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Cycle Trails
28 February 2024
Lead MP
Tracey Crouch
Responding Minister
Guy Opperman
Tags
TransportWomen & EqualitiesLocal Government
Word Count: 4254
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Tracey Crouch raised concerns about cycle trails in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The hon. Member for Medway requested that the Minister provide a proper strategy connecting transport and planning to establish a safe network of trails. She asked what more can be done in Kent to scale up provision for cycle paths and trails, especially considering the current low levels of attainment in Bikeability schemes.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The hon. Member for Medway expressed concern about the lack of decent mountain bike trails and facilities in her constituency, which limits opportunities for young cyclists like Harrison Crick to improve their skills locally. She highlighted that it is not just an issue of funding but also of land availability and accessibility, as many areas are far from home or within local authority boundaries where such initiatives cannot be implemented. The Member also noted the poor condition of existing cycle lanes and trails, which often pose safety risks due to debris and potholes.
Greg Clark
Con
Islington North
Asked the Minister to visit Bedgebury forest in Kent, highlighting its isolation from public transport and towns such as Tunbridge Wells.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Member's work with sport is acknowledged, including her visit to the Comber Rec women's football team. The hon. Member encourages cycling trails for improved health and socialisation, highlighting the importance of these trails in their constituency.
John Howell
Con
Henley
The hon. Member for Henley agreed with the lead MP that cycling is an important aspect of bringing natural wellbeing to communities and advocated for a variety of outdoor activities beyond just cycling.
Kim Leadbeater
Lab
Spen Valley
In Batley and Spen, the Spen Valley greenway is a much-loved part of the national cycle network used by many groups. The hon. Member questions if there should be a national strategy for cycle trails to allow them to reach their full potential. Called for a commitment to look at the funding of Sustrans, as the lack of funding led to the loss of a warden for the Spen valley greenway in her constituency.
Richard Foord
Lib Dem
Honiton and Sidmouth
The hon. Member discusses statistics on cycle trail provision in Kent and highlights a consultation opened yesterday for the Cullompton and Tiverton local cycling and walking infrastructure plan. The hon. Member also notes over 185 responses to a questionnaire from Sidmouth's cycling campaign. Suggested constructing cycle trails around places with good rail services, including Tiverton Parkway, Cullompton, Feniton, Axminster, Honiton, and Whimple.
Government Response
Guy Opperman
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Twigg. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford on securing this important debate. The Government has committed more than £3 billion towards active travel up to 2025, including funding through various initiatives such as the city region sustainable transport settlements, levelling-up fund, local transport fund, and walking and cycling schemes. Since 2017, over £515 million has been provided to local authorities for almost 1,000 permanent active travel infrastructure schemes. Kent and Medway have received over £12 million in dedicated capital funding from the active travel fund and £1.3 million of revenue funding through the capability fund. Specific mention is made of the Aylesford river path project, with funding expected to be announced shortly. The minister also highlighted the importance of Bikeability training for children, committing an additional £50 million over the coming years to train over 1 million more children by 2025. Emphasis was placed on local authorities developing local cycling and walking infrastructure plans and integrating active travel with other parts of government portfolios.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.