As the MP for Birmingham Northfield I welcome the development of a Cycle Charter for the West Midlands, which is open to public consultation.
This response expresses support for the Charter’s key principles and goals, and proposes additional action to support greater cycling participation in the region – including through ambitious targets, local engagement and participation, better infrastructure, education and awareness and funding opportunities.
The whole of the UK – but, given the current low level of trips made by bike, particularly the West Midlands – needs to mainstream cycling into transport policy to make it safer and more accessible. This must be achieved within a wider road safety context which addresses the needs of different types of road users, and ensures that this shared space is safe for all.
You can read my response here: 201311 – RB – Cycling Charter Consultation Response and submit your views here.
Yesterday (27 November 2013) Labour convened a summit on cycling in London at which we set our our plans to make cycling safer – including with a long term budget for infrastructure and improvements to HGVs. Back our plans here: http://action.labour.org.uk/page/s/labour-will-make-cycling-safer
