Policy reform 'needed to boost cycling'

A university lecturer is calling for a radical reform of government policy in order to increase the number of cyclists in Britain.

Dr John Stubbs, University of Derby senior lecturer in geography, explained that around £140 million is being invested by the government in cycling schemes between 2008 and 2011.

However, Dr Stubbs warned that such investments may prove disappointing unless the government stops building new and expanding old roads.

"By trying to improve cycling and car use at the same time, you effectively ensure that cycling will always lose out," he said.

"There is the immense difficulty for any government in deciding to get out of this vicious circle by drastically cutting back on its roads investment, with plenty of people ready to say it would harm the economy. But how much is traffic congestion costing the UK every year?"

Dr Stubbs added that cycling rates could decrease at a faster rate than car usage grows unless action is taken soon.

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