Repair vouchers to get bikes out of shed and on to road

VOUCHERS are to be issued to help pay for repairs to old bikes and more road space will be protected for cyclists in a government initiative launching next month.

After a dramatic rise in the number of people walking and cycling during the coronavirus pandemic, the Government has fast-tracked statutory guidance which tells councils to reallocate roadspace for the increased traffic from cyclists and pedestrians.

The plans amount to an unprecedented financial boost to cycling in England, with pop-up bike lanes and protected space for cyclists, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors to be created within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund.

The changes will be implemented from the middle of June, The Daily Telegraph understands.

In towns and cities, some streets could become bike-and-bus only, while Greater Manchester wants to create 150 miles of protected cycle track, and Transport for London is working on a “bike Tube” network above Underground lines. Vouchers will be issued for cycle repairs, to encourage people to get their old bikes out of the shed or garage, and plans are being developed for greater provision of bike fixing facilities, a government spokesman said.

The scheme is designed to encourage more people to choose alternatives to public transport when they need to travel, making healthier habits easier and helping make sure

‘If ever there was a good time to get on your bike, it’s now. You will be helping take pressure off public transport’

the road, bus and rail networks are ready to respond to future increases in demand.

Dave Brailsford, the former performance director of British Cycling and now principal of Team Ineos, said: “If ever there was a good time to get on your bike, it’s now. You will be helping take pressure off public transport.

“You will be looking after your health. You will be looking after the health of others and you will be helping the environment. Let’s all get pedalling and help Britain on the road to recovery.”