Sarah McMonagle, director of external affairs at Cycling UK, said:

“Labour has promised a decade of national renewal, including building 1.5 million new homes. These new neighbourhoods will also need transport options fit for the future, not the roads-only network that typifies so many recent large housing developments, leaving people with no option but to rely on cars.

“These new homes must have excellent links to public transport, be close to the services people need, and designed and planned so that walking or cycling for short journeys are obvious, safe and attractive options for most people. Planning permission shouldn’t be granted without these elements designed in.

“But we needed to hear more from Louise Haigh today [10 October] about Labour’s long-term plans for transport – in particular, taking into account the needs of people and families who don’t have access to a car.

“Keir Starmer mentioned the need for bravery, and we now need Labour to demonstrate that bravery by setting out the party’s plans for a transport future that gives more people real opportunities to walk or cycle short journeys. That’s a far better way to tackle the cost-of-living and climate crises, but also to massively improve our health, wealth and wellbeing.”