British Government is promoting cycling and walking as healthy and convenient ways to travel

The British Government is promoting cycling and walking as healthy and convenient ways to travel in a new action plan.

The package of new measures announced today includes plans to extend the National Cycle Network, which provides safer cycling routes, to hundreds of schools. The Department for Transport (DFT) will invest £500,000 in upgrading cycle provision at 200 rail stations.

Other measures include:

• A new web portal delivering information on where, how and why to cycle
• Better training for in child pedestrian and cycling skills, including a new National Standard for Child Cycle Training
• Improved training for local authority transport staff in providing for, and promoting, walking and cycling
• An amendment to the Traffic Management Bill, to make cycling safer in towns and cities

Launching 'Walking & Cycling: an Action Plan' at the annual Parliamentary Bike Ride, Transport Minister Kim Howells said:

"The action plan, with more than 40 practical actions from across and beyond Government, is evidence of our commitment to walking and cycling.

"It will help to provide an environment in which walking and cycling are viable, enjoyable and safe."

Jane Tomlinson MBE, who has recently completed a charity cycle tour from Rome to Leeds, said:

"A good network of cycle lanes and pleasant places to walk will encourage more people and I'm pleased that action to increase walking and cycling is being taken."