Cycle Yorkshire, the official legacy campaign of the Tour de France Grand Depart, has announced an ambitious aim to give everyone in Yorkshire access to a bicycle by 2023.

This is one of several objectives set by Cycle Yorkshire, that they hope will help realise their vision of Yorkshire as ‘a great region for safe cycling’ and ‘the best place for cycling’ in the UK.

Cycle training, development of a regional cycle hire network, a program of high-profile and participatory events, and increasing support for grass-roots community led initiatives are all other objectives of the plan.

However, there is no additional government funding to support this ambition, with only the funding already allocated to the Cycle Yorkshire campaign available. The hope is that private sector sponsorship will provide the financial support required to realise the dream.

Although we support this plan, it’s difficult to see how it will come to fruition without strong financial backing and political will. The Tour de France Grand Depart has generated significant interest and support, and ensuring this legacy provides lasting change is an opportunity not to be missed.

We’ve seen from other areas how grass-roots initiatives can make a huge difference in encouraging more people to get into cycling. Cycle Yorkshire have recognised the contribution endeavours like Breeze and GoRide make and pledged continued and increasing support, which is something we’re happy to see.

We hope that funding can be found to bring this dream to life.