Cycling and Walking 2021-11-04
2021-11-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks to encourage cycling and walking, likely due to environmental benefits and health improvements.
What steps his Department is taking to encourage the uptake of cycling and walking. My hon. Friend the Member for Broxtowe would have asked a supplementary question about areas in his constituency, Mini-Hollands and how they can change people's behaviour when it comes to cycling.
My Department is investing an unprecedented £2 billion in active travel over the course of this Parliament. This includes Mini-Hollands, with expressions of interest from more than 30 local authorities wishing to build them. The feasibility study will be received in the next financial year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP points out the significant difference in active travel budgets between Scotland (10% of transport budget) and England (£7 per head). He questions why the Department is underfunding active travel.
Scotland's active travel budget will soon amount to 10% of the transport budget, which means that at least £320 million a year—nearly £60 per person in Scotland—will be spent on walking and wheeling. The Department for Transport plans to spend less than £7 per head. Now that he has seen the proof, why is the Department short-changing active travel in England?
Spending on cycling and walking in England has doubled from a paltry £3.50 per head in 2010 to about £10 per head now, and given the massive increase in spending on cycling and walking—the largest ever in this Parliament as a result of the Prime Minister's “Gear Change” plans—that will continue to increase.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific discrepancy between Scotland and England was not addressed directly.
The Figures Are Not Correct
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks to highlight the importance of cycle parking facilities at railway stations.
Does the Minister, who is also the Rail Minister, agree that a key element of any cycling and walking plan should be better parking provision for cycles at railway stations?
Absolutely, one of the best gala dinners I have ever attended was the “cycle to rail” gala dinner, where awards were given for the best schemes of that kind. We are investing a huge amount of money in new, secure cycle parking around the country.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy