Following the publication of the government’s first ever Cycling and walking investment strategy, British Cycling policy advisor, Chris Boardman, said:

“The first ever cycling and walking investment strategy for England should be a watershed moment for active travel in this country, giving the government a clear leadership role. Andrew Jones and Chris Grayling deserves praise for getting this published and I look forward to working with their Department to hit the targets that have been set.

"It is not clear, however, how the target to double the number of journeys made by bike will be met with the funding levels set out in the strategy. We will be calling on the chancellor to make the necessary funding, starting at 5% of transport spend, available to local government so that they can invest in truly ambitious plans to develop world-class cycling infrastructure and networks to meet these targets.

"It is not solely about money, policy initiatives such as updating the Highway Code - as called for by our Turning the Corner campaign - will help to support local infrastructure plans by helping create better bike lanes and safer junctions. This can be started now.

"Britain needs town and city centres that are free from dangerous pollution and traffic, allowing people to lead active, independent lives. Research released yesterday revealed that cycling to work can dramatically cut cancer and heart disease. This once again illustrates that the comparatively modest level of investment that we are calling for could make an incredibly positive difference to the health of our country and our future generations.

"The level of cycling and walking is a barometer of a healthy community – as we’ve seen in places like Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands – and so we are desperate for future governments to succeed. As we approach the general election we will be asking the main political parties to commit to continue and improve on this government’s investment strategy.”