Here’s an interesting and important statement from Sustrans regarding the future of the National Cycle Network here in the UK. It’s worth a read:
“The National Cycle Network (NCN) will undergo a major review of its walking and cycling routes to ensure they meet the highest design standards and offer the best experience to the millions of families, commuters and tourists who use it every year.
The charity Sustrans, which is the custodian of the NCN, says the review will also help to identify new routes and missing links, and propose a long-term strategy for governance, funding, maintenance, promotion and mapping.
The NCN is a critical part of the UKโs active travel infrastructure and strategy, encouraging people to walk and cycle in a safe environment and providing important commuting access.
Every year, an estimated five million people use the Network, which totals over 16,000 milesย of traffic-free paths and on road routes linking up villages, towns and cities from Cornwall to the Shetland Isles.
These trips save the economy more than ยฃ550 million by reducing levels of obesity. Holidays and days out spent on the Network generate ยฃ650 million and support 15,000 jobs.[1]
As part of the review, Sustrans calls on governments and local authorities for dedicated and consistent investment in the development and maintenance of walking and cycling routes, including the NCN.
Xavier Brice, Sustransโ CEO said: โMuch of the existing National Cycle Network was designed to standards that have since been changed and improved.ย With this review, we want to further build on the success of the NCN and achieve a network of safe, fully accessible and high quality routes and paths. We hope this will make walking and cycling easier for everyone, regardless of their age and abilities, and inspire a new generation to get on their bikes.
โWalking and cycling can hugely benefit public health and wellbeing, boost local economies and create greener local environments. The NCN plays a large role in achieving this, as it encourages active commuting and a healthy lifestyle, and contributes to economic growth. This is a reminder that governments at all levels need to prioritise dedicated and consistent investment for existing walking and cycling routes that will serve communities across the UK and generations for years to come.โ
Sustrans is working with a number of partners to carry out the review, which is due to be published in September.
The Department for Transport, Transport Scotland, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Government have confirmed their support with a financial contribution towards the cost of the review.
A spokesperson forย the Department for Transportย said: โWe want cycling to become a natural choice of transport for people of all ages and backgrounds.
โWe are determined to make cycling and walking safer and easier across the country, and thatโs why we have provided ยฃ83,900 towards the cost of this important review of the National Cycle Network which should lead to future upgrades for the families, commuters and tourists who use it every year.โ
Karen Furey, Cycling Policy Manager forย Transport for Scotlandย said: โThe National Cycle Network is an important and widely recognised public asset with around 2500 miles in Scotland alone, which incorporates beautiful scenic routes which residents and visitors can enjoy.
โWe welcome this review by Sustrans, which will help ensure the network remains safe and accessible, and continues to encourage people to make the switch to active travel.โ
Richard Rutter,ย Policy, Research & Impact Unit Manager forย the Canal and River Trustsaid:ย โThe Canal & River Trust currently hosts 500 miles of the National Cycle Network on our towpaths.
We are delighted to support the Review to understand how our 200 year old towpaths, which already attract over 400 million visits each year and which are on the doorstep of eight million people, can attract even more people and help to deliver even greater wellbeing benefits in our fast paced world.โ
Routes on the NCN will be reviewed according to the following criteria: surface quality; traffic related safety; way finding and signage; flow; social safety; and place.”
Back to me. Real change will only come with serious funding.
A family of cyclists follow the Deeside country paths during the fall, The Cairngorms National Park.
The Department for Transport said: โWe want cycling to become a natural choice of transport for people of all ages and backgrounds.” I don’t think so. The DoT is more concerned with maintaining a petrol economy. ยฃ83,900? They’re ‘avin’ a larf! How far will that go? The short answer is – not very. The volunteers at the Canal and River Trust are not great at maintaining towpaths, certainly not as good as the paid professionals of British Waterways whom they replaced. Also there are rumours that a charge is going to be levied for cyclists to use “their” towpaths. I have twice cycled from Worcester to Istanbul so I have experience of just how enjoyable cycling can be made. In this country we talk the talk, and there it ends. In other countries they walk the walk, or ride the ride more like.
totally agree – much more funding is needed but that wont change basic attitudes towards cyclists. Until laws are changed and enforced, cycling will not get safer and that includes making sure that the numpties who bounce on and off pavements in front of cars without thinking, are taken to task. I know, I sound like an old woman – well I am heehee.