Prime Minister David Cameron has met with MPs from the All Parliamentary Cycling Group (APPCG) to talk about cycling safety following the death of 26 year old cyclist Ying Tao last month in the CIty of London.
The meeting came about after MP Ben Bradshaw, patron of APPCG, requested something be done due to the recent spate of cyclist deaths.
Mr Cameron said he would raise the issue with transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin in the hopes of exploring new ways in which Britain’s roads can be made safer for cyclists. Possibilities include a ban on HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) in city centres.
He stated that he will also examine the restrictions on the movement of lorries from around the world, as well as more adept designs for construction lorries.
Also to be looked into will be mandatory lorry safety features and improvements to roads and junctions to make them more safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Mr Bradshaw said of the meeting:
“I was delighted the PM agreed to meet us so soon after I raised the issue in Parliament. Our major cities have a lamentable record both for levels of cycling and for cycle safety compared to those of our European neighbours, and it would take very little public investment to make a big improvement in the climate for cycling. Following oru meeting today, we will be meeting with the Transport Secretary to discuss the issues in more detail.”
Road.cc spoke to Sam Jones of national cyclists’ charity CTC, who maintained that the meeting was a positive move although stated that the government’s under-work Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy needs to do more. He believes it needs to commit to at least £10 per head per year spending on cycling, along with national infrastructure design standards and the procurement of safer lorries written into government contracts.
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