30^th October 2007

CTC, the national cyclists’ organisation, today cautiously welcomed the Government’s response to the Stern Review and Eddington report.

Campaigns and Policy Manager Roger Geffen said “It’s great to see Government recognising that cycling can help tackle the twin crises of obesity and climate change. But what’s needed is action now, not the promise of a White Paper in the future.”

“Last week’s Foresight report made clear that poor transport choices lead straight to obesity, and last year’s Eddington report showed that ‘smarter choices’ – including cycle training – are one of the most cost-effective ways to encourage people out of their cars and onto sustainable transport. We hope the Government takes these findings into account when resolving the forthcoming funding settlement for cycling.” 

Ends

• According to Department for Transport research personalised travel planning yields £30 of benefits for every £1 invested, with other smarter choices such as cycle training schemes offering similar benefits

   http://www.dft.gov.uk/162259/187604/206711/executivesummary  

• 56% of car trips are under 5 miles

  http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/transportstrategy/pdfsustaintranssystem.pdf