MPs push for Cycle to Work scheme to be extended to pensioners and freelance workers
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
MPs from multiple parties are pushing for Cycle to Work scheme to be expanded to include more people, including pensioners and freelancers, with the aim of encouraging more people to cycle.
The campaign, led by the all-party group on cycling and walking, is also asking for the programme to be rebranded as the 'cycle for health' scheme and are urging Government to take more action on the issue.
In addition, the group are encouraging the Government to take action on a consultation report published 5 years ago by Dr Tom Cohen and Dr Ersilia Verlinghieri of the University of Westminster’s Active Travel Academy, highlighting serious barriers to active travel faced by disadvantaged groups, with the consultation yet to receive a formal response across successive Governments.
The report pointed to persistent inequalities affecting disabled people, ethnic minorities, women, children and those on low incomes, and criticised the lack of safe cycling infrastructure and continued inaction on key issues like pavement parking.
It also emphasised the need for coordinated Government investment and support from departments including Transport, Health, and Culture to address rising inactivity and poor access to active travel for marginalised communities.
Fabian Hamilton MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, said: “Walking, wheeling, and cycling should be available to everyone, but right now, too many people are excluded. If we are serious about increasing active travel, we must address the systemic barriers that prevent millions from participating. This report provides clear, actionable solutions to make active travel truly inclusive. We will be working hard in Parliament to push for change.”
Caroline Julian, of British Cycling, said: “Cycling has the power to transform lives, but too often, the people who stand to benefit the most are unable to take part.”