Matt Rodda MP spoke at an event in Parliament to mark the launch of ‘Paths for Everyone’, a new vision for the National Cycle Network.

The National Cycle Network has grown from 500 miles in 1995 to over 16,500 miles today, with 4.4 million users making over 786 million journeys on the Network last year.

Matt said: “We need to put people at the centre of the planning and design process, creating routes that are pleasant, safe and attractive, to improve the experience of cycling and walking and to effectively encourage people to walk and cycle much more.”

“I welcome Sustrans plans to improve inclusivity on the National Cycle Network, widening paths, improving path surfaces, improving signage and removing barriers to make it accessible for all.”

“I also welcome Sustrans aspiration to raise safety standards, creating more traffic free routes where everyone feels safe to get around, reducing the impact of traffic to make our footpaths, cycle paths and streets better places to walk and cycle and spend time, and providing safe crossings for people who naturally walk slower, such as parents with children, older people and people with disabilities.”

“Reading’s Christchurch Bridge for cyclists and pedestrians is an example of the infrastructure I’d like to see more of.”