Active Travel England advisory panel leans on England’s CMO

Active Travel England has announced the creation of a new advisory panel consisting of Chief Medical Officer Sir Christopher Whitty, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, Chair of the Office for Rail and Road Declan Collier and Arup’s Global Transport Lead Isabel Dedring.

Thrust into the spotlight during the regular televised Covid-19 briefings, Chris Whitty said that “Active Travel England’s mission is shared by the health service,” adding “We all want to see more people incorporating active travel into their day as a way to keep mentally and physically fit.” Whitty was previously also the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser.

Active Travel England has been moving quickly in recent weeks, appointing steadily in the face of political uncertainty that may still come to threaten the new Department for Transport offshoot’s very existence. Various cycling orgs have been quick to call on the Conservatives, no matter who their leader may be, to maintain and even improve upon pledges in the Gear Change document and, fearing cuts, provide appropriate funding.

Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: “Active Travel England will be best placed to succeed as a delivery agency if it closely collaborates with local Mayors as well as both Combined and Local Authorities. That’s why I’m looking forward to helping ensure that ATE can make a real and rapid difference across England. Enabling more local trips to be taken on foot or on wheels can improve the journey experience, encourage a healthier lifestyle and help us to tackle the climate emergency. Increasing walking and cycling uptake is central to our vision to establish a truly integrated transport network here in the West Midlands and can support local economic growth by breathing new life into our high streets.”

Arup’s Global Transport Leader and former Deputy Mayor of London, Isabel Dedring, added: “Delivering a step change in active travel requires focus and determination, but it also requires attention to detail, meaningful engagement with communities and their real needs, and integration with the wider transport network. The UK is seen as a leader in many aspects of progressive transport policy and has a fantastic chance through Active Travel England to retain its position as a leader in this rapidly developing area.”

Chair of the Office of Rail and Road, Declan Collier, concluded: “Making local trips, either on foot or on two wheels, is a great way to boost physical health and also mental wellbeing. For those wanting to do their walking or cycling further afield, England’s rail and road networks will get you there. I look forward to getting started and working together with the other panel members to bring about positive change in people’s lives.”