British Cycling has today welcomed a call for more ‘Space for Cycling’ from campaigning group the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) and the CTC, the national cycling charity.

The newly launched Space for Cycling campaign calls on councils to put in significant investment to improve Britain’s roads so that they accommodate the needs of cyclists.

Thousands of councillors from across the country are being asked to create the conditions where anyone can cycle anywhere.

The launch comes one week after the London Cycling Campaign announced local measures that would help create safe Space for Cycling in every one of London's 624 electoral wards.

The two organisations have created an online tool that helps people to identify their local councillors and contact them with a message calling for ‘Space for Cycling.’

The aims of the Space for Cycling campaign mirror many of the recommendations in British Cycling’s #ChooseCycling 10-point action plan which was launched in February in Parliament.

British Cycling’s campaigns manager Martin Key said:

“Last year the Prime Minister said he wanted to see ‘cycling soar’ and that ‘barriers should be removed for a new generation of cyclists’. Strong leadership is essential if Britain is to become a true cycling nation and this is as true for local councillors as it is the Prime Minister. Space for Cycling enables local campaign groups to rally behind a clear single message which calls for the funding and better road design to accommodate cycling.”

CTC President, Jon Snow, added:

“Space for Cycling means creating safe conditions on major roads and junctions, lowering speed limits and reducing through motor traffic on residential streets. Some councils are now showing real enthusiasm for action to make cycling a safe and normal activity which everyone can benefit from. We now need a really strong show of public support for the long-term planning and funding that this will require.”

The launch comes days after a cyclist was killed at London’s Ludgate Circus junction after a collision involving a HGV. The death is the third fatality in London in 2014 and demonstrates the need to redesign busy roads and junctions with more space for cycling. There is also an urgent need to redesign lorry cabs and fit better mirrors so that these vehicles are fit to drive on Britain’s roads.

Will Jefferies, the brother of Rob Jefferies who was killed in 2011 while cycling in Dorset, is organising a memorial protest at the site of the Ludgate Circus collision on Friday 25 April from 6-7pm. All are welcome to attend.