A Kent cycling forum has backed the government's £2billion plan to make England a cycling and walking nation.

Dartford and Gravesham Cyling Forum have been campaigning for safer biking and active travel throughout the two boroughs for four years.

Now, they're backing the Prime Minister's cycling and walking plan, which was published on Monday.

It proposes a number of actions to do this, including improving the streets for cycling and people, putting cycling and walking at the heart of decision-making, empowering and encouraging local authorities and enabling people to cycle and protecting them when they do.

Dartford and Gravesham Cycling Forum is calling on councils to "take hold of this opportunity" and promote cycling.

Member Gary Outram said: "I hope this will be the catalyst that Kent County Council needs to make it's existing Local Transport Plan 4 Countywide Priority to create 'a pioneering county for active travel' a reality."

Amanda Garford, another member of the forum, said: "We have long known the benefits of active travel in health, environment, local economy, climate change, well being and more.

"So what is it that stops people? In our experience, many times it is the infrastructure. Busy roads, cycle tracks that just stop, nowhere to securely leave a bike and hostility to those on a bicycle.’

The group is now calling for "action and words" and wants to see Kent become an active travel county.

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