Parliamentarians walk and wheel event highlights street design
Parliamentarians attended the Parliamentary Walk and Wheel event, organised by the All-Part Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) and ended at The Crown Estate offices.
The event kicked off at Parliament Square and continued down through Queen Anne’s Gate and St James Park before going through The Mall, Waterloo Place, Charles 2nd Street, and St James’s Market. MPs, Peers, executive members of councils and other organisation leaders took part in their bid to draw attention to accessibility for walking and wheeling.
After last year’s inaugural success, the event aimed to build on the headway last year’s success had and encourage more people to engage in active travel when possible. This can be further achieved by transforming high-profile public spaces and street, with improved accessibility and inclusion being factored into street design.
Andy MacNae MP, treasurer of the APPG for Cycling and Walking said: “We are delighted that the second Parliamentary Walk/Wheel was such a success and are proud to see it becoming an annual event, much like the Parliamentary bike ride. Joined by MPs, Peers, councillors, and representatives from other organisations, we highlighted both the joys and challenges of walking and wheeling in our streets and heard encouraging plans for future improvements.”
MacNae said: “Walking is a vital mode of transport, and we thank Westminster Council, the Lord Mayor, the Crown Estate, Footways, the University of Westminster, and Living Streets for their support in making this event possible.”
Clare Harrison, development director at The Crown Estate, said: “At The Crown Estate we believe the public spaces between our buildings are just as important as the buildings themselves. They provide a huge opportunity to help tackle some of the biggest challenges currently facing our cities, including the health and wellbeing of our visitors and residents.”
Harrison added: “It was fantastic to come together with such a range of people for the annual Parliamentary Walk and Wheel to think about how we can make our urban public spaces better suited for active travel, ultimately benefitting all those who interact with them.”
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, The Lord Mayor of Westminster, said: “I was delighted to take part in the now annual Parliamentary Walk and Wheel. We are fortunate to have history around every street corner in Westminster, which makes it a great location to explore.”
Dimoldenberg added: “This year, I’d like to be known as the ‘Walking Lord Mayor’ to champion something I’m truly passionate about. Walking isn’t just good for our physical health; it’s a simple and fantastic way to learn more about the local area and take time for reflection and wellbeing. This event highlights how easy it is to use the pavements and cycleways, so I’d encourage everyone to get active.’’
Previously, the All-Party group launched an inquiry into limiting barriers to active travel.
