British Cycling Policy Manager Nick Chamberlin has today expressed his disappointment at the decision of Holyrood’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee not to recommend approval of Scotland’s Safer Streets bill, and urged British Cycling members to join in one last push to encourage MSPs to support the campaign.
British Cycling has long-supported the bill’s passage through the Scottish Parliament, and in April this year it received from Neil Fachie MBE, Neah Evans and adventurer Mark Beaumont.
Reducing default speed limits to 20mph is one of the five key asks of the Walking and Cycling Alliance, of which British Cycling is a member, along with Bicycle Association, Cycling UK, Living Streets, Ramblers and Sustrans.
Responding to the committee’s decision, British Cycling Policy Manager Nick Chamberlin said:
“We know from our State of Cycling survey that vehicle speed is one of the top three biggest hazards faced by our members. This bill presented MSPs with a golden opportunity to make our streets safer and more welcoming for people travelling by bike or on foot, giving them a real alternative to travelling by car.
“Figures released by the Department for Transport just yesterday show that 71% of people are now in favour of 20mph speed limits in residential areas, and recent moves in London, Wales and elsewhere show that momentum behind reducing vehicle speed is building day-by-day.
“We sincerely hope that SNP MSPs in particular will take time to carefully consider the impact of this decision before the vote goes before the Scottish Parliament next month.”
It’s not too late to make a difference
The Safer Streets bill will be voted on in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 13 June, meaning there’s still time to encourage your MSP to get behind the campaign.
You can find your local MSP here, and you can download our template support letter below.
For more information on the health, economic and environmental benefits of 20mph restrictions, click here.
