British Cycling welcomes £200 million of government funding for fixing potholes on UK's roads

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British Cycling has welcomed today’s news that chancellor George Osbourne is to commit £200 million of government funding for fixing potholes on UK’s roads.

Councils will be subject to a bidding process to claim a share of the money, which is to be used as part of a wider transport and infrastructure plan focused on the recovery and resilience of UK road networks.

It is estimated that over 1000 cyclists are injured every year in falls caused by potholes. This figure included Team Sky’s, head of business operations, Fran Millar in 2013. Millar successfully sued Oldham County Council after she hit a pothole while riding her bike, leaving her with a broken cheek, jaw and fingers.

British Cycling’s campaigns manager, Martin Key, said:

“We're pleased to see the government investing in improving the country's road surfaces. The £200 million pot is a good start and we would urge local councils to start the bidding process for this money.

Our research has shown that poor road conditions are one of the main barriers in getting more people on bikes. Potholes are a factor in this and even more so it's about getting roads designed that accommodate cyclists' needs. We'd like to see councils across the country resurfacing roads and at the same time using this opportunity to install some good quality cycle lanes."

British Cycling Commute Membership