Calls for pavement parking to be banned have gained further traction following the release of a bombshell new report, which warns that many Britons cannot benefit from walking, cycling and engaging in active travel.
A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) is calling for urgent reforms to break barriers holding people back from active travel.
The report, from Dr. Tom Cohen and Dr. Ersilia Verlinghieri of the University of Westminster’s Active Travel Academy, highlights significant inequalities faced by disabled people, women, children, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and lower-income families.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group have set out nine recommendations for the Government to "improve social justice", including measures to crack down on pavement parking.
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Experts state that more needs to be done to protect pedestrians and cyclists
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Pavement parking is often noted as a key issue for people with disabilities and those using pushchairs to navigate pavements safely, with the Scottish Government already banning the practice around the country.
It states that the reduction of motor traffic volumes and promotion of high-quality infrastructure must be a "policy priority".
These road changes could include wide, unobstructed, accessible pavements or separated and safe cycle lanes to allow for safe cycle parking.
The APPGCW report, which is supported by British Cycling and Leigh Day, calls on the Government to respond to the overdue pavement parking consultation to make "unnecessary obstruction" a civil offence.
A large proportion of drivers support new legislation for pavement parking
GETTYThis would empower local authorities to enforce penalties and ensure accessible streets, following the conclusion of the consultation in November 2020.
The GOV.UK website still states that the Department for Transport is analysing the feedback, despite the consultation ending when Boris Johnson was still Prime Minister.
Fabian Hamilton MP, co-chair of the APPGCW, said: "Walking, wheeling, and cycling should be available to everyone, but right now, too many people are excluded.
"If we are serious about increasing active travel, we must address the systemic barriers that prevent millions from participating. This report provides clear, actionable solutions to make active travel truly inclusive. We will be working hard in Parliament to push for change."
Proposals included in the report call for more suitable walking and cycling spaces
APPGGCW
Another one of the key recommendations of to remove access control barriers from public cycleways, footpaths, parks and other amenities, in addition to strengthening action against the anti-social use of motorcycles.
The report details how access control barriers can often block people with disabilities and those who use non-standard cycles, while failing to stop motorcycle use.
It calls for new guidance to focus on inclusive design, removal of historic barriers which may not adhere to recommendations and launch new road rules to enforce punishments against illegal riding.
Rory McCarron, Senior Associate Solicitor and member of Leigh Day’s cycling team, said: "The APPGCW continues to do really important work, and I wholeheartedly welcome the recommendations made within this report to remove barriers for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
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The report calls for more to be done to make cycling and walking more accessible for all road users
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"As we continue to champion active travel, it is vital that we ensure the infrastructure is in place for our communities - so that everyone feels safe and confident for this to be a realistic option and for all to enjoy the many benefits of active travel which the report endorses."
Similarly, Caroline Julian, Brand and Engagement Director at British Cycling, said the people who stand to benefit the most from cycling are unable to take part because of systemic barriers.
She added: "We must ensure that cost, infrastructure, and safety concerns make walking, wheeling, and cycling truly accessible to all. Together with our partner, Leigh Day, we wholeheartedly support these recommendations and urge national and local governments to adopt them with urgency."
