OPINION
direction for the country. We were pleased to hear this from the Secretary of State and remain confident in the work we’ve carried out with our sector partners to shape this narrative. Elsewhere at the conference, active travel appeared in a range of contexts. From discussions on housing and secure cycle storage to panels linking transport to better public health. Labour has framed cycling and walking as part of a broader approach to fair and sustainable mobility, balancing the needs of different transport users. Although there is a clear difference between supportive panels at conference and the government’s action, it is obvious that the party is well aware of what needs to be done. Acting upon the ambition for active travel set out across the conference could have a real impact on the uptake of cycling, and in turn, demand for bikes. It is our job to keep the government on that positive path in the face of an unsettled political landscape.
Conservatives: Reflecting on priorities Following a fall from a 14-year run in government, the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester had a far more reflective tone this year. If the polls are to be believed, one of the most successful political parties in history is freewheeling towards comparative irrelevance. The Tories are facing an ominous litmus test next May with the Welsh Senedd, Holyrood and English local elections. The party has been clear that it is focusing on long-term renewal, and their Policy Renewal Programme is beginning to bear fruit, although we’ve not yet heard anything solid that relates to priorities Cycling UK believes will grow cycling, and with it, our economy.
While transport policy certainly didn’t dominate the agenda at the 2025 Conservative Party Conference, there were still references to cycling and walking in key speeches. During his main stage speech, newly appointed Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden
spoke of ensuring the importance of children being able to cycle freely and safely with their friends
‘CYCLING UK’S ROLE IS TO KEEP ENSURING THAT CYCLING
AND WALKING ARE SEEN NOT AS NICHE ISSUES, BUT AS ESSENTIAL PARTS OF MODERN TRANSPORT PLANNING. WHETHER FRAMED AROUND HEALTH, CONGESTION, COST OF LIVING OR COMMUNITY WELLBEING, ACTIVE TRAVEL DELIVERS BENEFITS THAT CROSS POLITICAL DIVIDES.’
after school. He underlined the right of travel choice - language that aligns with Cycling UK’s vision of giving people safe, realistic options for everyday journeys. At the same time, conference discussions were mainly focused on motorists’ concerns, sometimes veering into the false and unhelpful dichotomy of setting motorists against other road users. While cycling and walking were less prominent than in previous years, there were opportunities to reframe them as part of wider efforts to reduce congestion, improve local connectivity and support families’ transport needs.
Liberal Democrats: Linking transport and the environment Liberal Democrats are still bouncing
after their impressive performance in the 2024 General Election. With the
conference taking place in Bournemouth, the PHOTO BY QZHENG ON UNSPLASH
venue was teeming with positivity, but that didn’t hold the party back from pulling any punches in its criticism of their political rivals. For Cycling UK, the most pertinent part of the conference came as delegates debated motions on modal shift, women’s safety in transport and access to the outdoors. These are issues closely aligned with Cycling UK’s advocacy for safer and more inclusive travel, and we are pleased that they all passed. The motion, ‘This is Your Land,’ committed the party to expanding access to nature and green spaces. This echoes wider public interest in active travel as part of a healthier, greener lifestyle – something which could be huge for the cycling sector. While transport did not dominate the conference, the party’s broader commitments to tackling climate change and promoting wellbeing provide clear areas for engagement on cycling policy. Furthermore, the appointment of cycling supporter Olly Glover MP as the Lib Dems’ transport spokesperson is a very positive development, and we look forward to working with Olly in his new role.
www.bikebiz.com November 2025 | 49
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