Government invests in safer cycle routes

The Government is investing £40 million in an effort to make roads safer for cyclists across England.

The money will be used to improve dangerous routes and junctions, Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today (4 April).

The design and layout of roads at 78 locations across the country will be improved, with all schemes due for completion within the next year.

Norman Baker said: “Cycling is healthy and reduces congestion so it is welcome news that more people are taking to two 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 £600m we have invested through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.”

Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond added: “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 £20m Government grant and £20m local authority match-funding, have been selected for their positive impact on safety.

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 £5.31m

East Midlands £3.17m

North East £3.29m

South West £3.09m

North West £14.77m

South East £5.57m

West Midlands £1.51m

Yorkshire and Humber £2.62m

All schemes will commence once confirmations have been secured from co-funders.

By Alec Peachey