British cycling success needs to be allied with Dutch culture, says MP

Britain needs to build on its gold medal winning cycling performances

Britain needs to build on its gold medal winning cycling performances and embrace a Dutch-style cycling culture to make sure the whole country can benefit, Rochdale’s MP has argued.

Speaking in a debate in parliament on cycling last week, Simon Danczuk said he had recently taken up cycling after holidaying in Holland. He said that Dutch attitudes towards cyclists were different and to get more people cycling in the UK a similar culture had to develop.

“Before I started cycling I must admit I shared the disregard for cyclists that many people have,” said Simon in the debate. “The Get Britain Cycling report makes it clear we need to change our attitudes towards cyclists and I am one of those who was guilty of needing to do so before I started cycling again.”

The debate followed a report from the all party parliamentary group on cycling advocating a target of 10 per cent of all journeys to be made by bike by 2025.

Simon said all parties should work together in Rochdale to create a more pro-cycling environment. He even singled out Liberal Democrat councillor Wera Hobhouse for praise as a result of her work in championing cycling locally.

“We need such local champions, as well as national champions. We need political leadership to ensure that cycling is given a fair shout at a local level,” he said.

He added that while Rochdale canal has a great cycling path, it was now falling into disrepair and needed some restoration work. Kingsway Business Park, he said, was a good example of a development that caters well for cyclists. But not all new schemes have cycling provision designed into them.