DfT Archives

DfT

London road with cyclists, pedestrians and drivers

“Never about road safety, but about populist vote winning”: Cyclists slam harsher penalties proposed for dangerous riders, arguing “motorists get away with it on an almost daily basis”, but others claim “it introduces parity” + more on the live blog

A Tuesday live blog to kick off the week? I could get used to that… Join Adwitiya as he recovers from all the snooker by shifting his focus back to cycling (Il Giro starts this weekend), and maybe some football

Tue, May 06, 2025 08:19

People used bikes less frequently in 2024 than previous year, with fewer women and children cycling along with lack of funding described as “concerning” by campaigners

Latest Department for Transport data shows number of bike journeys decreased in 2024, however, cycling distance went up by 9%, while average walking and car trips also saw an increase

Fri, Apr 18, 2025 07:56

Cyclists and pedestrians in Castle Park, Bristol (image: Adwitiya Pal)

Average cycling distances in England fall to lowest levels in a decade: Government urged to deliver on active travel promises as think tank expert slams transport system as “broken and stacked against poorest in society”

According to the Department for Transport’s National Travel Survey, people in England averaged 47 miles by bike in 2023, a 17 per cent drop on the previous year and just over half the distance recorded in 2020, while car trips continue to climb

Thu, Aug 29, 2024 10:58

Cyclist in London cyclists dismount sign in background – copyright Simon MacMichael

“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"

Wed, May 22, 2024 17:28

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

Sat, May 04, 2024 13:32

Female cyclist in London indicating in front of traffic – copyright Simon MacMichael

“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

Fri, May 03, 2024 14:19

Yes, Minister! Jesse Norman confirms government has no plans for cyclists to be registered and insured

Question raised does perhaps highlight widespread public misunderstanding of rules regarding electric bikes

Wed, Oct 25, 2023 18:05

Conservative MP dismisses cyclist safety concerns over longer lorries on UK roads, claims it is “good for road safety”

The North West Durham MP visited a Greggs HQ to see the HGVs in action, as campaigners raise concerns that the move could cost lives of cyclists and pedestrians

Fri, May 12, 2023 12:44

Cycling UK criticises imminent Department for Transport plan for “longer and more hazardous lorries” on Britain’s roads

Lorries up to 18.55 metres in length could be allowed from as soon as the end of the month, raising safety concerns for vulnerable road users

Wed, May 10, 2023 09:29

Cyclists in London (image: Tomek Baginski on Unsplash)

Cycling increasing in the UK but still behind pandemic levels, says government

Data shows 11% more cycling levels over pre-pandemic numbers and 23% more since 2013, with traffic levels also decreasing

Thu, Apr 27, 2023 16:35