Government publishes cycling and walking strategy
The Government has published the second cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS2), outlining its plans until 2025. The strategy includes new and updated objectives, reflecting the increased importance of active travel in recent years.
These include doubling levels of cycling and increasing the percentage of children aged 5-10 years who usually walk to school. It also sets out the funding in place to achieve these aims, with the projection that nearly £4bn will be invested in walking and cycling over the CWIS2 period (2021-25).
This funding will help to deliver new and improved walking and cycling routes across England as well as behaviour change programmes.
The strategy foreword reads: “In the midst of the pandemic, we saw quieter roads, buses and trains. “However, during this time of disruption for much of the transport network, previously unsung forms of travel thrived. Cycling rates increased by 46% and a million more people started walking for leisure.
“This active travel renaissance uncovered a pent-up demand for a different way of travelling, particularly for shorter journeys. Quieter roads and less congestion gave many of us the space, confidence and opportunity to get behind the handlebars or put on our walking shoes.
“Now that the economy has reopened and road usage is back to pre-pandemic levels, we cannot afford to lose those active travellers. This second cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS2) reaffirms our commitment to making walking, wheeling and cycling the natural choices for millions more journeys.”
