National charity the Cylists' Touring Club (CTC) has ranked eight main UK cities in order of their support of cycling. Newcastle currently tops the table.
Eight 'core' cities outside of London, chosen as the eight largest city economies, were scored based on each local authority's support for the CTC's six-month-old Space for Cycling initiative.
The campaign calls on local councillors to make cycling a safe, convenient and enjoyable option for daily journeys for people of all ages, and aims for protected space on busy routes, low traffic volumes and speeds on local routes, and quality links through city centres.
There is also the chance that the scheme will help direct government funding that has been promised to local authorities who demonstrate a commitment to cycling.
The league table currently looks like this. Percentages reflect the number of councillors who have signed up to the Space for Cycling campaign in each highway authority:
- Newcastle: 67 percent
- Manchester: 41 percent
- Nottingham: 31 percent
- Bristol: 26 percent
- Birmingham: 16 percent
- Leeds: 16 percent
- Liverpool: 12 percent
- Sheffield: 11 percent
Newcastle currently promises the most for cyclists, with the highest number of councillors backing the CTC's campaign, which is also supported by other local cycling groups across the country.
Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of CTC, said: “Space for Cycling is a real opportunity for all cities and highway authorities to show their support for a healthy, environmentally sound and revenue generating mode of transport, namely cycling. Our core cities have woken up to the realisation that people want liveable, pleasant urban environments and they see cycling as a means to realise their dream for the cities of tomorrow.
“Space for Cycling cannot be achieved on promises and aspirations alone. It is a sad fact that while the Government will make long-term financial plans for our roads and rail, there is no commitment to provide the type of funding that will open up cycling to people of all ages and abilities. CTC is calling for an allocation from the transport budget of at least £10 per head per year to be dedicated to cycling.”