Forum topic: Consultation on Cycling and Walking Opens
Consultation on Cycling and Walking Opens
Karl Brown
31 Mar 2016 18:00 #2077
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Now it’s the turn of the Government to launch a consultation on Cycling and Walking. Opening this week, replies need to be received by 23rd May.
To quote, “This Conservative Government wants to create an environment which encourages walking and cycling, where cycling and walking is the norm for short journeys, or as part of a longer journey.”
A case for change is made, described as being “clear and compelling”, and includes reference to: congestion reduction; increased active lifestyles reducing demands on NHS and social care budgets; town centres and high streets benefiting economically from increased footfall and rental values; reduced employee absence and a healthier workforce increasing competitiveness and productivity; cheaper travel; streets being safer for the most vulnerable users; facilitating “vibrant, attractive places and communities”; and benefits in tackling air pollution and climate change.
Transport minister Robert Goodwill is quoted as saying, ‘Delivering this long-term plan will require patience, persistence and a change in attitudes – amongst government, local bodies, businesses, communities and individuals. We cannot afford not to grasp the opportunities available and we are determined to make this country a cycling and walking nation, comparable to the very best in the world.’
It explains that the Mini Holland investment, driven by the Transport Strategy and being implemented by TfL as the responsible regional body, was targeted at those London Boroughs where “it can have maximum impact and attract a wide range of new cyclists.”
The consultation is not about the whether to go ahead, rather ideas on some of the how’s, and specifically focuses on better safety, mobility and streets in meeting the declared ambition for England which is linked to the extant 2014 Government Vision of, “We want to make cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey - regardless of age, gender, fitness level or income.”
As a chosen early adopter, Enfield has of course seen much of the underlying rationale already, as well as experiencing some learning issues as would be reasonably expected.
The Cycling and Walking Strategy consultation detail can be found on the gov.uk web site
To quote, “This Conservative Government wants to create an environment which encourages walking and cycling, where cycling and walking is the norm for short journeys, or as part of a longer journey.”
A case for change is made, described as being “clear and compelling”, and includes reference to: congestion reduction; increased active lifestyles reducing demands on NHS and social care budgets; town centres and high streets benefiting economically from increased footfall and rental values; reduced employee absence and a healthier workforce increasing competitiveness and productivity; cheaper travel; streets being safer for the most vulnerable users; facilitating “vibrant, attractive places and communities”; and benefits in tackling air pollution and climate change.
Transport minister Robert Goodwill is quoted as saying, ‘Delivering this long-term plan will require patience, persistence and a change in attitudes – amongst government, local bodies, businesses, communities and individuals. We cannot afford not to grasp the opportunities available and we are determined to make this country a cycling and walking nation, comparable to the very best in the world.’
It explains that the Mini Holland investment, driven by the Transport Strategy and being implemented by TfL as the responsible regional body, was targeted at those London Boroughs where “it can have maximum impact and attract a wide range of new cyclists.”
The consultation is not about the whether to go ahead, rather ideas on some of the how’s, and specifically focuses on better safety, mobility and streets in meeting the declared ambition for England which is linked to the extant 2014 Government Vision of, “We want to make cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey - regardless of age, gender, fitness level or income.”
As a chosen early adopter, Enfield has of course seen much of the underlying rationale already, as well as experiencing some learning issues as would be reasonably expected.
The Cycling and Walking Strategy consultation detail can be found on the gov.uk web site
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