Modeshift attended the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) in Westminster this week to showcase the impact of the Active Travel Ambassadors (ATA) programme.
The event brought together MPs, peers, schools and active travel partners to hear directly from young people leading change in their communities.
Young people share the impact of active travel
Active Travel Ambassadors from Hinde House Academy in Sheffield and King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls in Birmingham spoke about their experiences in the programme.
The students shared how the ATA programme has helped them:
- Campaign for safer school journeys
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Influence change in their schools and communities
- Prepare for future careers
- Create new opportunities and experiences
Their passion and confidence inspired everyone in the room.
The session was chaired by Baroness Barker and attended by Rachael Maskell MP and Andy MacNae MP.
Olympic champion Ed Clancy OBE and Professor Ian Walker also supported the event alongside Team Modeshift.
ATA programme continues to grow
The Active Travel Ambassadors programme has expanded rapidly since launching four years ago.
The programme now includes:
- 7 regions
- 31 local authorities
- 114 schools
- 1,331 Active Travel Ambassadors
- More than 120,000 secondary school students
Modeshift Chief Executive Officer, Nick Butler said:
‘I’m incredibly gratified to see that the opportunities that the ATA proposals committed to deliver back in 2022 are now being delivered in a meaningful and tangible way. It was immensely rewarding to hear from young people about the real impact that the ATA programme is already having, including creating work experience opportunities, raising attainment in exams, and helping them prepare more confidently for future careers.
Seeing the hard work of the team and students brought to life has renewed my optimism for the future. The ATAs were a credit to the programme and their schools.’
Creating future active travel leaders
Chris Pryor, ATA Programme Manager, said:
‘The students represented their schools brilliantly and showed exactly why youth voice matters in active travel. It was inspiring to hear young people speak with such confidence about the changes they are leading in their schools and communities.’
The event highlighted the growing importance of youth-led active travel programmes and the role young people play in creating healthier, safer and more sustainable everyday journeys.
LINKS
Find out more about the Active Travel Ambassadors programme.
