David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has today welcomed the publication of ambitious new national targets to make it safer and easier to walk, wheel and cycle.
Set out in the Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, the targets include:
- 60% of children to walk, wheel or cycle to school
- 55% of all short journeys in towns and cities are walked or cycled by 2035
He said:
“Whether it's getting to school, travelling to work or visiting local shops and services, people need safe and convenient routes that make walking, wheeling and cycling a genuine choice.
"Active travel is about far more than how we get from A to B – it helps improve our health, supports local businesses, reduces congestion and connects people to jobs, schools and opportunities.
"That's why I’ve made investment in active travel a priority. We’ve recently awarded funding to nearly 40 schemes that will tackle some of the biggest barriers to active travel through my £4 million Active Travel Fund.
“We’ve also ringfenced a further £30 million over the next four years to support safer streets, helping to make the school run safer for parents and their children and giving more families the confidence to choose walking, wheeling and cycling.
"The Government's ambition for active travel reflects the difference that well-designed, people-focused streets can make. By making it easier, safer and more attractive for people to walk, wheel and cycle as part of their everyday lives we can create healthier neighbourhoods, safer journeys and stronger communities across our region."
