Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has pledged to help deliver a landmark national network for walking, wheeling and cycling alongside the other regional Mayors – a bold commitment to healthier, greener and more connected communities.
The pledge, backed by Government and Active Travel England, marks a major step forward in creating safer, more active transport options across the country.
Mayor Claire Ward joined fellow leaders including West Yorkshire’s Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire’s Oliver Coppard, the North East’s Kim McGuinness, and others in York to sign a joint statement alongside National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman and the UK’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty.
The programme, set to launch in Autumn 2025, will begin with an initial 3,500 miles of safe active travel routes across the country, focused on areas with the poorest health and air quality. The East Midlands is expected to be a key delivery region, targeting new links between housing, schools, and economic hubs to support growth and reduce inequality.
Mayor Claire Ward is leading the way on this initiative, driving forward innovative plans that position the East Midlands as a national exemplar for active travel infrastructure and community health.
Nationally, the plan will support over 20 million residents across the Mayoral Combined Authority regions to meet recommended activity levels, cutting risks of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression. The network also aligns with the Government’s Plan for Change by easing NHS pressures and enhancing regional productivity.
The first wave will focus on transforming school commutes, with around 1,000 schools nationally set to benefit and 300 safer routes introduced. In the East Midlands, early investment will support school streets and traffic-calming measures, reflecting the region’s ongoing efforts to champion clean and healthy living.
The joint mayoral commitment includes:
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to transform how people move through their communities. By making walking, wheeling, and cycling safer, more accessible, and better connected, we can create a national active travel network that reaches 20 million people.”
“Active travel is a team sport, and by working with local authorities and national partners, we’ll link homes, schools, public transport and green spaces—breaking down barriers to physical activity and supporting healthier, cleaner and more vibrant neighbourhoods across England. In the East Midlands, I am leading by example by challenging myself to walk The Loop – a 154-mile active travel route that encompasses my entire region. I want people to see how easy it is to get out and about.”