Thank you for all of those who contacted me about cycling and walking.

I share your enthusiasm for active travel, which not only reduces carbon emissions but also helps to alleviate pressure on public transport and roads. I am a keen cyclist myself, back in September 2017, I cycled much of the two hundred square miles of the constituency on my bike.

The Government has committed to investing over £3 billion in active travel over the course of this Parliament, with over £850 million already invested between 2020/21 and 2022/23. As part of this investment, we will be delivering hundreds of miles of high-quality, segregated cycle lanes and providing cycle training to every child, making cycling safer and more accessible.

I understand concerns regarding cycle investment, and I can assure you that the Government takes these concerns very seriously. While investment in cycling and walking has been reduced, we are still committed to ensuring that cycling is a top priority for us.

I am pleased to let you know that the newest version of the Highway Code has introduced a ‘hierarchy of road users’ to promote safer and more considerate road use. The hierarchy places pedestrians, older adults, and disabled people at the top, followed by cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists.

Moreover, the National Planning Policy Framework requires local authorities to consider transport issues from the earliest stages of plan making and development proposals. This ensures that opportunities to promote cycling, walking, and public transport are identified early on and pursued. In addition, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill currently going through Parliament will require local authorities to put in place design codes, enabling them to set clear rules for development and prioritize the needs of cyclists and pedestrians.

I am confident that the Government is committed to creating beautiful and sustainable communities that prioritise active travel. I recently published an article on tackling road safety in villages affected by traffic, which you may be interested in reading on my website.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me, and please know that I will continue to raise the importance of active travel in Parliament and engage with ministerial colleagues to ensure that cycling and walking remain a top priority.