Mayor met with Chris Boardman, the
National Active Travel Commissioner yesterday (Tuesday
16th
September), to explore opportunities
for how the region can accelerate better active travel to create
healthier and more convenient transport choices
for residents.
The discussion focused on improving
infrastructure for walking, wheeling and cycling to make it
safer, more accessible and attractive to communities - these
improvements are key to building a fully integrated transport
network.
The visit highlighted the need for
continued investment and partnership working with government to
improve active travel infrastructure and create more joined-up
routes which connect more people and places. The Mayor and
Commissioner spoke about the benefits of reduced congestion,
economic and quality of life
benefits.
The Combined Authority's emerging
strategy sets out an ambitious vision for transforming active
travel across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by 2050. It focuses
on three core outcomes: enhancing the region's active travel
network, empowering people with greater choice in how they travel
and delivering meaningful social and environmental
benefits.
Key objectives include improving
public health and wellbeing, reducing reliance on private
vehicles and ensuring fairer, more inclusive access to public
transport options for all communities. Over the next two
years, eight dedicated walking, wheeling and cycling schemes will
be rolled out with a particular focus on supporting school-aged
children to travel independently. These initiatives will include
the implementation of safer crossings and improved infrastructure
around school footfall zones. This aims to improve safety, reduce
rural isolation and form long-term active travel habits from an
early age.
With Cambridge already
recognised as UK's ‘cycling capital' thanks to its flat terrain,
extensive cycle routes and strong cycling culture, the wider
region is well positioned to build on this success and expand its
walking and cycling infrastructure.
Mayor said,
“Active travel isn't just about
getting from A to B, it's about offering people real choice and
creating better-connected communities. My conversation with
Chris was about how we make
walking, cycling and wheeling a natural part of everyday journeys
across the region.
“Alongside our councils and other
partners, we want to ensure better routes that people want to
use, whether that's just to go for a walk, or to cycle to school
or to get to work. By improving choice and accessibility, we can
make Cambridgeshire and Peterborough healthier, wealthier and
happier.”
National Active Travel
Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said:
“It was a pleasure to visit
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority today to catch
up with Mayor Bristow. We are very much in agreement that making
active travel a safe and easy everyday option means millions more
people, young and old, will get more choice in how they move
around the region. And what makes it easy and safe is quality
walking, wheeling and cycling
infrastructure.
“There is a lot of evidence that shows
that coherent networks connect people with local businesses and
shops, support local economies, reduce congestion costs, and
create jobs. Not to mention quietly improving the health of the
local population. So, for a region focused on growth and
opportunity, these infrastructure investments represent excellent
value for money.
“The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
region has fantastic potential to become a model for other
combined authorities, showing how strategic partnership working
can deliver seamless active travel networks. With the right
investment and political leadership, active travel can be made
the natural choice for everyday journeys throughout the
region.
“I'm delighted to support Mayor
Bristow's vision for a more connected, sustainable region where
everyone can enjoy the freedom that comes with safe, accessible
walking, wheeling and cycling
routes.”
