Mims Davies MP has confirmed her support for active travel ahead of the launch of Cycling UK’s Bike Week.
Speaking in Parliament this week, Mims said she is committed to increasing levels of walking and cycling for the benefit of the nation’s health.
Cycling UK, the UK’s cycling charity, is gearing up for the launch of Bike Week in local areas across the UK. This annual celebration has been taking place since 1923 and this year will run from 6-12 June.
Bike Week will focus on how cycling can positively impact local communities by improving people’s health and environmental footprint while saving money. Families, friends, neighbours and co-workers are encouraged to unite to imagine how their local area could be improved if people cycled more.
This year, Cycling UK will be raising money to help transform cycling in communities across the UK. Throughout Bike Week, cyclists can share their rides on social media using the hashtag #BikeWeekUK for a chance to win amazing prizes.
In recent years, the Government has invested heavily in active travel, £850 million alone between 2020/21 and 2022/23. It has also committed to spending at least a further £100 million capital into active travel over the remainder of the spending period, as part of a £3 billion investment in active travel over the course of this Parliament.
You can read more about these announcements here.
Commenting, Mims Davies MP, said:
As the former Sports Minister, I know walking and cycling can make an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities. As such, I am pleased steps are being taken across Government to improve active travel provision.
The Government has invested a whopping £850 million in active travel between 2020/21 and 2022/23. Moreover, it has also committed to spending at least a further £100 million capital into active travel over the remainder of the spending period, as part of a £3 billion investment in active travel over the course of this Parliament.
As enthusiasm for cycling and active travel continues to grow, MPs from across the political spectrum want to promote the many environmental, health, and economic benefits of cycling. I look forward to continue working both inside and outside Parliament to create long-term positive change in how we travel.
Sarah Mitchell, chief executive of Cycling UK, added:
As we celebrate Bike Week, I’m delighted to see so many Members of Parliament and Peers not just talking about the benefits of cycling, but experiencing those benefits for themselves. Whether you are riding for work or leisure, cycling boosts your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as improving life for those around you by reducing congestion and improving air quality.
At Cycling UK, we encourage as many people as possible to follow the great example of these MPs and Peers, in Bike Week and beyond, and help to make a better world by bike.