British Cycling's Policy Adviser, Chris Boardman, and Policy and Legal Affairs Director, Martin Gibbs, today reacted to Parliament's four hour long Get Britain Cycling debate yesterday which was attended by around 100 MPs - the most popular debate on cycling that Parliament has ever seen.
Chris Boardman, British Cycling's Policy Adviser, said:
"I've been encouraged with the Prime Minister's support for cycling and the government's statement that it wants to put cycling at the heart of its policies. However, when we have a Highways Agency budget of £15 billion for five years contrasted with £159 million for cycling spread over two years with no commitment to continuous funding, it's clear that's there's still more work to do so that actions match words.
"It's clear that we all understand what needs to be done to transform cycling in this country - we need to consistently and properly fund cycling and embed it into the heart of our transport policies."
British Cycling Policy and Legal Affairs Director, Martin Gibbs
"I am pleased though that we've had this debate in the House of Commons and that cycling is being talked about where it matters."
British Cycling's Policy and Legal Affairs Director, Martin Gibbs, added:
“It was impressive to see such a good turnout of MPs, especially on the evening of the first day back. The level of consensus is also really encouraging. It's clear that we all understand what needs to be done to transform cycling in this country - we need to consistently and properly fund cycling and embed it into the heart of our transport policies.
"I was pleased with the policy proposals put forward by Maria Eagle, especially where she said we need to see a step change in the commitment to cycling from the government and it must be a long term commitment supported by all parties."
Related: "Implement the recommendations now" 100 MPs tell Parliament after Get Britain Cycling debate
