Daniel Zeichner named Labour’s cycling spokesman

The MP for Cambridge, Daniel Zeichner, has been named Labour’s cycling spokesman following the "Labour cyclists" fringe meeting at the party conference in Brighton, reports BikeBiz. Zeichner’s predecessor as Cambridge MP, Julian Huppert, was the Liberal Democrats’ cycling spokesman as well as being co-chair of the All-party Parliamentary Cycling Group.

In a pre-election pledge made to the Cambridge Cycling Campaign Zeichner said he was determined to lead efforts to expand cycling both in Cambridge and across the UK.

Describing himself as ‘a keen cyclist’, he said he wanted to see cycling skills taught in primary and secondary schools. “I would like cycling to be regarded as the normal, first choice of transport and would like people not only to be cycling when of school age but to become lifelong cyclists.”

Zeichner also wants to see a commitment by central government to year on year investment in infrastructure that includes comprehensive networks of segregated cycle routes and eradication of dangerous junctions.

Earlier today, both he and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Lilian Greenwood, joined CTC, the national cycling charity, as well as Bricycles, the Brighton and Hove cycle campaign group, for a ride in support of Space for Cycling. The national Space for Cycling campaign aims to create the conditions where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can cycle safely.

Greenwood said:

“I’m delighted to join Bricycles and CTC in Brighton. I am determined that Labour will be a strong voice for cyclists in Parliament, especially as we approach a critical point in the Government’s policy development. We will be holding ministers to their promise to produce a meaningful cycling and walking investment strategy that sets out clear, long term funding – as well as pressing the case for restoring national safety targets.

“Campaigners have made great advances in recent years, but I know as a regular cyclist that there is still a long way to go.”

Sam Jones, CTC Campaigns and Communications Coordinator said:

“It’s great to see the new Labour Transport team coming out in support of cycling down in Brighton. There’s cross party support in Westminster, and now more than ever we need to see all parties working together to get Britain cycling. This means the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy must have funding of at least £10 per head, and the national design standards to ensure the money is well spent on space for cycling.”