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Bristol named UK's 'cycling city' Bristol named UK's 'cycling city'
(10 minutes later)
The government has announced that Bristol will be the UK's first official cycling city and there will be a further 11 cycling demonstration towns. They will share in a £100m investment package designed to increase cycling in each area. Bristol is to be the first place in the UK to share in a £100m government scheme aimed at encouraging cycling.
Bristol intends to double the number of people using bikes over the next three years. The city intends to double the number of cyclists over the next three years with a series of innovations.
It will create the UK's first major on-street bicycle rental network modelled on a successful scheme in Other areas involved are York, Stoke, Blackpool, Cambridge, Chester, Colchester, Leighton, Shrewsbury, Southend, Southport and Woking.
Paris. Among the features in Bristol will be the UK's first major bicycle rental network modelled on a scheme in Paris.
The 11 cycling demonstration towns will be Blackpool, Cambridge, Chester, Colchester, Leighton/Linslade, Shrewesbury, Southend-on-Sea, Southport with Ainsdale, Stoke, Woking and York. Trail blazing
The government is giving Bristol £11.4m to transform cycling by creating dedicated cycle lanes, better facilities and more training for children.
The local area will match this funding to bring the total investment package to around £23m.
Transport secretary Ruth Kelly said: "I am delighted to appoint Bristol as the UK's first ever cycling city. I am sure that Bristol's bold and ambitious plans will support cyclists and encourage more people to get on their bikes, get fit and beat the traffic.
"The first step in persuading people to leave their cars at home is to offer them a real choice.
"Bristol is leading the way. I hope that many more will follow its excellent example," she said.