As well as publishing an independent report that concluded there was a “strong” case for introducing a dangerous cycling law, the Department for Transport (DfT) today launched a consultation calling for “help, ideas and evidence” on how to make cycling safer and more appealing.
Cycling minister Jesse Norman said: “We are looking for great ideas, for evidence of what works, for examples of good practice from other countries, for innovative technologies, for imaginative solutions, and for idealism tempered with a sense of the practical. Over to you!”
The consultation, which is part of a wider consultation on road safety issues related to cycling, closes at 11:45pm on June 1.
Cycling UK’s Head of Campaigns, Duncan Dollimore, said: “We are pleased that the scope of this review reflects what Cycling UK and other groups have called for, and this now presents a real opportunity to deliver the measures that can secure more, and safer cycling and walking.
“We also hope that the Government’s request for evidence of the case for new road safety rules means they’re now open to a more comprehensive review to support its aims to encourage more people to walk and cycle in greater safety.”
As part of the wider consultation, the charity says it will be presenting evidence for safer road and junction layouts, safer lorries, and a number of revisions to the Highway Code.
The last of those includes new rules on overtaking cyclists and opening car doors safely, and improving pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety and priority at junctions.
British Cycling responded to the news by drawing attention to its Turning the Corner campaign, which calls for a clear rule to give way when turning, and also by rubbishing any suggestion that arguments about compulsory hi-vis and helmets should be central to the debate.
The organisation’s policy adviser, Chris Boardman, said: “The Department for Transport has been very clear that all recommendations in the cycle safety review must be evidence-based, lead to more and safer cycling and fit with the aims of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. We very much welcome this approach.
“In Turning the Corner we believe we have a water-tight solution to our perilous junctions which is stacked with evidence, simple to implement, makes active travel safer and more attractive, and could cut traffic queues by almost half.
“British Cycling is clear that we cannot make cycling safer without significant investment in the spaces where people ride, and any suggestion that the answer lies in compulsory hi-vis and helmets is factually bereft nonsense.”