Truss quiet on Active Travel England in lukewarm CFoC response
Having last week gained a reply from Rishi Sunak on the subject of active travel policy, the Conservative Friends of Cycling group has now gained a response from frontrunner Liz Truss.
As with Rishi’s response, there are no new, nor firm commitments, but nonetheless warm sentiment to the subject of cycling becoming a more important part of the transport mix.
“Good transport links are central to Liz’s plans to turbocharge the economy and unleash the potential of the private sector – we need to better connect every part of the UK to deliver this goal. That is why Liz has committed to build the infrastructure this country needs, and this includes infrastructure for cycling,” starts the response to the four questions posed by the group (as below).
The questions put to the candidates were:
- Do you support the Government’s ‘Gear Change’ policy and policy objective that 50% of all journeys in towns and cities should be walked or cycled by 2030.?
- What measures would you support to promote modal shift towards cycling and walking?
- What personal experience do you have of cycling?
- Will you continue to support Active Travel England?
Rishi Sunak’s team directly referenced Active Travel England, outlining that the Transport division would “able to continue the good work started by the government”. Liz Truss, however, avoided the fourth question in her response, making no such pledges.
“We have seen the growth of cycling in our cities and towns – and cycling as a healthy method of transport should continue to be promoted. Liz is committed to levelling up in our transport sector, working to create an environment that promotes cycling and ensures it can continue to be a huge part of our society,” added the response.
While Rishi Sunak’s reply did reference current spending on active travel, Team truss gave no reference to funding, beyond the aforementioned ‘levelling up’ pledge.
