An active travel strategy is set to be drawn up in North Yorkshire to make walking, cycling, and other sustainable transport options a priority across the county.
North Yorkshire Council has agreed to look at setting out a vision for the strategy.
The initiative was put forward by Liberal Democrat councillors at a meeting last week.
Councillor Hannah Gostlow, who represents the Knaresborough East division, proposed a motion calling for the development of a comprehensive active travel strategy to improve public health, local economies, air quality, and community connectivity, as well as help to tackle congestion and contribute to the council’s climate goals.
Cllr Gostlow highlighted rising childhood obesity rates in North Yorkshire, which are now higher than the national average, and urged the council to take responsibility for shaping healthier environments for future generations.
Councillors agreed to a working party being formed to look at the issue, with its findings being fed into the new local transport plan.
Cllr Gostlow said:
“This is a small but welcome step forward. We need to stop waiting for national directives and start making active travel a strategic priority now.
“This isn’t just about transport; it’s about healthier people, healthy places, stronger communities, and a thriving local economy.
“If we want people to lead healthy lives, and be healthier in later life, we must enable healthier choices from the very beginning. We are these children’s local authority. Their schools, their communities, their environment and it’s on us.”
Speaking on the issue, Councillor Keane Duncan, executive member for highways and transportation, said the council was committed to developing an active travel strategy.
He added:
“First we need to develop the local transport plan.
“We’re going to work with the combined authority on this key strategic document — at the end of the day, they are the transport authority, not us.
“They will take the lead and we expect work on this to start this year.”
Cllr Duncan said the authority had secured two pots of funding of £1.23m and £370,000 for active travel schemes.
He added:
“We have schemes ready to be delivered using that funding and we also have local cycling and walking infrastructure plans agreed already all major settlements in North Yorkshire."
£40 million investment proposal to include upgrades to Skipton Leisure Centre
Pumpkin Patch and Halloween trail to be held in Skipton
Skipton landmarks light up purple for World Polio Day
Local Christmas tree sale to raise money for Spinal Research
Guide: Where to celebrate Bonfire night near Skipton
Spectacular Bronze Age find goes on show in Skipton
Council chiefs call for measures to stop councillor allowances used as 'political football'
Skipton Together FC kick off season of support for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice
Runners in Skipton to raise awareness for women's campaign
Northern sees record demand with over 8 million journeys in a month
North Yorkshire Police to launch roadside eye test for drivers
Puregym confirms opening date in Skipton
New settlements needed to meet North Yorkshire housing targets, say council chiefs
Skipton boy poses with celebs at Pride of Britain Awards
Have your say about improvements to Sharphaw play area in Skipton
Skipton encouraged to use new grant to tackle isolation
Prime Minister welcomes inspirational Skipton boy at Downing Street
Harry Potter filming takes over Skipton streets
Met Office issues yellow weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds
Volunteers and veterans restore Beamsley Beacon Memorial
