The National Cycleway: Inspiration from the UK

Government Ministers tasked with the National Cycleway have been presented with the inspiring example of the UK's National Cycle Network. Prime Minister John Key and Ministers Bill English & Steven Joyce have been provided copies of the book entitled "Millennium Miles" - the story of the UK's National Cycle Network.

In giving the books, Living Streets Aotearoa's spokesperson Liz Thomas said "The UK's National Cycle Network is an outstanding success, in 2007 there were over 354 million trips and it's important to note that 50% of trips were made by bike and 50% were on foot. Use of the UK Network is growing rapidly, having nearly quadrupled from the year 2000, when there were 5,000 miles of track available. It's exciting to see that usage is growing much faster than the Network is extending in length."

The success of the UK National Cycle Network has also been recognised in its ability to create significant numbers of jobs and contribute millions of pounds in direct expenditure into the regional economies. See the UK evaluation, Economic Impact of Cycle Tourism.

The growth of the UK network is an inspiring example for New Zealand of local communities working to develop the possibilities for cycling in partnership with Sustrans, the national charity organisation. Local residents or community groups act as volunteer custodians of the network to ensure it is maintained to a good standard.

The UK National Cycle Network grew from a single 17-mile traffic-free trail along a disused railway between Bristol and Bath in 1977 to over 12,000 miles of highly popular routes today which are overseen by the charity Sustrans. In the early 1980’s during high unemployment, Sustrans utilised Government programs to provide temporary employment to build more trails.

Tourism consultant, Craig Wilson says “New Zealand can learn a great deal from the success of the UK National Cycle Network. Important ingredients have been the partnerships between national funders and local communities as well as an overriding vision and organisation facilitating the process – essentially ensuring that progress is well managed with great outcomes. New Zealand can achieve something similar in terms of network, but even more spectacular in terms of scenery “

Sustrans recently won through a public vote, 50 million pounds from the 'Big Lottery Fund'. This will enable the ongoing expansion of the National Cycle Network with the “Connect2” walking and cycling project that will help transform local communities across the UK.

The fact that Sustrans and the National Cycle Network won the 50 million pounds in a public vote highlights how appreciated, and sought after, the cycle routes are by UK citizens.

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