes - Increase the number of cycle routes

Should the government increase the number of cycle routes in cities across the UK?

Alliance Party We will especially promote safe cycle routes and storage and suitable pavements and road crossings to encourage walking. We will support Councils adopting sustainable travel plans that make it easier for cyclists and walkers to get about town and will include advance planning about new bus routes. Source: Alliance Party

Conservative "So we are rebuilding Britain. In rail track and power lines. In concrete and steel. In good roads and safe cycle routes. In tram networks and better buses. A plan of action that is making the difference. A plan of action that is laying fast routes to the future." - Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, Conservative Party.

Green Party A national network of longer distance cycle routes will be encouraged, within which local networks will be connected. Where cycle routes are provided which give some form of segregation from other road users, the cycle route will be given priority at junctions over motorised traffic. Alterations to national rules, including the Highway Code, and education of other road users to understand this, will be needed to allow this to happen in a safe manner. Source: Green Party http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/tr.html

Labour "We must end the stop-start approach to supporting cycling. And that means long-term funding of the infrastructure needed for dedicated separate safe cycling routes. We need to ensure we do not repeat the mistakes of the past mistakes: so I have proposed a new Cycle Safety Assessment before the green light is given to new transport schemes. We need to see national targets to cut deaths and serious injuries restored. However, in future, these should sit alongside a new target to increase the levels of cycling. We need to make it easier for cycling to become part of the journey to work, even where the commute is too far to do by bike alone." Source: Maria Eagle, Shadow Transport Secretary. http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3858999.ece

Liberal Democrat The Lib Dems would "Make progress towards implementing the recommendations of the 'Get Britain Cycling' report", citing plans to create a cycling budget of at least £10 per person per year. They would also lay out obligations for local authorities to provide provisions for cyclists when building new roads.

Plaid Cymru The Welsh Government’s forthcoming Active Travel legislation- which Plaid Cymru supports- will oblige councils to provide adequate walking and cycling routes as a requirement. Counties will need to map out what exists for walking and cycling and identify any gaps. A specific capital grant scheme is needed for walking and cycling routes in line with the require-ments of the Active Travel Bill. Source: http://www.councillor.plaidcymru.org/uploads/Cylchllythyr_Cyngor/cyngor_Feb_2013.pdf Plaid Cymru also supports providing alternatives to the car. Walking and cycling, particularly in urban centers, needs to be protected in legislation, and the right infrastructure provided in terms of routes, signage, and information.

Respect Party A full programme of cycle routes in our towns and cities.

SNP The Scottish National Party would strive for "A cheap and integrated transport system to provide an alternative to car use, making the current road-building programme unnecessary." Source: SNP Website.

UKIP UKIP believes off road dedicated lanes are preferable to a confusing maze of cycle lanes on unsuitable or dangerous roads, which is problematic for cyclists as well as other road users. Source: UKIP Transport Policy 2010.

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