Liberal Democrat MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron has welcomed the news that the government is supporting calls for a long-term commitment to cycling and walking.

The proposed changes to the new Infrastructure Bill, which went before Parliament on Monday, January 26 for its final reading, will now include a cycling and walking strategy.

Tim Farron has been contacted by many local residents about this issue and has worked with MP’s of all parties to press the government to accept the amendment, originally tabled by Cambridge Lib Dem MP Julian Huppert.

The cycling and walking investment strategy must include specific targets and allocate funding to deliver the targets.

Tim Farron said:

“It is so important that we have a long-term strategy if we are serious about promoting cycling and walking. If we are to tackle the obesity crisis in our country we must encourage people to follow healthier lifestyles. Cycling and walking are two excellent activities, costing very little yet promoting a healthier way of life and a greener environment.

“In fact, a recent study has revealed how a 20 minute brisk walk a day could add years to a person’s life expectancy; there has never been a better reason to commit to long-term investment in this area.”

Tim Farron wants a strategy put in place which would be reviewed at least every five years.

The amendment has already received of a very wide group of organisations concerned about pedestrians, cyclists and health, including British Cycling; Campaign for Better Transport; CPRE; CTC, the National Cycling Charity; Living Streets; Sustrans; The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport; and the Richmond Group (British Heart Foundation, Asthma UK, British Lung Foundation, Age UK, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Diabetes UK, The Neurological Alliance, Macmillan Cancer Support, Stroke Association and Rethink Mental Illness.