Thousands Set to Take Up Cycling and Walking in Major Green Transport Push
Thousands more Brits will be cycling and walking soon, thanks to bold new plans launched today by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. A £250 million emergency fund will kickstart a nationwide boost to active, greener travel across England.
Pop-Up Cycle Lanes and Wider Pavements Roll Out Fast
Within weeks, expect pop-up bike lanes with protected spaces, wider pavements, safer junctions, and dedicated cycle and bus-only corridors. These are part of the first tranche of a whopping £2 billion investment – itself a slice of £5 billion pledged earlier this year for cycling and buses.
The pandemic saw a surge in walking and cycling, and now the government wants to keep that momentum going. The aim is to ease pressure on buses and trains, prevent road gridlock, and foster healthier travel habits.
Big Cities Lead the Charge
- Greater Manchester plans 150 miles of protected cycle tracks.
- Transport for London unveils a bold “bike Tube” network above the Underground.
New regulations mean councils will swiftly reallocate road space for cyclists and pedestrians. Some streets might be closed off to through traffic to create low-traffic neighbourhoods, cutting rat-running and road chaos.
Vouchers for repairing old bikes and an expanded Cycle to Work scheme will encourage even more people to pedal.
Shapps Warns: Keep Cycling or Face Gridlock
“During this crisis, millions have discovered cycling – for exercise or safe, socially-distanced travel,” said Grant Shapps. “When the country returns to work, we need those people to stay on their bikes and be joined by many more. Public transport is limited in capacity; otherwise, trains and buses will be overcrowded, and roads gridlocked, holding up emergency services, key workers, and vital supplies.
Cars will remain essential for some, but we must build a greener, cleaner, healthier country for the future.”
New Cycling and Walking Strategy Coming This Summer
The PM will launch an updated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, aiming to double cycling and boost walking by 2025. Measures include:
- Creating a national cycling and walking commissioner and inspectorate
- Raising standards for permanent cycling infrastructure
- Getting GPs to prescribe cycling and exercise
- Setting a long-term budget for cycling and walking, akin to road funding
E-Scooter Trials and Electric Vehicle Boost
E-scooter rental trials get fast-tracked to launch in June, expanding nationwide instead of just four zones. This could see rental e-scooters on UK streets imminently, offering a fresh green travel option.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We’re proud to lead on future transport and this trial will bring more flexible, greener travel solutions, especially vital during the climate emergency and post-coronavirus recovery.
Plus, the government is doubling funding – to £10 million – to install 7,200 new on-street electric vehicle charge points, making EV ownership easier. A new consultation will also explore improving payment and pricing transparency for rapid charging.
Tech to Help Beat Overcrowding
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps hosted a roundtable with tech giants like Google and Trainline to develop apps that warn commuters of busy public transport, suggest quieter travel times, and help stagger journeys – aiming to reduce crowding and minimise coronavirus risk.
Team INEOS Stars Back Cycling Campaign
Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas from Team INEOS are urging Brits to #GetPedalling.
Sir Dave Brailsford, Team Principal, said: “If ever there was a good time to get on your bike, it’s now. You’ll ease pressure on public transport, improve your health, help others, and protect the environment. Let’s get Britain moving again.”
