CNP Disappointed with New Forest National Park Bike Scheme Rejection

The Campaign for National Parks is disappointed that the New Forest National Park Authority has turned down plans for a cycle hire scheme that could have made a real difference.to people’s travel choices. The £2m funding has been allocated by the Department for Transport as part of the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The scheme is part of a wider programme of initiatives to encourage visitors to the New Forest to leave their cars behind and explore the Park in ways that are less damaging to the natural environment.

We are aware of local concerns about mass bike rides but these should not have been allowed to influence the decision on a scheme which is aimed at encouraging a completely different type of cycling..

It is particularly disappointing as we lobbed for NPAs to have access to this funding.. When the local Sustainable Transport Fund was first proposed, it was only available to local highway authorities. We are calliing on the next Government to maintain the fund until at least 2021.