Britain sees foot-power as new mode of transport by 2040

LONDON, Mar 28 (NsNewsWire) — Low-energy vehicles and electric cars are facing a new rival when it comes to travelling around. Horse power is to be challenged by foot and pedal power, reports Xinhua.

The British government Sunday launched the country’s first ever Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.

The blueprint has a clear ambition that by 2040 getting around by bicycle or on foot will be the natural choice for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey.

The strategy includes ambitions to double cycling, reverse the decline in walking, reduce the rate of cyclists killed or seriously injured and increase the number of children walking to school.

One aim is to double the number of cycle journeys each year from 800 million in 2013 to 1.6 billion in 2025.

“This will be met through providing safe and attractive infrastructure to encourage journeys on bike and foot. By 2040, walking and cycling should be a normal part of everyday life, and the natural choice for shorter journeys such as going to school, college or work, travelling to the station, and for simple enjoyment. We want everyone in the country to have access to safe, attractive routes for cycling and walking,” said a Department for Transport spokesman.

The new strategy marks a major shift from short term funding streams for cycling and walking to a strategic long term approach, with a nationwide consultation launched to seek views from experts, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as drivers.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Realising our ambition will take sustained investment in cycling and walking infrastructure. Delivering this long term plan will require patience, persistence and a change in attitudes — amongst government, local bodies, businesses, communities and individuals.”

The government is investing 70.7 million U.S. dollars to provide cycle training for 1.3 million children, more than 140 million U.S. dollars to make 200 sections of major roads cycle friendly and more than 140 million U.S. dollars to improvements to 200 sections of the road network in England for cyclists and funding to encourage more cycling in cities.

Following the end of the consultation period on May 23, 2016, responses will be assessed and a final strategy will be published in the summer, when the government will also issue guidance to local bodies on developing local plans. A new independent expert committee will also be established by October 2016 to advise on the strategy and its implementation.