Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of (a) introducing subsidies for and (b) increasing the availability of adaptable or non-standard bicycles for people with mobility issues who require adapted models.

It is essential that as wide a range of people as possible have the opportunity to take up cycling, in all its forms. On 28 July the Prime Minister launched ambitious plans to boost cycling and walking which included a £2 billion package of funding for active travel over the next 5 years. The Plan includes a commitment to increasing access to e-cycles (including adapted e-cycles) by setting up a new national e-cycle support programme, to help those who are older, have to travel longer distances, or are less able to take up conventional pedal cycling.

On 18 November the Department also announced a £1m E-Cycle Extension fund which will support programmes to increase the use of e-cycles, including adapted e-cycles, within a number of local authority areas over the coming months, as a way of helping to inform decisions on the national programme.

These measures are part of a broader approach which includes ensuring that cycle infrastructure should be accessible to everyone. This will help bring non-traditional groups to cycling, including older and disabled people. The Department’s guidance on the Cycle to Work scheme was also revised in 2019 to make clear that more expensive cycles, including adapted cycles, could be supported under the scheme.

The Department will keep under review the case for further support for adapted and non-standard bicycles.