Safer cycle routes on track thanks to government boost
Safer roads for cyclists thanks to £40 million funding.
Cyclists across England are set to benefit from safer roads thanks to a £40 million boost to improve dangerous routes and junctions, Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today (4 April 2013).
The money will be made available to improve the design and layout of roads at 78 locations across the country, with all schemes due for completion within the next 12 months.
Norman Baker said:
Cycling is healthy and reduces congestion so it is welcome news that more and more people are taking to 2 wheels.
Ensuring this funding is targeted where improvements will make a real difference to cyclists is just one way we are ensuring this trend continues.
This is part of the £107 million investment we have announced in cycling infrastructure over the last year, over and above the £600 million we have invested through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. We have launched a THINK! ‘Let’s look out for each other’ campaign and have made it easier for councils to set 20 miles per hour (mph) speed limits and install trixi mirrors at junctions so drivers are better able to see cyclists.
Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond said:
Keeping people safe on our roads is of paramount importance to me. This money will enable local authorities to put in place well targeted measures to protect cyclists across the country.
The schemes, which are being offered funding with a £20 million government grant and £20 million local authority match-funding, have been selected for their positive impact on safety. To choose the best schemes, the department has been supported by a panel of experts, led by the transport charity Sustrans.
The schemes cover every geographical region apart from London – which is overseen by Transport for London. The funding for each region comes to approximately:
- east of England: £5.31 million
- east midlands: £3.17 million
- north east: £3.29 million
- south west: £3.09 million
- north west: £14.77 million
- south east: £5.57 million
- west midlands: £1.51 million
- Yorkshire and Humber: £2.62 million
All schemes will commence once confirmations have been secured from co-funders.
Notes to editors
A complete list of schemes offered funding is available.
The schemes are a mix of improvements including the reallocation of road space, significant simplification of road layouts, changes in priority, changes in junction layouts, designs that lower speed, changes to crossings and the provision of bypasses, such as a bridge link.
The money from the Department for Transport includes £15 million of capital funding announced in June 2012 and £5 million announced in November 2012.
Sustrans is a leading UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport. They have managed the selection process in partnership with Department for Transport.
Sustrans co-ordinates the National Cycle Network, over 14,000 miles of signed cycle and walking routes throughout the UK that carry over 480 million journeys a year.