I just read the majority of it and found myself in agreement with most (maybe)
10.1 UKIP supports pedal cycles as a healthy means of personal transport, but is
concerned at the accident rate rising from 114 deaths in 2003 to 148 (2005), and the fall
in regular cycling according to the Department for Transport, despite so much promotion.
10.2 We believe that there needs to be a better balance of rights and responsibilities for
pedal cyclists, with too much aggressive abuse of red lights, pedestrian crossings and a
lack of basic safety and road courtesy.
10.3 There is also substantial amounts of bicycle theft, as David Cameron can testify to
personally. The British Crime Survey records c.440,000 bikes are stolen every year, but
many thefts go unreported. Halifax Home Insurance estimates a bike is stolen every 65
seconds in the UK.
10.4 According to CTC, the national cyclists’ association: “The police make almost no
effort to catch bike thieves… What’s more, the few who are caught face derisory
sentences” and this is reflected in a clear-up rate of around 5%28
.
10.5 UKIP’s proposed new elected police boards could also put greater emphasis on
tackling bicycle theft, particularly in theft hotspots such as London, Reading, Bristol and
Oxford.
10.7 UKIP believes that basic cycle and safety training should be made mandatory, and
be funded in schools or via local authorities. UKIP supports the campaign work of
national cycling organisations.
10.8 Cycling on safe cycle routes, lanes, tracks and trails should be actively encouraged,
particularly as a leisure pursuit. UKIP believes off road dedicated lanes are preferable to
a confusing maze of cycle lanes on unsuitable or dangerous roads, which is problematic
for cyclists as well as other road users.
