The UK government is making significant investments to improve road safety, particularly for cyclists. This includes an extra £32 million dedicated to enhancing roads and building new cycling infrastructure in the North East and Yorkshire. The goal is to encourage more people, especially women, to cycle and to create safer, healthier communities. With this investment, the government aims to reduce pressure on the NHS, improve public health, and boost local economies.
Improving Roads and Infrastructure for Cyclists
As part of the government’s broader effort to improve transportation across the UK, the investment focuses on resurfacing pothole-ridden roads and building new cycle lanes. Roads that are in poor condition are a major deterrent for cyclists, particularly women. According to Cycling UK, 58% of women cite safety concerns and lack of proper infrastructure as reasons they limit their cycling journeys. To address this, the government has committed an additional £20 million to resurface roads in the North East and Yorkshire, making it easier and safer for cyclists to get around.
Additionally, the government is investing nearly £13 million in new cycle lanes and pavements across the region. This investment will not only encourage cycling but also promote walking and other forms of active travel. These new lanes and pavements will make it easier for people to travel, leading to healthier lifestyles and fewer sick days across the country.
Encouraging More Women to Cycle
A major focus of this investment is to make roads and cycling infrastructure more accessible to women and girls. At present, many women feel discouraged from cycling due to safety concerns. By creating safer, well-maintained roads and dedicated cycle lanes, the government hopes to increase the number of women cycling. This effort was highlighted by the visit of the Minister for the Future of Roads during the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, the UK’s biggest women’s cycling race. The event served as a platform to showcase the importance of cycling and the role of safer infrastructure in encouraging more women to cycle.
Lilian Greenwood, the Minister for the Future of Roads, emphasized the government’s commitment to safer roads and promoting cycling. She said, “Safer roads mean safer spaces to cycle,” highlighting the government’s Plan for Change that aims to make cycling accessible to all, especially women and girls, easing pressure on the NHS while fostering healthier, stronger communities.
Broader Benefits of Cycling Infrastructure Investment
The government’s investments in road resurfacing and cycle lanes are not just about encouraging cycling; they are part of a wider initiative to improve public health and the economy. By creating better cycling conditions, the government expects 43,000 fewer sick days a year, which could add £1.4 billion to the UK economy. As more people take to their bikes, they will benefit from improved physical health, greater social engagement, and increased economic activity in local communities.
Lizzie Deignan, Olympic silver medallist and world cycling champion, also supported the government’s initiatives, stressing the need for better cycling infrastructure to break down barriers preventing women and girls from cycling. She believes that better infrastructure will open up new opportunities for women to experience the physical and social benefits of cycling, including improved health and self-confidence.
Encouraging Active Travel Across the UK
This investment in safer roads and cycling infrastructure is part of a £291 million initiative to promote active travel nationwide. This includes not only cycling but also walking and scooting, with the goal of encouraging 30 million more journeys on foot or by bike each year. This will include more than 20 million new walk-to-school journeys, benefiting families and children across the country.
The government is also working with organizations like British Cycling, which runs programs such as Breeze and Go-Ride to encourage cycling among women and children. These programs help create safe and fun environments for people to enjoy cycling, making it easier for everyone to access the benefits of riding a bike.
Ensuring Effective Use of Funding
The government is committed to ensuring that the money allocated to road improvements and cycle infrastructure is used effectively. Organizations like the RAC and IAM RoadSmart have highlighted the importance of using this funding not only to fill potholes but also to maintain roads in better condition over time. Nicholas Lyes from IAM RoadSmart stressed that poorly maintained roads are not only inconvenient but also a safety hazard, especially for cyclists. The investment in safer infrastructure will create better choices for cyclists and help improve road safety for all users.
The UK government’s investment in safer roads and cycling infrastructure is a vital step towards encouraging more women and people of all ages to take up cycling. With an additional £32 million dedicated to improving roads and building cycle lanes in the North East and Yorkshire, this initiative promises to create safer, healthier communities while reducing the burden on the NHS. The government’s broader strategy to improve infrastructure will lead to fewer sick days, increased economic activity, and a more active, healthier population.
