My life on bikes
Baker MP see cyclists and so reduce the risk of accidents.' Any cycle commuter would welcome these measures. Yet a simpler way to get more bums of bikes would be to tackle the biggest cycling deterrent head on: traffic. Reducing the default urban speed limit from 30mph to 20mph would make the streets safer and more pleasant for cyclists and pedestrians alike. 'As a cyclist, I support the use of 20mph speed limits,' Baker agrees, 'but it is not for me to sit in Westminster and tell local councils around the country what the speed limit should be on their local roads – they are best placed to make those
decisions. However, I have made it easier and less expensive for councils wanting to use 20 mph speed limits, for example, councils can now paint speed limits on the road rather than having to put up expensive signs. '[Additionally] we have allocated an extra £15 million to improve cycling infrastructure this year and are supporting Transport for London’s work to improve dangerous junctions in the capital. 'I have also made it easier for councils to put in place contraflow cycling on one way streets which allows cyclists to use quieter residential roads rather than busy main routes.'
© Department for Transport
it easier for people to choose to cycle. Our Local Sustainable Transport Fund has, with local contributions, secured over £1billion worth of investment in local transport schemes which create growth and cut carbon, and the overwhelming majority of projects include measures to encourage cycling. We have supplemented this with further recent investment, for example in off-road cycle lanes, cycle-rail integration and funds to tackle dangerous junctions. 'Crucially, we have committed at least £11million a year for Bikeability to give children and adults the skills and knowledge to cycle with confidence on the roads. 'In addition to this, I have made it easier for councils to install Trixi mirrors at junctions – these make it easier for lorry and bus drivers to
www.cyclescheme.co.uk
61