New York and Manchester unite for cycling summit

British Cycling hosts discussions to boost cycling numbers

Published: December 4, 2013 at 10:00 am

City cycling experts from New York and Manchester hold a summit today to discuss ideas to get urban populations moving about by bike.

In New York, a rapid programme of cycle lane construction – 470 miles have been built since 2000 – and the introduction of a bike hire scheme over the summer have helped reduce casualties and helped boost cycle numbers.

Manchester – where British Cycling are based – has a local authority-led plan to get 10 percent of the population travelling by bike by 2025 and £40m has been set aside to build a network of shared use paths.

Yesterday, British Cycling's policy advisor Chris Boardman vented his frustration at the lack of research and understanding shown by UK politicians on the Transport Select Committee hearing on bike safety.

In October, British Cycling said it was on track to get one million women cycling regularly by 2020.