Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Cycle Trails

28 February 2024 · 5 other contributors · 4,254 words

Opened by Tracey Crouch Con Chatham and Aylesford

Responding minister: Guy Opperman

Transport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tracey Crouch raised concerns about cycle trails in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The hon. Member for Medway expressed concern about the lack of mountain bike trails and facilities in her constituency, which limits opportunities for young cyclists to improve their skills locally.
  • The Member highlighted issues of funding and land availability, noting that many areas are far from home or within local authority boundaries where initiatives cannot be implemented.
  • The hon. Member requested the Minister to provide a strategy connecting transport and planning to establish a safe network of trails and to scale up provision for cycle paths and trails in Kent.

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.

Opened the debate

Tracey Crouch Con Chatham and Aylesford

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.

Other contributors (5)
  • 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

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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