I have been contacted by a number of constituents who are taking part in the Stride and Ride 5 campaign, in which they undertake at least 5 ‘active’ journeys in a fortnight. This includes walking, cycling, scooting and any other mode of active transport.
This campaign highlights the importance of using alternative modes of transport. Protecting our local environment is an important part of my plan for Broxtowe and therefore I am grateful to all constituents that have raised this matter with me.
I welcome the pledge from Ministers of an additional £2 billion in cycling and walking and that they have committed to publishing a national cycling plan, as well as an updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.
The first stage of this £2 billion investment will be a £250 million emergency active travel fund. The Fund will deliver new pop-up cycle lanes with protected space for cycling, cycle and bus-only corridors, safer junctions and wider pavements. Furthermore, a £50 'Fix Your Bike Voucher' will be introduced, which is expected to help up to half-a-million people to bring bikes out of retirement.
New statutory guidance has also been issued to councils to ensure they are able to reallocate road space for significantly increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians. As the country opens up again, local authorities can implement 20mph speed limits in association with other measures to encourage more cycling and walking too. Just introducing 20mph speed limits will not in itself be sufficient to meet the needs of active travel, but in consort with other measures could provide a more attractive and safer environment for walking and cycling.
In addition, the Government is investing around £2.5 billion with grants available for ultra-low emission vehicles, as well as funding to support charge point infrastructure. Ministers are also consulting on bringing forward the end to the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans from 2040 to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible. Trials of rental electric scooters have also been brought forward.
