England’s Mayors gather to pledge national walking, wheeling and cycling network, backed by Government

Ministers are backing a coalition of twelve of England’s Combined Authority Mayors who have signed an ambitious joint statement pledging to create a national active travel network, enabling millions of happier, healthier and greener journeys from Berwick to Bristol.

West Yorkshire’s Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire’s Oliver Coppard, York and North Yorkshire’s David Skaith, Hull and East Yorkshire’s Luke Campbell, the North East’s Kim McGuinness, the West of England’s Helen Godwin and the East Midlands’ Claire Ward met with National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, and the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, in York yesterday (1 July) to kickstart the plans.

Greater Manchester’s Mayor Andy Burnham, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow have also signed the pledge published today. In addition, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has added his signature in support of the agreement.

Launching in Autumn 2025, the programme will begin with Mayoral Combined Authorities agreeing an initial network of 3,500 miles of safer routes connecting housing to schools and high streets, targeting areas where health and air quality are poorest, helping to reduce stark health inequalities.

This will help more of their regions’ 20 million residents meet recommended activity levels, reducing risks of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression while supporting the Government’s Plan for Change by easing pressure on the NHS and boosting growth. The new routes and projects will focus on prevention rather than cure, by building health and wellbeing into everyday activities.

The multi-region project will begin work in around 1,000 schools, creating 300 safer routes for people walking, wheeling and cycling.

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