Plymouth City Council has appointed a walking and cycling champion to promote and encourage more active travel.
Providing cleaner, greener and healthier ways for people to get around Plymouth is one of the Council’s top priorities and, in his new role, Councillor John Stephens will be aiming to get more people walking, wheeling and cycling, both for their everyday journeys and for leisure.
He will work alongside Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure, in identifying and bringing about improvements to make active travel easier and raising awareness of the support that is available.
“Walking, wheeling and cycling are great ways to stay fit and healthy, save money and explore the city, while also helping to improve local air quality,” Councillor Stephens said. “We want to ensure that these are appealing travel options for everyone, by providing the routes, infrastructure and support they need.
“As well as helping to guide our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, I will be working to promote the practical support on offer for people keen to make more journeys on foot or by bike, such as free cycle training, bike maintenance, led rides and a whole range of online resources.
“I’ll also be supporting local safety schemes and improvements that make it easier to walk, cycle and use mobility scooters and wheelchairs, such as new and improved crossings, footways and cycleways, as well as initiatives such as Safer School Streets and the Bike It Plus programme for schools.”
Councillor Mark Coker added: “We want to increase the number of trips made on foot or by cycle in Plymouth and that means ensuring there is a comprehensive network of routes that everyone feels confident using, regardless of their level of experience or physical ability.
“Active travel has so many benefits – it is low-cost, it is great for your health and wellbeing and it helps to reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality.
“I look forward to working with Councillor Stephens, as well as key partners and stakeholders like Sustrans and Plymouth Cycling Campaign, to maximise walking and cycling opportunities in Plymouth and encourage more people to give them a go, more often.”
The latest Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Plymouth can be viewed at www.plymouth.gov.uk/local-cycling-and-walking-infrastructure-plan.
