THE Pedal Power campaign has been held up as a shining example in a Parliamentary debate on how to Get Britain Cycling.

Around 100 MPs attended the debate about the Get Britain Cycling report on Monday, September 2, in what British Cycling have called ‘the most popular debate on cycling that Parliament has ever seen’.

They agreed to support the target of 10 per cent of all journeys being by bike by 2025, and 25 per cent by 2050, and called on the Government to show strong political leadership, including an annual Cycling Action Plan and sustained funding for cycling.

Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans, a self-confessed ‘recent convert to cycling’, spoke out in the debate about the many benefits of cycling and how it can be encouraged, opening his speech with reference to Pedal Power.

“There is a fantastic grass-roots movement in my constituency to encourage residents to get on their bikes,” he said.

“I give credit to the Northwich Guardian’s Pedal Power campaign for drawing my constituents’ attention to the importance of cycling.

“Its cycling ambassadors, with profiles ranging from teenage pro bikers to blind nonagenarians, show my constituents that a bike is for everyone at any stage of their lives.”

He went on to discuss how cycling is beneficial as a quick and easy form of transport and a healthy alternative but that safety deters many people from jumping into the saddle.

Mr Evans said more should be done in the planning and design of new roads and housing estates, that speed limits in residential areas should be examined and that work needs to be done on the dangers posed by heavy goods vehicles.

“The Government have made significant investment in cycling, with £148 million invested by 2015, but it has been clear from listening to honourable Members’ speeches that cohesive thinking and cross-departmental work will encourage cycling even more.

“I welcome the excellent work of the all-party cycling group and I hope that the debate demonstrates how, with a proactive attitude, we can ensure that cycling becomes an important part of British life.”