There aren’t many activities which have the potential to genuinely change the lives of individuals and improve society – but cycling is one of them. Whether it is improving health, easing congestion or tackling traffic pollution, the bicycle offers a powerful way to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face.

Today only one per cent of all journeys in the UK are made by bike. Furthermore, a staggering 39 per cent of car journeys are less than three miles – the same distance as the average cycling trip. These figures demonstrate the enormous opportunity that exists to increase the levels of cycling and in so doing make a positive difference to both individuals and society.

Cycling directly supports government efforts to create a fitter, healthier population that has greater mobility in an improved urban and rural environment.

Because it can be built into everyday routines, cycling can help play a major role in helping the government to meet its targets on health. More than 110,000 die each year as a result of diseases like coronary heart disease, that are directly attributable to inactivity. People who are physically active reduce their risk of developing major chronic diseases by up to 50 per cent, and the risk of premature death by 20 to 30 per cent.

The health benefits of persuading more people to build cycling into their life are self-evident. It is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to create a fitter, healthier nation.

For children the statistics are equally stark. In 2000, 27 per cent of girls and 20 per cent of boys aged between 2 and 19 were overweight. At the same time, children are spending less time involved in physical activity.

Once again, the potential for cycling to have a major impact on health is clear. With only two per cent of secondary school children and one per cent of pupils overall cycling to school, there is real potential to help our children lead more active, healthier lives through encouraging cycling to school.

It is the potential benefits of more people cycling, more safely, more often, that drives the work of Cycling England, the national body appointed by the Department for Transport. As the leading cycling authority, Cycling England is creating and co-ordinating a coalition of cycling organisations who, with local authorities and government, are working to break down the barriers to cycling.

Cycling England’s partnerships are delivering large-scale initiatives which are increasing participation. Training, for example, is a critical part of Cycling England’s programme.
A new national cycle training standard is now being rolled out, giving children and adults the skills they need to cope with modern traffic conditions on the road. Cycling England’s vision is for no child to leave school without having had access to the national cycle training standard.

Pioneering work to create a step change in participation is also taking place through the funding of six cycling demonstration towns – Aylesbury, Brighton and Hove, Darlington, Derby, Exeter and Lancaster with Morecambe. The towns will receive a combined total of £17m over three years, raising the level of investment from the UK average of less than £1 a head to European levels of £5 to £10 a head.

The towns are piloting locally tailored schemes, ranging from one of the largest ever projects to give people personal travel plans, to investing in cycling infrastructure to open up town centres and the countryside. For example, Lancaster is increasing access to its surrounding coast and countryside by providing a new cycle network, while Derby’s campaign is focusing on its youth, promoting training, providing bike storage and creating new routes to schools, colleges and universities.

The challenge of creating the behavioural change to get more people cycling, more safely, more often, is considerable. That is why we are asking MPs to continue to lend their support to cycling, both in Westminster and in their constituencies, where local authorities and NGOs will be grateful for all forms of interest and encouragement.

Although the challenges are great, the benefits for people and their communities will be dramatic. With the right levels of funding, determination and co-operation we believe they are achievable.