Pedals, politics and progress: cycling takes centre stage at Labour’s 2025 conference
This year’s Labour Party Conference once again brought the political world (and its many lanyards) to Liverpool. Thousands of delegates, politicians, campaigners, and organisations filled the historic Albert Dock. For Cycling UK, it was another packed few days of events and for once, the weather was on our side.
Last year, our cycle and walk around Liverpool’s waterfront was memorable, not just for the great group that turned up, but also for the torrential rain. Although the wet weather reaffirmed, as if it was needed, the hardiness of us cyclists and walkers, this year’s sun was very welcome. Spirits were high and not a single brolly was in sight.
Sunshine, spokes and speakers by the Mersey
Together with Living Streets and Labour Cycles and Walks, we once again co-hosted our Conference Cycle and Walk. This is an event that we have run at various party conferences over the years, and this year was another great edition. Attendees gathered at the waterfront, where we were joined by Kim Leadbeater MP - one of Parliament’s strongest advocates for healthy and active lives - and Simon O’Brien, Liverpool City Region’s Active Travel Commissioner, who gave an impassioned account of why safe, accessible routes for cycling and walking matter to communities.
After the speeches, half the group set off on a short cycle around the docks, while Living Streets led the walking contingent. On two wheels, we had some excellent conversations - about the role of active travel in public health, about making cycling accessible for more women, and about how investment in everyday journeys can transform places. Crucially, everything went smoothly: no torrential rain, no punctures, and everyone made it back smiling.
Beyond the bike ride
While our Cycle and Walk was, of course, the highlight, the wider conference had plenty to say about transport and active travel. In fact, if there was one theme that kept cropping up across fringe panels, speeches and conversations, it was that cycling and walking are no longer niche talking points. They are being talked about in the same breath as economic growth, health, and housing - a welcome shift.
At an IPPR event on transport and growth, Lilian Greenwood, recently appointed the minister in charge of active travel, underlined that people should genuinely have choices in how they travel - not simply feel forced into car use. We raised our My ride. Our right campaign with her and asked how the forthcoming road safety strategy will better protect people cycling and walking, particularly women. Lilian’s response was encouraging enforcement against dangerous driving will be a core focus, and she recognised the excellent work of community groups like our delivery partner Women in Tandem in Nottingham. It was clear Cycling UK is firmly on her radar, and we’ve since followed up to continue the conversation.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, also stood out at the same event, pointing to his ambition to make his authority the first net zero region. He highlighted lessons from Ghent, where prioritising cyclists has made streets safer and more liveable, and stressed the importance of embedding behaviour change from an early age. These are the kinds of practical insights that show local leaders are serious about delivery, not just words. Mayor Skaith also came along on our cycle ride so it’s crystal clear how supportive he is of cycling and active travel.
Other panels reinforced just how much active travel is cutting through into wider policy areas. At a Fabian Society discussion on housing and infrastructure, Rachel Blake MP pointed out that cycling provision isn’t just about paths - it’s also about cycle storage, especially in urban constituencies. At a health-focused event with the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK, speakers linked active travel directly to preventing cardiovascular disease and tackling health inequalities, including access to green space. The message was clear: cycling and walking are integral not just to how we move, but to how we live healthier, happier, and greener lives.
Looking ahead
Conferences are always a whirl of panels, meetings, and dashing between venues (sometimes more of a workout than our cycle ride), but this year in Liverpool felt different. Active travel didn’t just appear on the agenda - it felt woven into the fabric of conversations about growth, health, and climate. That’s a shift we at Cycling UK welcome, and one we’ll keep pushing to build on.
Just over one year on from the election, we have seen this Labour government be very positive towards active travel and whilst their commitments and plans are very welcome, this ambition must translate into delivery: more safe routes, more investment, and more people choosing to travel by bike or on foot because it’s the easiest and most attractive option. As ever, Cycling UK will be there to make the case, bring people together, and remind decision-makers that cycling isn’t just good for those who cycle - it’s good for everyone.
For now, though, we’ll take the win of a sunlit ride by the Mersey. After last year’s downpour, we’d almost forgotten what it was like to cycle in dry socks at conference. Long may that continue!
