UK Health Institute wants roads for cyclists first and cars second

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) wants priority to be given to cyclists and pedestrians when roads are built or changed. The primary reason that NICE is interested in this, is to increase physical activity, particularly for the less mobile. Young, active people, may feel confident to ride a bicycle on the road with traffic. For less confident, older people, this may be a daunting prospect. These are exactly the people who will benefit most from the increased physical activity of cycling. NICE therefore wants to create an environment where everyone feels safe to ride a bike around the city.

Transport systems and the wider built environment can influence people’s ability to be active. When developing and maintaining travel routes, pedestrians, cyclists and users of other modes of transport including public transport that involve physical activity should be given the highest priority over motorised transport (cars, motorbikes and mopeds, for example).
The attractiveness of active travel is affected by distance, the nature and quality of a route and its access and safety. Improved travel route design that is maintained to a high standard will provide the greatest opportunity for people to move more in their day-to-day lives. It is important to encourage safe, convenient active travel that is accessible for everyone, including older people and people with limited mobility.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

These recomendations are currently in the form of draft guidelines. These are open to public consultation until 1st Febrary. Please leave a positive comment on the NICE website, this will affect the implementation of the guidelines by UK Government.