Cycling advocacy groups clap back at bizarre new UK cars-over-everything scheme

Six prominent cycling and walking organizations in the UK have voiced strong criticism of the government’s so-called Plan for Drivers. The official announcement of this plan was expected to come from the transport secretary during the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester on Oct. 2. In a joint statement issued on Sept. 29, Bikeability Trust, British Cycling, Cycling UK, Living Streets, Ramblers, and Sustrans expressed concerns that the government’s approach limits people’s choices, impacts their health, and restricts their freedom.

Rather than offering diverse options for how individuals can lead their lives, the plan is viewed by these organizations as neglecting the potential for affordable, reliable, and sustainable modes of transportation, leaving many with only one default choice: driving.

The plan outlined by the government is seen by these six organizations as eroding opportunities for millions of families to enable their children to safely walk or cycle to school, maintain healthy lifestyles, and access cost-effective and dependable commuting options.

A ’15 minute neighbourhood’ is one in which all essential amenities are within a 15 minute walk for everyone living in the area – and most Britons (62%) support their area becoming one (including 57% of Tory and 73% of Labour voters) pic.twitter.com/MhZ18w7ivM

— YouGov (@YouGov) October 1, 2023

The joint statement, released by the CEOs of Bikeability Trust, British Cycling, Cycling UK, Living Streets, Ramblers, and Sustrans, reads as follows:

“At a time when the government could be empowering people with more responsible ways to live their lives, it appears to be limiting their choices.

“While ministers have the opportunity to endorse public transportation, cycling, and walking as cost-effective, sustainable alternatives during a period of rising living costs and environmental concerns, they seem to be reinforcing congestion and reliance on short, local journeys by car.

“At a time when the government could uphold people’s right to choose their preferred mode of transportation, it appears to be eliminating alternatives. This plan seems to focus solely on one method of travel and may worsen road conditions for situations where driving is necessary.

“Having access to reliable bus routes for work, the freedom to cycle to local parks, and the ability to allow children to walk to school safely while breathing clean air should not be beyond reach.

“This plan restricts travel choices, potentially hindering the country’s progress toward achieving net-zero emissions targets and exacerbating health issues related to inactivity. It also denies our children their independence and the ability to safely explore their local neighborhoods.”