To consider a report of the Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy.

That the Executive Adopt the Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy and enable the boroughs and Greater Manchester’s vision for Active Travel.

The Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy presented to Members a report on the Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Strategy.Members were reminded that the Council had an ambition to increase the number of people walking, wheeling, and cycling across Trafford. The Council along with partners would work to support more people to take up walking, wheeling, and cycling so that everyone can feel the benefits of active travel.

It was reported that the strategy had been developed in line with Greater Manchester’s refresh of the Active Travel Mission and the Department for Transport’s Gear Change vision for cycling and walking. It also supported the Councils’ priorities to reduce health inequalities by encouraging residents to be more active, supporting people out of poverty by enabling affordable transport while simultaneously addressing the climate crisis by reducing emissions from road traffic.  

Councillor Blackburn welcomed the strategy and suggested that a track around the circumference of some of the boroughs more spacious parks for wheelchair and pram users be considered as part of future reviews.

Councillor Brophy enquired as to whether the Executive had any plans to work with schools on future developments of the strategy, in particular around walking buses etc. The Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy welcomed the comment about engagement with young people, as one of the areas he was keen on during the consultation of the strategy was reaching out to young people. It was noted that the strategy was a live document and young people were at the heart of the strategy.

Councillor Jerrome welcomed the report and queried further investment in infrastructure which he felt was the most important part of the strategy especially as the Council aimed for 90% for journeys under 1 mile to be undertaken by bike, walking etc and 80% of journeys under 5 miles.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive:

1)    Approved the adoption the Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Strategy

2)    Agreed that the boroughs and Greater Manchester’s vision for Active Travel be enabled.