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Mayor Dan Jarvis has officially ‘set the wheels in motion’ to appoint Sheffield City Region’s first active travel commissioner, Sheffield City Region News reports.
The commissioner will be an expert on aspects of active travel such as walking and cycling, and will work closely with Jarvis on his transport vision. Individuals or organisations are now being invited to submit their proposals.
Jarvis said: "Here in the Sheffield City Region, we will build a transport system that works for everyone. A vital part of this is enabling people to travel in a more active way, whether by foot, bike or public transport. By prioritising active travel, we can improve people’s health, cut carbon emissions and reduce congestion.
"Through my Mayoralty, we now have a clear vision. In December, I launched my Vision for Transport, which has active travel at its heart. We have also submitted funding proposals to the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund for four active travel schemes across South Yorkshire.
"Action is already being taken; but I’m stepping up efforts by seeking an active travel commissioner to take the lead on this important work. I look forward to appointing the commissioner and, together, delivering an ambitious plan that makes real improvements for residents, businesses and visitors to our region."
British Cycling policy manager Nick Chamberlin said: “As we have already seen in places like London and Manchester, active travel commissioners play an absolutely vital role in spearheading change and mobilising support for cycling and walking schemes.
“We have been really encouraged by Mayor Dan Jarvis’s commitment to making it easier for more people to walk and cycle journeys that they would otherwise make by car.
"We look forward to working with him and the new commissioner to help bring the Vision for Transport to life in the coming years.”
The active travel commissioner will work with organisations such as local authorities, the Passenger Transport Executive, community groups and public health professionals, as well as with national Government.
