Mayor of York & North Yorkshire David Skaith wrote on Twitter yesterday that he wants commuting by bike to be the norm in the region.
The full quote is:
‘I want York and North Yorkshire to be THE place for active travel. Making commuting by bike the norm for the next generation will be key to changing people’s attitude towards cycling’.
I want York and North Yorkshire to be THE place for active travel. Making commuting by bike the norm for the next generation will be key to changing people’s attitude towards cycling. 🚴
— David Skaith (@DSkaith) July 21, 2024
Lovely little six mile bike ride for lunch with the youngest, nothing better. pic.twitter.com/R96vKqMJNo
During the Mayoral election campaign, Skaith gave a positive response to the active travel pledges put forward by active travel groups including York Cycle Campaign and Harrogate Cycle Action.
‘If we are to be serious about meeting our Net Zero target, reducing congestion and generally being healthier, increasing the number of people regularly cycling and walking will be key to achieving this…
I will fully commit to providing more high-quality cycling and walking infrastructure that complies with national design standards’.
At the Mayoral transport hustings, he said that if elected he would appoint an Active Travel Commissioner.
So the Mayor’s support for active travel is not a surprise, but it is nevertheless very encouraging to hear him express it post-election.
Funding for Transport
It seems that council funding for transport will be via the Mayor/Combined Authority.
The Combined Authority receives an Integrated Transport Settlement from this financial year (2024/25) plus an additional £800,000 for the two councils (York and North Yorkshire) to develop Local Transport Plans.
Further, in the seven years from 2025/26 to 2031/32, the Combined Authority is to receive Local Transport Fund money amounting to £379,670,000.
So there is Mayoral commitment to active travel and significant funding. What are the obstacles to delivery of cycling infrastructure?
Delivery of Schemes by the Councils
As I understand it, delivery of schemes will fall to the two councils – City of York, and North Yorkshire Council (NYC).
NYC has not shown commitment to active travel over the last 10 years at least, and has not been able to deliver those schemes it has put forward.
We have to hope the outside forces – the Mayor and/or Active Travel England – are able to influence and help NYC so that they change their attitude and develop the skills they require.