Highways England wants country to 'get pedalling'

The company has invested £85million into 160 new and upgraded cycleways since 2015, with more to come.

With home working, staycations and local trips all being embraced following the easing of lockdown, cyclists are being encouraged to get on their bikes for any reason this year - not just a healthy commute.

The national day - which aims to boost cycling participation in the UK - is a great reminder of Highways England’s cycle routes which criss-cross the country, helping to link villages, towns and cities.

Steven Wright, Highways England’s User and Community lead, said, "We’re committed to significantly improving safety across our network and serving all users beyond road journeys, and these new and improved cycle and footpaths are prime examples of this, making life easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

"Since 2015, Highways England has pumped more than £85 million into 160 new and upgraded cycle ways across the country and this wouldn’t have been possible without the support of a range of partners including Sustrans, Cycling UK and Transport Focus.

"We’re now looking to build on the successes over the past five years, seizing opportunities to better connect our network to its surroundings and hope that this Cycle to Work Day, people get on their bikes and experience some of the routes we’ve invested in."

The cycle and walking charity Sustrans is one of Highways England’s partners and the collaboration has delivered a £3 million boost to cycle routes and cycle crossings across England.

James Cleeton, England Director, South at Sustrans said, "With things a little different this year, Cycle to Work Day is a great opportunity to get out and explore some new routes.

"We’re really pleased to be working with Highways England on a number of routes across the country. We recently completed works on a traffic-free cycling and walking route in Plymouth, to serve those travelling between the city and Plympton. Works included the installation of a new bridge, allowing easier access for adapted cycles and mobility aids.

"Improvements such as these are essential as we begin to emerge from lockdown, and people are looking for safe and physically distanced ways to travel."