BETTER BIKE SOCIAL reposted this
The last Government introduced multi-year funding for cycling during the pandemic only to cut the investment by more than half, which could result in £2bn in long term costs through their impact on the National Health Service and the wider economy… It seems to be intuitive; invest in a national network of safe cycle routes, helping people incorporate physical activity in their lives, not as an extra, but as a core to everyday normal life and cut GP appointments “by hundreds of thousands, if not millions a year.” Transport is the largest single contributor to the UK’s carbon emissions, and focussing on active travel is also a sure fire way of reducing the harmful impact of society on the environment, and (with the right strategic planning and investment) can help address the alarming number of road based accidents and deaths (close to 30,000 in 2023). I also love the notion that transport is “a liberator” – one that helps other government departments achieve their aims, including education and health. So, if cycling and walking networks are prioritised “It has knock-on effects everywhere else: it gets people healthier, it reduces the burden on the NHS because people are living healthier lives for longer.” #BIKESMAKELIFEBETTER #BetterBikeSocial BETTER BIKE SOCIAL