More journeys by bike

More people are joining in Liverpool’s cycling revolution.

The latest figures show that there was a 10.2% increase in the number of journeys made by bike within the city last year.

And the annual progress report “Liverpool Cycling Revolution – Cycling Strategy 2014-26” to the Regeneration Housing and Sustainability Select Committee on 27 October also notes that a number of improvements have been made to Liverpool’s roads to benefit cyclists.

These include new toucan crossing and pre-green cycle signals in the Project Jennifer scheme, an improved right turn on Hope Street -part of the National Cycle Network- and a new toucan crossing at Netherfield Road South.

Further improvements for cyclists are planned in the business district, at Earle Road/Upper Parliament Street, along Regent Road and through the city centre connectivity scheme,currently being consulted on at http://liverpool.gov.uk/council/consultation/liverpool-city-centre-connectivity-scheme-consultation/

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, cabinet member for regeneration and transport, said: “We have set ambitious targets in our strategy to get more people cycling and the latest figures are very encouraging.

“A rise of more than 10% of journeys made by bike is a significant increase in the number of people travelling by bike. This is good, not only for their health, but for their pockets.

“And with more cycle-friendly schemes being introduced in the highways network we can look forward to further increase in cycling in Liverpool.”

Councillor Tim Beaumont, Mayoral Lead for Well-being and chair of Liverpool Cycle Forum, said: “Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in the city whether it is for people travelling to work, for leisure or as a form of exercise. Initiatives such as Citybike have got more people on their bikes and with the planned improvements on the highways, asking it easier for cyclists,  we would look to see more journeys being undertaken by bike in the future.”

Liverpool Waterfront