Report finds poor state of National Cycle Network

Almost half of the UK’S National Cycle Network is in a poor or very poor condition, according to new research.

High-speed vehicles, too many barriers and unstable surfaces were among the faults found on the 16,500-mile network of paths and on-road cycling and walking routes.

Independent analysis commissioned by transport charity Sustrans, which gained funding to develop the network in 1995, classified the condition of 42% of it as “very poor” and 4% as “poor”.

That means 7,596 miles are unsuitable for a 12-year-old to use safely, the report warned. One respondent to a survey of 6,000 people described their local path as a “mud bath”.

Another called for the network to have better signs and more segregation to “make it feel safer”.

Sustrans has unveiled recommendations for a Uk-wide overhaul of the network to open up walking and cycling to more people, including children and anyone with impaired mobility.

The charity wants more routes to be trafficfree, but where this is not viable it believes the character of minor roads should be changed by reducing speed limits.