Motorists may have an opportunity to lower their insurance premiums if a new Department for Transport proposal is passed.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman recently unveiled a plan that would look into the possibility of insurers giving discounts for motorists who take and pass a national cycling training programme, as reported by The Guardian.
The programme, called Bikeability, has three levels and trains motorists to be better aware of cyclists on the road. The BBC reported that 100 cyclists died on UK roads last year, which underscores the need for measures that prevent collisions and accidents.
“Greater road safety – and especially the protection of vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders – is essential,” said Norman. “We want to improve air quality, encourage healthy exercise, reduce obesity and boost our high streets and economic productivity.
“That means more support for cycling and walking, and that’s what these new measures are designed to deliver.”
The proposal is part of a wider set of 50 measures that encourage ‘active travel’ by reducing the number of cycling casualties in the country. Other measures include appointing a spokesperson as a cycling ‘champion,’ and funding a way for police to analyse footage from dashcams sent in by the public.
While supporting the proposals, Paul Tuohy, chief executive of Cycling UK, stressed the need for a holistic approach that involves other ministries.
“Lowering vehicle speeds around people walking, cycling and horse riding doesn’t just reduce the danger to them, but also their perception of the danger,” Tuohy told The Guardian.
“If we want more people cycling and walking in England, and enjoying the consequential health, environmental and economic benefits, it’s clear the Department for Transport needs support from across Whitehall. Other departments – health, justice, local communities and government all need to start mucking in and working with the DfT.
“Every department will share in the benefits of more people cycling and walking, so it’s only right that they should actively support the DfT, financially and administratively, to help to make this happen.”
