Government

On your bike! How did the politicians who made questionable comments about cycling get on at the general election?

More than a few familiar faces will now be searching for something to fill their time

“Bicycles are very narrow and they’re not going to get wider”: Councillors slam plans to widen “dangerous” cycle lane, asking “why are we spending money on things they don’t use?”

The local authority says the redesigned scheme will help eradicate the “all-too-often toxic cyclists versus motorists polemic”, that it claims has been fuelled by “poor design and hurriedly installed cycleways”

Air quality improved both inside and on boundary roads of low traffic neighbourhoods, but Labour MP claims more LTNs will worsen congestion

A report has shown that low traffic neighbourhoods had an impact in reducing NO2 pollution by 14%, however incumbent Labour MP expressed her concerns about “LTNs’ ability to displace traffic onto arterial roads”

Cyclists “incredibly disappointed” as councillors vote to reopen formerly notorious junction to taxis – despite casualties dropping to “virtually nil” seven years since restrictions introduced after cyclist’s death

“There’ll be increased road danger for those walking and cycling, and we’ll see fewer people ambling, sitting, snacking and a wall of cabs instead,” Simon Munk from the London Cycling Campaign said in response to the proposed trial at Bank Junction

“We are sorry if we have not always got it right”: Council waives penalties for cyclists fined by “cowboy” wardens for riding on pavements and town centre streets

The local authority admitted that “responsible” cyclists were issued £100 fines despite not committing a “significant breach” of the city’s PSPO, and that education – not fines – should be prioritised

High Court judge dismisses legal challenge to government’s cycling funding cuts

Transport Action Network (TAN) says it is "bitterly disappointed" by the judgement and is hoping to appeal

“A definite vote-losing policy”: Cyclists blast Conservatives’ promise to scrap ULEZ, low traffic neighbourhoods and 20mph speed limits in latest press release

“We will empower drivers and local residents to challenge aggressive and punitive traffic-inducing measures, like low traffic neighbourhoods that were imposed without local consent,” the Prime Minister said in a press release

Mayor fined €100 for riding on street where cycling is banned by the council, while shooting ‘cycle to work’ video to encourage cycling in Barcelona

“Can you take this opportunity to remove the bans?” replied one cyclist under the video initially shared as a promotion for World Bicycle Day, but ended up receiving a Community Note on Twitter

Council to install CCTV cameras worth over £40,000 on cycle path to “combat anti-social behaviour”

The move is said to deter “nuisance” riders from using scrambler motorbikes and quad bikes on the upgraded cycle route

Cyclists continue to be “most at risk” alongside pedestrians and motorcyclists, together making up 80% of all people killed or seriously injured on roads in 2023, reveals Transport for London

TfL claimed that cycling trips have safer overall with fewer deaths compared to 2014, but drivers cars still the main vehicle type involved in collision causing 68% of all London casualties

“Dangerous cycling” law will be passed following election, Labour and Conservatives confirm

A Labour spokesperson said the party "will change the law to protect people from dangerous cycling", the Conservatives having already committed to resuming the process to pass stricter legislation if they win July's election

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MPs should be punished for spreading disinformation, think tank says, after “crackpot conspiracy theory” prompted government to slash active travel funding in “dangerous dereliction of responsibility”

The Demos report also found that a “democratic chasm” and lack of information has pushed people towards toxic social media debate on issues such as low traffic neighbourhoods

Conservative MP Philip Davies accused of “massive prejudice against cyclists” after “angry email rant” to constituent who questioned his “contradictory” road safety views and number plates for cyclists stance

The cyclist was left disappointed by his MP's "aggressive tone" and that Davies "ignores the overwhelming cause of road danger, which is drivers of motor vehicles", instead "enthusiastically" supporting dangerous cycling proposals

Government knew it wasn’t investing enough in cycling, according to new document

Investment strategy modelling suggests the Department for Transport was aware it needed to up spending to hit active travel targets, the document also showing that the investment would have represented "high" value for money

‘Dangerous cycling bill’ will not become law, after UK general election announced by Rishi Sunak

The amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill was due to be debated in the House of Lords on 6 June, but will now fall through after the Parliament’s prorogation

“The UK is travelling in the wrong direction”: Cycling miles travelled down and car journeys up according to latest government stats

Responding to the Road Traffic Estimates in Great Britain report released by the Department for Transport today, the IPPR says the government needs a new transport strategy that "reflects the public’s desire to travel differently"

“If the aviation or rail industry had the safety record that roads do, planes would be grounded, and trains would be stopped”: Brake road safety charity latest to respond to government’s ‘dangerous cycling’ bill

Brake's CEO says the attention given to the announcement was "disproportionate", adding that the government is still yet to publish the 'Road Safety Strategy' it promised in 2021

“Rogue” wardens accused of “lying in wait” for cyclists riding on pavement beside busy roundabout, as two cyclists fined £100 for breaching anti-social cycling order at same spot

The wardens belong to the same agency that mistakenly fined a female cyclist for riding on a shared-use path in the city earlier this year

“Action must follow ambition”: Decathlon calls for more support from EU politicians for policies to make cycling easier and stop bike theft

The French bike manufacturer has made calls to implement the Cycling Declaration ahead of the European Parliament elections

“Pure bile and prejudice”: Cyclists slam local government’s proposal to introduce “mandatory bike insurance” and urging cyclists to “encourage overtaking” in Spanish city

Zaragoza’s municipal authority has announced an ordinance that could make it the only city in the world with compulsory bike insurance — even for children

Government agrees to introduce tougher laws for “dangerous cyclists” who kill or injure, as Transport Secretary says “it’s only right tiny minority who recklessly disregard others face full weight of the law”

Ministers back an amendment to Criminal Justice Bill, put forward by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, to introduce the offence of ‘causing death by dangerous, careless or inconsiderate cycling, and causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate cycling

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“This will cost lives”: Safety fears as key active travel role axed on same day cycling and walking commissioner resigns

A safe streets campaign group warned the "misstep" will "jeopardise delivery of a vital transport plan" and could see more vulnerable road users injured or killed

Warning government considering ban on floating bus stops “could stop new protected cycle lanes”

London's Walking & Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said a ban on the bike lane design risks "putting lives at risk across the country"

Transport Secretary says tougher laws for dangerous cyclists “under review” and will be considered “with an open mind”

Comments come after Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith tabled a series of amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill calling for stricter penalties for cyclists who kill or injure pedestrians

20mph speed limits and more cycle lanes coming to Bristol? All roads “where possible” set for speed limit under Green Party plan

Improved public transport, cycling infrastructure, low-traffic neighbourhoods, School Streets and walking facilities promised as Greens set out to form next council after becoming the city's largest party at last week's elections

Iain Duncan Smith calls for creation of “causing death by dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate cycling” law

The series of amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill tabled by the senior Conservative MP would also require a bike to be “equipped and maintained” to certain legal standards

MP urges that cyclists should have registration plates – but the government’s answer is likely to remain the same

Department for Transport has consistently said there are no plans to force riders to display number plates

“Next you’ll be asking if drink driving laws are fair”: UK Government asks motorists “caught out” by cycle lanes if current traffic fines are “fair to drivers”, leaving cyclists baffled

The new consultation comes as part of Rishi Sunak’s ‘Plan for Drivers’, and has been slammed by cyclists, many likening the move to asking for feedback from those on the receiving end of penalties for breaking the law

Hopes cycling’s “great boost to struggling high street” will not be lost as plan to let cyclists ride pedestrianised key shopping street not approved, goes to consultation instead

A trial opening up the street to cyclists was expected to be approved last week, however amid pressure from local councillors the council opted to allow the public to give their views first

Charity slams government’s “shocking lack of progress” on active travel

Institute for Public Policy Research says latest data also highlight “widening health inequalities” and “failure of levelling up”