British Cycling Launches Transport Plans
British Cycling has launched a new 10-point plan in a bid to transform Britain into a cycling nation to rival Holland or Denmark, claiming that if people made one in 10 trips by bike, Brits could gain the equivalent of nearly a million extra healthy years of life over the next decade.
Using new research commissioned by British Cycling from Cambridge University, the organisation launched a manifesto detailing reasons cycling should be prioritised as a form of transport.
Named ‘Time to #ChooseCycling’, the manifesto sets out key steps which could see Britain step up to levels of cycling integration currently enjoyed by the likes of Holland and Denmark.
The research claims that if 10% of trips in England and Wales were made by bike, the savings to the NHS of the top inactivity related illnesses would be at least £250 million per year.
British Cycling’s policy adviser and Olympic gold medallist, Chris Boardman, said: ‘Britain is now one of the most successful cycling nations in the world. How can we be getting it so right in terms of elite success but still be failing to truly embed cycling as an everyday part of British culture? This research demonstrates that the impact of more cycling would have positive effects for everyone.’
‘In the 1970s, the Netherlands made a conscious choice to put people first and make cycling and walking their preferred means of transport. It is no coincidence that they are also one of the healthiest and happiest nations in the world. Local and national government needs to wake up and realise that cycling is the solution to so many of the major problems Britain is now facing.’
Dr James Woodcock, a senior researcher at Cambridge University’s Centre for Diet and Activity Research, added: ‘Cycling is a great way for people to embed physical activity in their everyday lives. If we can get people to stay active throughout their lives then it can make a huge difference to their health.’
‘To make cycling a mass activity in Britain, as it is in the Netherlands, is going to require both environments that make cyclists feel safe and a culture that says cycling is a normal way for people to get around – whatever their age. This research, based on scenarios for towns and cities in England and Wales, outside London, shows the potential for population health benefits from cycling.’
