A CYCLING charity says the Government's new plans to get more Brits on their bikes could make cycling safer.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced £2 billion will be spent on cycling and walking schemes across the country to tackle obesity.

“To build a healthier, more active nation, we need the right infrastructure, training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels,” he said.

Sarah Leeming of cycling charity Sustrans said the move could help create a network of safe cycling routes in Brighton.

“Importantly, the Government has stated unless cycle routes are direct, safe, comfortable, attractive and link up with other routes, they will not receive funding," she said.

“So new routes being designed will need to be all of those things."

The Argus: Ms Leeming, of cycling charity Sustrans, said Brighton is in need of safer cycling routesMs Leeming, of cycling charity Sustrans, said Brighton is in need of safer cycling routes

The scheme includes creating more “school streets” which councils could close to through traffic during term time in a bid to reduce congestion.

The Government also plans to shift “moving traffic enforcement powers” from police to councils.

This would make local authorities responsible for punishing drivers who disregard one-way systems or enter cycle lanes.

Prime Minister Mr Johnson also plans to create 12 cycling hubs across the country dubbed “mini Hollands”.

Councils governing areas where cycling is low and there is “serious political commitment to dramatic change” will be able to apply for the scheme.

Winning areas will be given a cash injection to install segregated cycle lanes, create “low-traffic neighbourhoods” and extend space for pedestrians.

Ms Leeming, of Sustrans, said Brighton is in need of safer cycling routes.

The Argus: Brighton and Hove City Council has created multiple temporary cycle lanes in Brighton and Hove during the coronavirus pandemicBrighton and Hove City Council has created multiple temporary cycle lanes in Brighton and Hove during the coronavirus pandemic

“We have been pleased to see Brighton and Hove City Council’s commitment to trying out new options as a response to the Covid 19 pandemic,” she said.

“Brighton and Hove residents need a network of safe routes across the area – a combination of strategic cycle routes and liveable neighbourhoods without rat-running traffic.”

But Roger Lawson of the Alliance of British Drivers claimed the Government announcement was “discriminatory against vehicle owners”.

“Pushing cycling won’t help people lose weight, you’d have to cycle a hell of a long distance to lose weight,” he said.

“Cycling is still a minority interest. Too much money is being put into it.

“Car drivers contribute far more to tax. Everybody needs to share the roads.”

The news came after the city council revealed plans to create new cycle lanes on the seafront A259 and Preston Road in Brighton.