Written statement to Parliament

Setting the first walking and cycling investment strategy

Announces publication of a document which sets a long term vision for walking and cycling.

Robert Goodwill MP

I am today (17 December 2015) publishing the government’s timetable for the development of the first cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS).

In February 2015, the government introduced a duty through the Infrastructure Act 2015 for the Secretary of State for Transport to bring forward a cycling and walking investment strategy in England. In July, part 2 of the Infrastructure Act (Cycling and Walking Investment Strategies) was enacted.

The document, Setting the first cycling and walking investment strategy, sets a long term vision for walking and cycling to 2040 through a series of consecutive 5 year strategies. Our starting principle for the development of the investment strategy is a desire for cycling and walking to become the norm for short journeys or as part of a longer journey in places that are designed first and foremost for people on foot or bicycle.

The document also sets out the elements that will form the first investment strategy, which will be a step towards delivering our manifesto commitment to double cycling - an ambition document and statement of funds available, governance structures, a performance monitoring framework, and a national walking and cycling infrastructure plan study. I plan to undertake public consultation on the draft first CWIS next spring with publication following in the summer.

I will be placing a copy of this statement and the document ‘Setting the first cycling and walking investment strategy’ in the libraries of both Houses.

Published 17 December 2015