Cycling England abolition
Published Thursday 14th October 10 in Council - news and information releases news
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council has been assured that funding for current cycling schemes in the town is safe despite the abolition of Cycling England.
The Department for Transport has written to Cycling England confirming that all funding agreed until the end of March 2011 is secure.
In the past two and a half years Cycling England has provided funding for a whole range of cycling schemes which have been administered by the Council's Cycle Southend team.
These have involved the installation of 10.5kms of cycle track, including the Prittle Brook Greenway, Western Esplanade and Royal Artillery Way .
Cycle parking facilities have been introduced at a large number of schools, shopping parades, railway stations and other amenity areas.
The recently opened Re-Cycle Centre has repaired and sold over 150 bikes since May and by the end of March more than 3,000 children and adults will have received 'Bikeability' cycling proficiency training.
Mark Flewitt, Executive Councillor for Planning and Transport, said: "I am relieved that the Council has received assurances about funding for current cycle schemes.
"We have also been informed that when it comes to future cycling projects we will be able to apply to a new Local Sustainable Transport Fund.
"We have also been informed by the Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond that Bikeability will be supported for the remainder of this Parliament.
"Cycle Southend has been a huge success, helping to organise events such as Urban Pursuit and the Back in the Saddle rides.
"The funding it has received has led to a noticeable increase in the amount of cycling in Southend which can only be good for the town and its residents."