Sheffield seeks active travel commissioner

Sheffield City Region has today announced plans to appoint its first Active Travel Commissioner. The post will cover all aspects of active travel schemes to be delivered across the region, as part of Sheffield City Region’s bid for a share of the government's Transforming Cities Fund.

Earlier this month, Sheffield City Region submitted six active travel and public transport schemes to the government for consideration under the Transforming Cities Fund.

Four of the schemes are to promote active travel in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. This includes the creation of cycle lanes, new cycle and pedestrian crossings, and a series of cycling and walking improvement works.

Sheffield City Region has bid for £9.3m from the government, to go alongside £6.3m in match funding. The total value of the six schemes is more than £15m.

Sheffield’s new commissioner will work closely with Mayor Dan Jarvis (pictured above) as well as local authorities, the Passenger Transport Executive, community groups and public health professionals, as well as national government.

Sheffield City Region is asking individuals or organisations that fit the detailed brief to submit their proposals.

Dan Jarvis says: “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, says: “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.”

Jack Windle from Love To Ride South Yorkshire says: “We know from talking to the public - to steelworkers, doctors, teachers and call centre staff over the last ten years - that people from all kinds of backgrounds want better ways to get around South Yorkshire, ways that are good for them, good for the economy and good for the health of the region. 

“The vision from Mayor Dan Jarvis is moving the powers that be in the right direction. Love to Ride will work closely with the new Commissioner and continue to support companies and individuals who want to make the changes we all need for a healthier, happier, greener South Yorkshire and a growing modern economy.”