Cycling funding revealed

The cities that will receive a share of the government’s £114 million investment in cycling have been revealed.

Bristol, Leeds, Cambridge, Birmingham, Norwich, Newcastle and Oxford all submitted their bids for the funding, which was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at a dedicated cycling summit in November last year.

The money will be used to help each city deliver plans to get more people cycling by improving and expanding cycle routes between the city centres, local communities and key employment and retail spots.

Mr Clegg said: “We are in the midst of a cycling revolution in the UK but we need to make sure we’re in the right gear to see it through. That’s why I’m so pleased to announce this investment for these major cities to make it easier for people to get around on two wheels.

“With the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and the Tour de France in Yorkshire last year still fresh in our minds, this money can help Britain become a cycling nation to rival the likes of Denmark and the Netherlands.”

Research shows us that boosting cycling could save billions of pounds otherwise spent on the NHS, reduce pollution and congestion, and create a happier and safer population.

Cycling Minister Robert Goodwill added: “This investment shows our continued commitment to making cycling even easier and safer, and our ambition to help make these cities better for cycles.”