More than £32 million is being invested in the North East and Yorkshire to improve road safety and promote cycling—especially for women—as the region hosts Stage 2 of the Lloyds Tour of

Britain Women, the UK’s biggest women’s cycling race.

Key investments:

£20 million to resurface pothole-ridden roads across the region—part of a nationwide £500 million package to tackle potholes.

Nearly £13 million to build new cycle lanes and pavements in the North East—funded through a national £291 million package to expand active travel infrastructure.

These upgrades are expected to make cycling safer and more appealing, especially for women who are disproportionately affected by poor road conditions. A Cycling UK survey revealed that 58% of women cite safety concerns and inadequate infrastructure as barriers to cycling, with 36% specifically pointing to poor road surfaces.

Ministerial support:

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood visited Saltburn-by-the-Sea today (6 June 2025) to meet with local schools, cycling clubs, and female cycling advocates during the race. Her visit highlights the government’s broader commitment to safer, more accessible roads and a national shift towards healthier, more active travel.

“Safer roads mean safer spaces to cycle. The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women is a fantastic way to show women and girls the power of cycling and the difference it can make to their lives.

By investing in better roads, we’re delivering our Plan for Change – encouraging more women and girls to hop on a bike, easing pressure on the NHS and building healthier, stronger communities”, said Greenwood.

Nationwide impact:

The government’s broader £1.6 billion road resurfacing fund will repair an estimated 7 million potholes across the country. The benefits extend beyond safety: better infrastructure is expected to reduce sick days by 43,000 annually and generate £1.4 billion in economic value.

Championing women’s cycling:

Lizzie Deignan MBE, Olympic silver medallist and world champion, said: “I am incredibly passionate about getting more women and girls on bikes, whatever their background or ability. The benefits of cycling are vast, from improving your health, meeting new people and developing new skills and confidence.

Having better cycling infrastructure across the UK will definitely break down barriers, which currently prevent women and girls from participating in cycling.

Programmes like British Cycling’s Breeze and Go-Ride clubs are reaching out to local communities and creating opportunities to make it easier for women and girls to access cycling, so we can enable safe and fun environments to make sure that everyone can enjoy the freedom of riding a bike.

With more investment in our roads and cycle lanes, programmes like this can go further as we bring the joy of cycling to more people across the country”.

Caroline Julian, Director of Brand and Engagement at British Cycling, said:

“Significant barriers still exist that prevent many people from accessing the health, economic and social benefits that cycling brings. We know from our research that road safety is the biggest reason that holds people back from getting on a bike. This is, unfortunately, particularly the case for women.

We are encouraged to see the significant government investment in road and cycle lane infrastructure in the north-east and Yorkshire regions. Investing in infrastructure and places to ride, alongside strengthened promotion and enforcement of the Highway Code, is of critical importance to make cycling accessible to all”.

RAC Senior Policy Officer, Rod Dennis, said:

“Whether on two wheels or four, the quality of the nation’s roads must be improved to make journeys smoother and safer. It’s crucial now that councils use this cash as effectively as possible.

While dangerous potholes must be filled quickly, councils need to do more surface dressing work to ensure decent roads stay in a better state for longer and resurface those that are beyond repair”.

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards, Nicholas Lyes, said:

“Poorly maintained roads are not just a nuisance, they are a road safety hazard, particularly for those on two wheels. We welcome this additional funding that focuses not just on smoother surfaces but safer infrastructure, which will improve journey choice for people”. Photo by Jan Brennenstuhl, Wikimedia commons.