Further steps forward on active travel in West

Chris Boardman, the National Active Travel Commissioner, visited the West today – praising progress on walking, wheeling, and cycling, and welcoming our region’s plans for the future.

Welcomed by the new Mayor of the West of England and joined by the deputy leader of Bristol City Council, Chris enjoyed a walking tour of work to deliver more pedestrian-friendly routes including Bristol Bridge, Baldwin Street, King Street, and Redcliffe Bridge. The projects visited have been delivered thanks to transport funding from government, Active Travel England, the combined authority, and the city council. They also saw ongoing work on Victoria Street, due to be complete by April 2026, and Prince Street Bridge, where plans to change the arrangements to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians are set to be delivered by March 2027.

The visit followed Helen Godwin joining mayors from across England and Chris at the start of the month to set out their ambition for a national active travel network, and news of a record £752 million secured for better transport across the West announced last month. At last week’s joint meeting of the new mayor and council leaders from across the West, Helen also welcomed the £616 million committed to active travel nationally in the Chancellor’s Spending Review which has yet to be allocated.

That meeting here in the West also saw £4.7 million approved for better walking and cycling in and around Bath Quays, working with Bath & North East Somerset Council. Plans were also backed for further such investment across the West of England, including for six new School Streets, which Helen backed as a Bristol councillor, and 21 more cycle hangars. Proposals to invest in Staple Hill, Kingswood, Twerton, and Oldfield Park also secured the endorsement of the new mayor and council leaders.

Helen also took the time to highlight South Gloucestershire Council’s work in installing green painted cycle lanes, which could set an example for the rest of the region, and to invite Chris to return to visit Bath Quays.

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said:

“It’s been a pleasure to welcome Chris Boardman to the West so soon after the Mayors’ active travel summit at the start of the month. Heather and I were glad to showcase just some of what’s been delivered in Bristol over recent years, including pedestrian-friendly King Street and cycle lane improvements on Bristol Bridge and Redcliffe Bridge.

“We all want Olympic-gold-standard walking, wheeling, and cycling routes here for people’s everyday journeys. Active travel is an important part of how people can get around, with real health benefits. It also cuts pollution, which we here in the West Country really care about. With council leaders, I welcome the £616 million committed by the government for active travel investment across the UK over the next four years, and look forward to making the case for our share of that landmark investment.

“Getting the basics right now by improving our walking and cycling infrastructure, and fixing our roads and bridges, will lay the foundations for a better transport system overall for our part of the world. We secured £752 million for that next stage in the recent Spending Review. That means that the West can get out of the slow lane on transport and start to catch up with other city-regions. That’s about active travel, as well as better buses, more trains, and mass transit – with trams and much more on the table.”

Chris Boardman, the National Active Travel Commissioner, said:

“It’s been fantastic to see the impressive work being done in Bristol to make walking, wheeling and cycling a safer, more attractive choice for getting around.

“Active travel provides crucial opportunities to build fresh air and free exercise into day-to-day lives and by making it easier for everyone to do, we’ll ensure we make great strides in improving the nation’s health and boosting local economies.

“The West of England Combined Authority’s plans are a shining example of how regions across England are being empowered to make their areas happier, healthier and greener and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the vast benefits they will provide for years to come.”

Councillor Heather Mack, the Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, said:

“Active travel is at the heart of our vision for a healthier, more sustainable Bristol. Creating more opportunities for people to walk, wheel, and cycle across our city on dedicated active travel infrastructure delivers tangible benefits from reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions to improving public health and fostering a sense of community. I’m delighted to have had the chance to spend time with Helen and Chris exploring the types of investment we’re delivering to bring new infrastructure to our city that supports active travel.

“Our ongoing projects include the development of accessible pathways and cycle lanes that connect key areas across Bristol. These initiatives are designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can travel how they want, freely and conveniently. We’re determined to ensure Bristol is a place where active travel is not only possible but is the preferred choice for many. By enhancing our infrastructure, we are making strides towards a greener, more connected Bristol, where every resident has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of active travel.”

Chris Boardman CBE won a gold medal in cycling at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympic Games, and won the yellow jersey three times at the Tour de France. Before being appointed as National Active Travel Commissioner, he served as the Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester and the first ever Greater Manchester Walking and Cycling Commissioner.

Original press release by the West of England Combined Authority