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Press release from Sustrans:
AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO TRY OUT THE NEW CHRISTMAS
BICYCLE
97.2 million trips were made on more than 6,750 miles
of National Cycle Network in 2002 with a 20% increase
in usage since its official opening in 2000, Sustrans
announced today.
The figures have been extrapolated from a survey
being undertaken by Sustrans’ Monitoring Unit using
automatic cycle counters operated by local
authorities throughout the UK. A full report, due to
be published in spring 2003, will show that a
substantial number of people using the National Cycle
Network are new or inexperienced cyclists.
60 million trips were estimated to have been made on
the National Cycle Network when the first 5,000 miles
opened in 2000. The figures show that 72 million are
now using those same 5,000 miles (an increase of
20%). With over 6,750 miles now complete (and with
similar amount of usage being shown on the new
sections) the total usage stands at 97.2 million.
Sustrans expects well over 100 million trips to be
made in 2003.
A Sustrans spokesperson said today: "This is great
news and evidence that our strategy to increase
cycling by providing a mixture of dedicated traffic-
free routes and quiet minor roads, on which
inexperienced cyclists can gain confidence, is paying
off. With thousands of bicycles having been
delivered by Santa this Christmas we can recommend
that those new to cycling try out their machines on
the National Cycle Network, especially the many
completely traffic-free sections."
The National Cycle Network was initiated with a
Lottery grant of £43.5 million from the Millennium
Commission to provide a legacy of new facilities for
walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users in the 21st
Century.
Sustrans’ website provides an up to date mapping
system showing the entire National Cycle Network and
with lots of advice and other information for new and
experienced cyclists
