York and North Yorkshire appoint first Active Travel Commissioner
Rhiannon Letman-Wade will oversee the ÂŁ4 million fund for walking and cycling
Rhiannon Letman-Wade has been named the first Active Travel Commissioner for York and North Yorkshire in a move intended to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling across the region.
The role was created to help fulfil Mayor David Skaith’s vision for safer and more accessible routes for all modes of active travel. Ms Letman-Wade will manage a £4 million fund aimed at upgrading infrastructure and expanding opportunities to encourage walking and cycling in both urban and rural communities across the region.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “York and North Yorkshire should be the place for walking, wheeling, and cycling, and everyone should feel safe, and be safe, when they do.
“I’ve spoken to countless communities across the region and it’s clear that people want safer streets so they can feel more confident to walk, wheel and cycle.
“Our region’s first Active Travel Commissioner is going to help us move forward to achieve that goal and gives us the expertise to deliver real change.”
Ms Letman-Wade has previous experience as Deputy Chair of Wales’ Active Travel Board, where she played a pivotal role in shaping national policy and led projects to improve safety, such as the School Streets scheme. She has also facilitated initiatives like Bikeability and ModeShift, which aim to increase participation in walking and cycling, particularly for school journeys.
She said, “There is already great work happening across the region and I’m looking forward to building on that to make walking, wheeling, and cycling safer and easier for everyone.
“I’m speaking with stakeholders and community groups to build a picture of where we are now and what we need to do next. Changing how people think about active travel is part of the challenge.
“In a largely rural region like York and North Yorkshire, we need to be realistic and tailor solutions to different places. Safer school journeys are a priority, and I’m committed to helping our communities get the support they need.”
Individuals and groups are encouraged to share thoughts and feedback on walking, wheeling, and cycling in the region by emailing activetravel@yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk .