Cities are ranked on political support for cycling

With the Government offering the possibility of funding for local authorities that can demonstrate commitment to cycling, CTC and local campaign groups have today launched a league table ranking English Core Cities’ support for cycling, based on the number of councillors backing the Space for Cycling campaign. The Core Cities represent the councils of England’s eight largest non-London city economies. Newcastle tops with the list, with 67 percent of councillors having backed #space4cycling (thanks, in large part, to campaigning work by local advocacy group, Newcycling).

The national Space for Cycling campaign was launched six months ago by CTC and local campaign groups, with funding from the Bicycle Association, based on the campaign of the same name initiated by the London Cycle Campaign. The campaign calls on councillors to make cycling a safe, convenient and enjoyable option for day-to-day journeys for people all ages and abilities. This requires a combination of protected space on fast or busy main roads, low traffic volumes and speeds on local routes, and quality links including through city centres.

Currently the Government is consulting on a draft Cycling Delivery Plan which offers local authorities partnership funding opportunities. CTC and local campaign groups argue that stronger evidence of local political support will translate into a greater likelihood of central funding. This funding can be invested into creating quality infrastructure that will benefit all road users, which is why councillors in rural and urban areas alike are encouraged to show their support for Space for Cycling.

Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of CTC said:

“Space for Cycling is a real opportunity for all cities and highway authorities to show their support for a healthy, environmentally sound and revenue generating mode of transport, namely cycling. Our Core Cities have woken up to the realisation that people want liveable, pleasant urban environments and they see cycling as a means to realise their dream for the cities of tomorrow.

“Space for Cycling cannot be achieved on promises and aspirations alone. It is a sad fact that while the Government will make long term financial plans for our roads and rail, there is no commitment to provide the type of funding which will open up cycling to people of all ages and abilities. CTC is calling for an allocation from the transport budget of at least £10 per head per year to be dedicated to cycling.”

League Table
1. Newcastle: 67%
2. Manchester: 41%
3. Nottingham: 31%
4. Bristol: 26%
5. Birmingham: 16%
6. Leeds: 16%
7. Liverpool: 12%
8. Sheffield: 11%

Percentage is worked out by number of councillors who have signed up to Space for Cycling in each highway authority.

The LCC’s initial campaign which focussed on the candidates for London Borough elections had a 47% uptake.