Boost for cyclists
New cycle routes and improved cycling facilities into Liverpool city centre are set to get underway in a bid to encourage more people to consider travelling by bike, thanks to a £640,000 investment from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The Liverpool Cycling Strategy project, which is being led by Liverpool City Council, aims to overcome existing barriers preventing people journeying by bike through investment in the cycle route network in the city. As well as improving the cycle network, the project will undertake a promotional campaign to encourage more people to cycle.
The project will involve:
The construction of 7 new cycle routes to complete the route network
Completion of cycle facilities such as missing links with existing cycle routes, directional route signage, cycle parking and crossings
Proactive promotion of cycling to residents, schools and businesses
The project aims to reduce journey times for cyclists, improve links with public transport, provide a viable alternative to car use and improve access to key sites of employment, education and main public transport interchanges.
The funding will also be used to set up Cycle Speke, a pilot project to promote cycling. Speke already has some good cycling infrastructure and this project will make further improvements to make it even easier to get around by bike. Residents, community groups, schools and businesses will all be encouraged to get involved.
Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said:
“Encouraging cycling as a mode of transport around the city has a number of benefits, reducing pressure on the transport network, improving health levels and supporting the region’s climate change agenda.
This investment will help to promote cycling as an affordable, convenient and environmentally friendly way of getting around through improving Liverpool’s cycling infrastructure. It will also make it easier and safer for people to travel by bike and encourage more people to consider cycling as a viable alternative to car use for local journeys.”
Anne Selby, ERDF Programme Monitoring Committee Member representing the Northwest Sustainable Development Group, said:
“I am pleased to welcome European funding for this project, which will create significant environmental benefits, as well as improving connectivity and providing an alternative mode of transport to help reduce congestion into the city centre. Through promoting the benefits of travelling by bike and improving facilities, I hope this project will encourage more people to consider cycling for local journeys.”
Cllr Peter Millea, Liverpool City Council Executive Member, said:
“In Liverpool’s Year of the Environment this is a real boost to helping us provide greener means of transport. The new routes and promotion of cycling will certainly encourage more people to get on their bikes and this announcement is very good news for the city.”
Cllr Eddie Clein, Chairman of the Liverpool Cycle Forum, said:
“We welcome any moves which make it easier for cyclists in the city and this funding will improve routes and make life easier for those people who use their bikes to get to and from work or simply for recreation and exercise. It will encourage more people to think about leaving their cars at home and take up cycling.”
