The APPGCW to hold an inquiry ahead of second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) has revealed that it is holding an inquiry, to help shape the Government’s upcoming second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy (CWIS 2).

The Government published the first Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy in 2017, in a bid to increase cycling and walking activity across England, reduce the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured on the roads, and to encourage children to walk to school.

Since the strategy was published, the Government has received criticism for not matching this ambition and not providing adequate funding for cycling and walking.

Additionally, although the Coronavirus pandemic has accelerated progress on cycling and walking, CI.N recently reported that Cycling UK has accused the Chancellor of “airbrushing out any role for cycling in plans for a post-pandemic recovery” in an assessment of his claims that the Government is one “to invest in new infrastructure”.  The lack of cycling and walking in his address to Parliament was reinforced in the document outlining the detail of Budget 2021.

The Government is due to release the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy in the coming months. In order to inform and shape the strategy, the APPGCW is launching this inquiry in order to gather the views of a wide range of expert stakeholders.

The APPGCW will host three hearings during July, where experts and stakeholders will provide evidence. In addition, people will be able to provide written evidence to the inquiry. The report will be launched in early September.

Ruth Cadbury MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Party Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) said: ‘’We’re delighted to be launching this inquiry today. There has never been a better time for us to address how active travel can be improved and promoted, building on the growing enthusiasm for cycling and walking.

‘’Our inquiry will aim to constructively inform the Government’s second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, by bringing together a wide and diverse range of stakeholders and experts.”

Selaine Saxby MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Party Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) said: ‘’As a group of parliamentarians committed to improving cycling and walking for all, we’re delighted with the ambition shown by the Government in recent years. It’s also particularly encouraging to have a Prime Minister so personally committed to the issue.

‘’This inquiry is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved in active travel to give their views on how the second Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy can deliver the change that we all want to see.’’