The Transport Committee have questioned senior officials from Active Travel England (ATE) about the Government’s plans to promote cycling and walking. 

Linked to the DfT, ATE provides capital funding and advice to local authorities for designing and building active travel infrastructure.  It promotes active lifestyles and low-carbon forms of transport, including pedal-cycles, e-cycles, adapted cycles and push-scooters, as well as wheelchairs and mobility scooters used by people with accessibility needs.  

It is also a legal requirement for ATE to be consulted when plans are drawn up for new large housing projects. 

In the session, MPs questioned how ATE can help the Government and councils most effectively spend £3.2bn budgeted for active travel improvements across the country by 2030. 

The cross-party Committee questioned how concerns about safety and other barriers to active travel can be overcome, as well as how ATE could help improve negative perceptions of initiatives such as low-traffic neighbourhoods, cycle lanes and other interventions. 

There were questions about how active travel can be promoted among women, disabled people and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

Witnesses, including National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman (pictured), were also asked about examples of active travel innovations such as ‘mini Holland’ roundabouts, the national e-cycles support scheme, and about active travel social prescribing pilots, where GPs will be able to issue prescriptions that help patients take up walking, wheeling and cycling. 

To watch a recording of the 2-hour evidence session, click HERE.

Pic: Courtest ParliamentLiveTV