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Newcastle to become a modern cycling city with £10.6 million government investment

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has revealed that Newcastle is one of eight UK cities set to benefit from a £114 million government investment in cycling.

The city will receive £10.6 million, with the funding engineered to make things easier and safer for people to get on their bikes.

Specifically, money will be used to help each city deliver plans to get more people cycling by improving and expanding cycle routes between the city centres, local communities and key employment and retail spots.

At the cycling summit last year, attended by cycling experts and businesses from across the country, the Deputy Prime Minister also announced a £100 million investment to improve the conditions for cyclists and walkers travelling alongside and crossing Britain’s most important and busiest roads – what’s called the Strategic Road Network.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “We are in the midst of a cycling revolution in the UK but we need to make sure we’re in the right gear to see it through. That’s why I’m so pleased to announce this investment for these major cities to make it easier for people to get around on 2 wheels.

“With the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and the Tour de France in Yorkshire last year still fresh in our minds, this money can help Britain become a cycling nation to rival the likes of Denmark and the Netherlands.

“Research shows us that boosting cycling could save billions of pounds otherwise spent on the NHS, reduce pollution and congestion, and create a happier and safer population.”

Cycling Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Cycling is great for your health and good for the environment, and this government is doing all it can to help more people get out on their bikes.

“We have doubled the amount of money available for cycling and taken steps to make sure that future governments plan properly for cycling.

“This investment shows our continued commitment to making cycling even easier and safer, and our ambition to help make these cities better for cycles.”

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