BWA has responded to the government’s consultation on a cycling and walking investment strategy (CWIS). The commitment to producing a CWIS came into being as part of the Infrastructure Act 2015 and followed intensive campaigning from environment, health and transport groups.
BWA’s response states that:
- The amount of government funding described by CWIS is insufficient. There remains a huge imbalance in the level of investment for the different transport modes, and the health, wellbeing and economic benefits of walking and cycling are not being recognised.
- We recognise that it may be difficult to meaningfully separate walking expenditure from other aspects of many transport schemes, but some attempt should be made to ensure that the level of investment reflects walking’s place at the top of the hierarchy.
- The package of funding pots needs simplifying or presented better – perhaps there should be a smaller number of funding pots, with less detailed restrictions for local authorities on how the money should be spent.
- We are concerned that a separate CWIS might contribute to a marginalisation of walking (and cycling). It is more important that all transport planning, guidance and investment, and spatial planning, reflects walking’s place at the top of the hierarchy. Any document on walking strategy or investment should recognise this.
- There should be clear targets for walking (e.g. children walking to school, adults walking to work).
- It is important to recognise that the interests of walking and cycling do not always coincide, and that appropriate attention should therefore be given to walking as such.
- We believe that cities should be encouraged to consider transformational changes, and that the provision of information (eg design guidance and case studies) by government would add to the credibility of such developments.
The full response may be found here