Cycling in the North East and Yorkshire is set for a significant boost as the UK government allocates an additional £32 million to improve roads and create new cycle lanes. This investment is part of a broader effort to enhance transportation infrastructure in the region and coincide with the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, the UK's largest women’s cycling race. On 6 June 2025, the Minister for the Future of Roads is visiting Saltburn-by-the-Sea to engage with local schools, cycling clubs, and female champions, emphasising the necessity of safer, more accessible roads for all users, particularly women.
The recent funding injection comes on the heels of a £15.6 billion initiative designed to empower local authorities to undertake transformative transport projects across England, with specific focus on regions like South Yorkshire and Tees Valley. Potholes and poor road conditions have been significant deterrents for cyclists, particularly among women. Research from Cycling UK indicates that over half of female cyclists (58%) report that safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure limit their cycling, with 36% attributing their hesitancy directly to poor road conditions.
In addition to the £20 million earmarked for road resurfacing in the North East and Yorkshire, nearly £13 million will be dedicated to constructing new cycle lanes and footpaths. This investment aims to foster a safer and more encouraging cycling environment, which is projected to lead to approximately 43,000 fewer sick days annually across the UK and contribute an estimated £1.4 billion to the national economy. Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, asserted that “safer roads mean safer spaces to cycle,” highlighting the dual benefits of improving road safety while promoting cycling as a viable mode of transport for women and girls.
Prominent figures in the cycling community, like Lizzie Deignan MBE, an Olympic silver medallist and world champion, have endorsed the investment, underscoring the importance of better infrastructure in overcoming barriers that currently limit the participation of women and girls in cycling. Deignan emphasised the broader benefits of cycling, from health improvements to the development of confidence and skills among participants.
The government’s commitment to active travel is evident in the context of a £291 million package designated for new pathways and cycling infrastructure across the country, which aims to encourage an additional 30 million journeys by foot or bike each year. This includes over 20 million new journeys for children walking to school alongside their parents. Caroline Julian, Director of Brand and Engagement at British Cycling, reiterated the need for improved infrastructure to ensure that cycling is accessible, particularly to women, who face unique barriers in today’s transport climate.
Experts such as Rod Dennis from the RAC and Nicholas Lyes from IAM RoadSmart have welcomed the funding but stressed that it is essential for local councils to implement effective measures to repair roads quickly and ensure their longevity. The proposed improvements are not solely focused on cyclists; they aim to enhance overall road safety and accessibility for all users, thereby fostering healthier communities.
In summary, the UK government's strategic investment in cycling and road infrastructure presents a pivotal opportunity to reshape transport dynamics in the North East and Yorkshire, with significant implications for public health, economic growth, and the promotion of inclusive cycling practices. The ongoing commitment to improving the safety and accessibility of roads reflects an understanding of the vital role that active travel plays in modern society.
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Source: Noah Wire Services