Campaign group Cycling UK (CUK) has welcomed an ambitious new active transport plan from the British government with one major caveat – it does little to address cycling’s gender divide.
Women only make around 50% as many journeys by bike as men, says CUK, who point to “missed opportunities” to begin equalising these numbers within the new plan.
Announced yesterday, the government’s new Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy will see 4.5 billion funnelled into the active transport modes over the next five years. It aims to encourage 55% of people to make short journeys by bike or on foot by 2035, as well as 60% of schoolkids to travel actively to and from their schools.
“The strategy is long-awaited and we’re pleased to see ambitious targets on journeys to school and a continued focus on short journeys,” said CUK head of policy Sarah Whitbread in a statement. “However, it is disappointing not to see a commitment to closing the gender gap in cycling when we know that women make half as many trips by bike as men. Clear measures to address this would make cycling better for everyone.”
She added: “Our ‘Getting there with cycling report’, published this week, sets out the huge benefits investing in cycling infrastructure brings. The government has already committed to putting cycling on an equal footing with other transport options. It will now be for government and local authorities across the country to make that ambition a reality.”
The government plans to create 5,000 new cycling and walking routes and 10,000 new safer crossings by 2030, which it hopes will encourage people to travel actively to transport hubs such as train stations.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Too many people would like to walk, wheel or cycle more often but don’t feel they have safe and convenient options to do so.
“Our new Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy sets out how we will change that, with ambitious targets, record levels of investment and a clear plan to make active travel a practical choice for millions more journeys.
“This is about creating healthier communities, helping households keep more money in their pockets and building a transport network that works better for everyone.”
Health secretary James Murray said the strategy had the potential to reduce health inequalities and help alleviate pressure on the NHS by boosting the nation’s health.
