URL:

http://www.eco-logica.co.uk/pdf/wtpp09.1.pdf

Keywords:

cycling, Health, National Cycle Network, Social inclusion, Sustainable tourism, Sustainable transport, transport

Abstract:

The UK National Cycle Network has increased opportunities for people to make trips by bicycle and on foot. In this paper, data from the NCN route usage monitoring project is analysed to examine the implications of the NCN for health, social inclusion, economic opportunities through tourism and recreation, and the nature of cyclists and cycling. Analysis of the survey data suggests that various benefits are being realised. The capacity of the NCN to further impact in these and other areas is discussed.

Notes:

Introduction In 1995 Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, was awarded a major grant of £43.5 million of National Lottery funds by the Millennium Commission for the UK National Cycle Network (NCN). This flagship project was officially opened in June 2000 with 8,000 kilometres of cycling and walking routes passing through the centres of major towns and cities and linking urban areas with the countryside. A further 8,000 kilometres are due to be completed by 2005 (Sustrans, 2000). The initiative is a demonstration project; the NCN routes provide the basis for the development of local area networks. The principal aim is to encourage people to take up cycling for the first time, or to start to cycle again.