The strong case for building cycling infrastructure

A new report, published by Cycling UK, clearly sets out the significant benefits of creating cycle lanes and other cycling infrastructure.

‘Getting there with cycling’ amasses a mountain of evidence from scores of research studies, reports and real-life examples to back up the claim that now is the time for governments and councils to rapidly build cycling infrastructure across the UK.

With local elections in Wales, Scotland and parts of England, and Assembly elections in Northern Ireland on 5 May, the document aims to convince candidates that people want cycle lanes, they will use them when they are created, and they can help to solve many of today's challenges.

This report brings together the overwhelmingly strong evidence that building cycling infrastructure has a positive impact on people's lives, is value for money and brings local benefits to communities

Jim Densham, Cycling UK's campaigns and policy manager in Scotland

The wide range of benefits to individuals and society explained in the report include improving safety, supporting people’s health and wellbeing, helping older people and children, improving air quality, tackling climate change and boosting local economies.

Surveys show that a majority of people want to cycle and are eager for councils to build cycle lanes so that they can cycle safely. This report brings together the overwhelmingly strong evidence that building cycling infrastructure has a positive impact on people's lives, is value for money and brings local benefits to communities. 

It’s now time for election candidates to take a stand, support investment in the future of their local communities and realise the many benefits of creating cycle lanes and neighbourhoods designed for people.

What you can do

Cycling UK is urging members and supporters to ask their election candidates to support cycling and the creation of cycle lanes if elected.

Visit the Cycling UK's election pages and tell candidates and politicians that you support cycling in your area.

You can do even more to help by sending this report to the candidates standing for election in your area by email or on social media.

Tell them that you want to be able to cycle safely and that this report provides all the evidence needed why they should support creating cycling infrastructure and better neighbourhoods.

If you live in an area of England not holding elections this year, you can still spread this message by sending the report to your council and councillors.