“It’s disappointing to see a government minister airbrushing out other road users such as cyclists and even buses in favor of drivers,” said London Cycling Campaign CEO Tom Fyans.
Fyans was responding to a video posted on X/Twitter on December 20 featuring U.K. transport secretary Mark Harper who claimed that cash for road resurfacing in London was for motorists.
“Potholes are a nuisance for everybody but for cyclists they increase the risk of serious injuries and even death in some circumstances,” Fyans added.
In today’s video message Harper said new money would be given to London’s local councils “to improve the quality of local roads all the way across Greater London.”
Mr. Harper added “we want to make sure we’re on the side of motorists. This government supports motorists.”
He did not mention cyclists or other road users.
Likewise, in a Department for Transport (DfT) press release on the announcement of cash for road resurfacing in London the majority of the statement concerned motorists.
The statement’s subhead said: “Funding to maintain the capital’s roads over the next 11 years will improve journey times and save motorists money on damage caused by potholes.”
“According to the RAC, motorists could save up to [$557] in repairs caused by poor road conditions,” continued the DfT press release also stating that “a recent survey from the AA shows that fixing potholes and investing in roads maintenance is a priority for 96% of drivers.”
While two motoring organisations were featured in the press release there were no cycling organisations.
It was only at the base of the release that the DfT added that “smoother road surfaces will make it safer and easier for cyclists to use roads with greater confidence.”
Cycling UK has been at the forefront of pothole campaigning for many years. While motorists suffer damage to their cars from potholes, cyclists often lose their lives when hitting such road defects.
Sarah McMonagle, Cycling UK’s director of external affairs said:
“Potholes are a major problem for all road users, not just those who drive. While car users might face an expensive trip to the garage after plunging into a pothole, people who cycle run the risk of death or life changing injuries.”
She added:
“The recent increase in funding announced to fix potholes in England is welcome, but doesn’t go far enough to mend our broken roads. Perhaps just as importantly, local authorities are still waiting for clarity regarding when this funding will be available. The additional funding is long overdue so we’re urging the government to allocate the money now – so councils can get on with the urgent job of fixing our roads.”
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