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Safer cycling debate in the Commons

Posted by Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, at 14:36, Mon 5 March 2012:

One of my responsibilities in as a Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) is to provide what is known as ‘bench cover’ in debates on transport matters. I note not just what is said during a debate but the mood of the debate and relay this back to the Department of Transport. In this way specific policy ideas are picked up and concerns, including local issues, addressed at Ministerial level.

We had an important debate on safer cycling this month, following the campaign championed by The Times newspaper, and I was providing the bench cover. I am a strong supporter of cycling and was looking forward to attending the debate because of the issue and to show support for it, but being able to provide the bench cover too was a bonus.

Many constituents had written to me asking if I would support the national campaign and asking whether I would be attending the debate. I am a regular in the Commons Chamber and have one of the highest voting records among all MPs so attend diligently, but some debates have more anticipation than others and wrote back accordingly.

There is rapidly growing popularity for cycling - as a sport, as a recreation, as a means of getting around or simply because it is fun. I think this progress is based on successful national and local policies.

At national level we have announced funding of £560 million for the Local Sustainable Transport Fund to finance a range of travel measures which could include cycling infrastructure projects. Ministers announced the first tranche of funding in July last year and 38 of the successful 39 projects in the first wave included a cycling element.

Ministers have committed to continuing to improve the driving test and driver training and have pledged £11 million for Bikeability training to help a new generation of cyclists gain the skills and knowledge they need to cycle safely. February saw extra funds being allocated to improve cycle routes to schools and facilities for cycles at railway stations.

Locally, as a Cabinet Member on Harrogate Borough Council I supported extensive expenditure on cycle lanes and cycle paths including allocating additional funds to the Bilton to Ripley bridle way. The protracted negotiations with landowners on this matter seem to be resolved and I understand preparatory work is now underway and due to be completed this year. I look forward to its opening.

I also like to encourage young people to cycle and families to cycle as a family. That is why since becoming an MP I have been pleased to fire the starting pistol and take part in the Boroughbridge Family Fun Cycle Day.

And future funding may be available to make further improvements. The District and County Council have combined to submit a comprehensive bid to the Local Sustainable Transport Fund which includes better cycle links to educational establishments, business parks and the hospital.

Cycling shows what can be done when there is action from national and local government, committed volunteers and charities and companies. It is a cause I was pleased to support as a local councillor and one that now – as the area’s MP – I am happy to champion nationally.

Andrew Jones MP

Don't forget you can also follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/andrew.jones.mp.

andrew.jones.mp@parliament.uk, www.andrewjonesmp.co.uk, 01423 529614