Liverpool Starts Cycling Revolution

LIVERPOOL is set to undergo a cycling revolution as it aims to be the fastest growing city for cycling in the country.

A new strategy, agreed by the city council cabinet, looks to get many more people on their bikes over the next 12 years.

The strategy – “Liverpool Cycling Revolution” – wants to increase the number of people who cycle once a week from its current level of 15,000 to 45,000 by 2017 with 15% of the population cycling at least once a month and 10% once a week.

It is aimed particularly at encouraging more people who do not currently use bikes to take up cycling

It aims to do this by:

•       Developing a network of cycle routes to create a safer environment for cyclists
•       Improving safety through training and enforcement for all road users
•       Promoting positive messages and provide information to encourage and sustain cycling.
•       Embedding cycling in council policies

The strategy is also aimed at making a major contribution to the 35% reduction required on the city’s carbon emissions by 2024.

There will, also be considerable health benefits with increased physical activity reducing the risk of coronary heart disease ,strokes and type 2 diabetes.

And there will be additional income through cycling related retail, industry and tourism.

Because of these benefits it is estimated that more than £31m of savings a year would be generated for the city (figure based on European Cycling Federation estimates)

Councillor Tim Moore, cabinet member for transport and climate change, said: “This is a very important strategy which supports the Mayoral pledge of making Liverpool a cleaner and greener city,

“We want Liverpool to be the fastest growing city for cycling in the country with it becoming a popular, mainstream way of travelling.

“Already we have a record number of people using bikes and the recent launch of the Citybike hire scheme will increase that figure significantly but we want to build on that by investing in our cycling infrastructure and encouraging more people to use bikes regularly.

“The strategy sets out how we can develop a network of cycle routes , including cycle lanes, signed routes crossing points and other facilities  to create a safe cycling environment

“The strategy sets out very ambitious targets but they can be achieved and Liverpool will be a greener, safer and healthier city.”

Liverpool’s Cycling Revolution was been developed in consultation with Local Transport Plan partners, Liverpool Cycle Forum and other partners and there was consultation with interested groups and individuals about it.