Tuesday 22nd January 2008
For immediate use

Hove on the Cycle Path
Celia Barlow MP Backs Investment in Cycling

Celia Barlow MP has backed the record £140 million initiative to promote cycling.  The project was launched by Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Transport in Hove on Monday.  It aims to boost the appeal and safety of cycling to all age groups.  This new drive will help tackle road congestion and improve air quality as well as promoting exercise for individuals.

Brighton & Hove was selected as a national exemplar Cycling Demonstration Town 2005 – 2008, and this new funding will continue to promote cycling in the area.

Celia Barlow MP said, ‘I welcome this decision to provide greater resources to help people onto their bikes.  Hove can benefit greatly from this new funding, not only improving traffic congestion and air pollution, but also by encouraging healthier lifestyles’. 
 

Editor’s notes:
1. The full breakdown of funding over the next three years is:
2008/09 - £20million
2009/10 - £60million
2010/11 - £60million
2. Of the £140million total funding, £110million is new as Government funding for Cycling England is already £10million a year. The package includes a contribution from the Department of Health in recognition of cycling's role in helping build the recommended levels of activity into people's daily lives. This contribution will be targeted towards areas with high levels of obesity.
3. This programme of funding has been influenced by the very good value for money which cycling projects exhibit. The economic research Cycling England commissioned from consultants SQW is available on Cycling England's website: http://www.cyclingengland.co.uk
4. The Cycling Demonstration Town programme costs £2.8m a year for 6 Cycling Demonstration Towns (Aylesbury, Brighton, Darlington, Derby, Exeter and Lancaster with Morecombe) to showcase best practice in promoting cycling for other areas to learn from.
5. Cycling England will be seeking bids for the new Cycle Demonstration Towns and City in spring 2008/9. Following a period of planning, the major investment will begin the following year.
6. The Bikeability scheme is a new training standard designed to provide children with the on-road skills they need to handle modern traffic conditions. It was launched in March 2007. See http://www.bikeability.org.uk