Brighton councillor criticises abolition of cycling quango

A Brighton and Hove councillor has criticised the government for abolishing Cycling England in its cull of quangos.

Councillor Ian Davey, the Green Party transport spokesman on Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “This is a sad day for cycling and the future of sustainable transport in Brighton and Hove.

“This city has received many millions of pounds in extra funding from Cycling England over the last six years.

“While some schemes will always be controversial, the projects paid for by this money – which include cycle parking on streets and in schools, improved cycle training for children and better cycle lanes – have contributed to a massive increase in cycling in this city.

“A big question mark now hangs over the future of cycling and indeed sustainable transport in general.

“It appears that the ‘do nothing’ approach to transport planning used by the current Conservative administration running this city has now been adopted by the coalition government running this country.

“Meanwhile, those on the frontline of David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’ continue to suffer from congested streets, dangerous air quality and roads many parents are too frightened to cycle on themselves never mind let their children do so.

“By throwing Cycling England on the quango bonfire the coalition government have well and truly torched their claim that this will be the ‘greenest’ government ever.”

Cycling England is the national body responsible for the promotion of cycling in England.

It was included in the list of quangos to be abolished that was published last week by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government.

It is expected to be wound down by the end of next March.