Minister for transport, Kim Howells, has announced new measures to increase levels of cycling and walking in Britain.

Walking & Cycling: an Action Plan aims to promote both forms of exercise as healthy and convenient ways to travel.

The government estimates that around 60 per cent of men and 70 per cent of women are currently not physically active enough to benefit their health. Walking and cycling are seen as offering the opportunity to build moderate, pleasant exercise into people’s everyday routines.

New measures will include a programme of new links to extend the National Cycle Network to hundreds of schools; an investment of over £500,000 to upgrade cycle provision at 200 rail stations; improved promotion of walking and cycling both locally and nationally; a new web portal and an amendment to the Traffic Management Bill to make cycling safer in towns and cities.

Howells said: “The action plan, with more than 40 practical actions from across and beyond government, is evidence of our commitment to walking and cycling.

“It will help to provide an environment in which walking and cycling are viable and safe. They both offer tremendous health, transport and social benefits, as well as being enjoyable means of getting around. We want more people to choose to walk and cycle more often.” Details: www.nationalcyclingstrategy.org.uk