Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Walking and Cycling

Thursday 10 October 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • This Government recognise the benefits of walking and cycling for economic growth, health, and net zero goals.
  • I will refer the matter of the footbridge in Wokingham to the Minister with responsibility for rail and write back with further information.
  • We are looking carefully at e-scooter trial areas across the country to ensure they fit into an integrated transport system.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham
Transport Climate Environment
Context

The question aims to inquire about measures being taken by the government to promote walking and cycling.

Question

What steps she is taking to promote walking and cycling?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

This Government recognise the huge benefits of walking and cycling. They support our economic growth, health and net zero missions by helping to revitalise high streets, improve air quality and support people in living longer, healthier lives. This Government will embrace green and healthy transport choices, and we will set out ambitious plans to promote safer, greener and healthier journeys as part of an integrated transport strategy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or actions were not provided; instead, general benefits were outlined.

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Q2 Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham
Transport
Context

The question addresses the replacement of an inaccessible footbridge at Tan House crossing in Wokingham, highlighting a need for Network Rail to ensure accessibility.

Question

Barriers to active travel are many, including old footbridges that are needed for crossing railways. In my constituency of Wokingham, Network Rail is in the process of replacing the footbridge at the Tan House crossing. Despite an offer from the local authority to contribute towards the cost of making the bridge accessible to all, Network Rail has insisted on spending millions of pounds to build a bridge that many people will never be able to use. Can the Minister review with Network Rail why it believes that it is not required to make its estate accessible to all, and take steps to ensure that it is required to do so in future?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question. I will refer this matter to the Minister with responsibility for rail, and will write to the hon. Gentleman with further information.

Not addressed: The specific issue of accessibility was not addressed; instead, a promise to review and respond in writing was given.

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Q3 Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell
Transport
Context

The question is about the inclusion of e-scooters in the government's road safety strategy, considering concerns raised by constituents.

Question

E-scooters offer an excellent opportunity for promoting active travel, but many of my constituents are concerned about the speed at which people travel on them. Will the Minister confirm that the Government's road safety strategy will look at e-scooters, so that we can make sure that they are a safe part of our active travel system?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

We believe that micro-mobility has a vital role to play in an integrated transport system. We are looking very carefully at the e-scooter trial areas across the country, and will look at what further steps we can take to push forward this agenda.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on safety measures was not provided; instead, a review of current trials was mentioned.

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Q4 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
Transport
Context

The question seeks a meeting to discuss the case of Alex, who is battling for compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau following a cycling accident.

Question

My constituent Alex suffered a life-changing cycling accident at the hands of an untraced driver, and is now battling with the Motor Insurers' Bureau to get the compensation he deserves. The bureau's delays in providing compensation are intolerable, and are undermining his confidence to cycle again. Will the Secretary of State or the Minister meet me to discuss Alex's case, and how the bureau can be reformed to restore cyclists' confidence in the system?

Answer from Simon Lightwood

I would be delighted to arrange that meeting.

Answered
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