Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy becomes law this week

The much-anticipated Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy becomes law next week, with the full funding details expected by the end of the year.

Last week it was confirmed the law will come into force on 31 July, which places a duty on the Transport Minister, Patrick McLoughlin, to set out a long-term vision to increase walking and cycling, a statement of funds allocated to achieve those aims, and a detailed investment plan identifying objectives, with the legal requirement to report to Parliament on the progress made in terms of targets. The Strategy must be reviewed at least every five years. 

Campaigners have been asking cycling minister Robert Goodwill and the Treasury to give the law "teeth" by allocating at least £10 per head per year to cycling - widely agreed as the minimum figure to help more people use bikes for everyday journeys.

- Government announces work will start on Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy  

New cycling & walking law comes into force 31 July:so expect full funding strategy by year end http://t.co/FOZvkAmb0B pic.twitter.com/jKRvkp9bwo

— Ralph Smyth (@safemyth) July 20, 2015

Last month it was announced work had commenced on the Strategy, which was hailed as an "historic moment". At an event in Newcastle cycling minister, Robert Goodwill, said: "We want everyone to be able to see what we are doing for cyclists and judge for themselves whether it’s working.

"Which is why towards the end of the last parliament we passed a law saying that the Department for Transport will publish a Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.

"I have instructed my officials to begin work to commence the relevant section of the Infrastructure Act."

Ralph Smyth, transport lead for the Campaign to Protect Rural England, thanked supporters for sending "thousands of emails" to see the work commenced before the summer recess. Smyth launched a petition before the summer budget this month, calling on the Treasury to commit to cycle funding.

Thanks to emails from thousands of @CPRE supporters, Parliament commenced cycling & walking law before summer recess http://t.co/FOZvkAmb0B

— Ralph Smyth (@safemyth) July 22, 2015

The CTC's Sam Jones said: "What we would like to see is that the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy has teeth, with proper funding of at least £10 per head. There is real concern when all you see is cuts, cuts, cuts from George Osborne."