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The UK Government’s announcement to improve bike infrastructure.
Hey Everyone!
The UK has taken a huge step in cycling infrastructure with latest announcements including placing cycling at the heart of their towns and cities. As our International Reid HQ is based in Bournemouth, UK, we thought we would use this opportunity to share this news. As all of our blogs, this information is relevant to the time of writing, however, it’s always good to check out the latest updates in your area.
This is a huge step for cycling in the UK and we hope other countries will follow soon! Read below to find out more about the UK’s plans with bike riding…
Boost in Cycling Infrastructure
The UK’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has launched a £2bn plan to motivate more people to get active. This plan has cycling at the heart of it, with Boris Johnson stating “everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling.”
The initiative involves a number of improvements in cycling infrastructure including improving cycle lanes, bike rack roll-outs, cycling proficiency training and a national e-bike scheme.
Funding will be allocated throughout cycling infrastructure and will help to get the nation active!
Cycling for Health!
As we already know, cycling has many health benefits and the Government has acknowledge this by announcing that access to bikes will be available as part of the NHS. This is being tested through GPs in areas of England with poor health, where bikes will be prescribed to patients free of charge. This is a fantastic step in helping to increase an active nation!
In addition, the national e-Bike scheme will involve older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions which affects their fitness. They will be able to loan e-Bikes at discounted rates and it will be trialled at the end of 2020.
If you want to read more about the health benefits of cycling, check out our previous blog on it here!
Worldwide Changes to Cycling Infrastructure
Lockdown has seen a huge decrease in the amount of vehicles on the road and a huge increase in the amount of bicycle sales. This has not only been happening in the UK, but internationally as well.
Due to COVID-19, Germany has expanded cycle lanes as the demand for more free space for cyclist was needed. Paris has also implemented 650 kilometres of cycleways.
Authorities in Italy are also following in the footsteps of the UK’s schemes, as they are planning to implement cycling plans to boost infrastructure and bike rental schemes.
Finally…
This is a huge development for bike infrastructure and it will help to ensure more people will be given the opportunity to cycle safely with improvements in bike lanes, etc. It’s great to see the UK government making changes to UK cycling, with other countries also starting to make improvements.
This information has come from relevant sources from the time of writing this blog, for more information on this topic click here.
Happy Cycling!
If this has sparked your desire to start cycling and you’re looking for a new bike, we offer a wide range of great value bikes and even plant a tree for every one we sell! Click here to view the full Reid Range and start exploring your freedom.
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