Mayor joins Active Travel England board

A North Yorkshire regional leader has secured a national appointment aimed at helping shape the future of walking, wheeling and cycling across England.

David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, has been appointed as an advisor to the Active Travel England board for the next two years.

The appointment follows the launch of the Government’s new Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy and recognises his work to improve access to active travel across the region.

In the role, the mayor will support delivery of national ambitions to increase the number of children walking, wheeling or cycling to school and encourage more short journeys to be made without a car.

The move also gives York and North Yorkshire a stronger voice in discussions around future active travel policy and investment.

Mayor Skaith said: “Walking, wheeling and cycling should be safe, accessible and practical choices for everyone, whether you're travelling to school, work, the shops or simply enjoying our incredible region.

“Across York and North Yorkshire, we're already investing in projects that remove barriers to active travel and help people make healthier, more sustainable journeys.

"I’m delighted to be joining Active Travel England as an advisor at such an important moment. 

“This record investment presents a huge opportunity to improve connections between communities, support local economies and give more people the confidence to choose active travel every day.

“I look forward to bringing the voice of York and North Yorkshire to the table and working with partners across the country to ensure this investment delivers real benefits for people and places.”

Since taking office in May 2024, the mayor has made active travel a key priority. 

His initiatives include the creation of a £4 million Active Travel Fund, which is supporting 39 projects across the region aimed at improving safety, confidence and infrastructure.

He has also appointed Rhiannon Letman-Wade as active travel commissioner for York and North Yorkshire and committed £17.5 million to active travel projects over the next four years, alongside plans to invest a further £30 million in measures designed to make school journeys safer.

Rhiannon added: “This appointment is an important recognition of the leadership York and North Yorkshire is showing on active travel and the ambition we have for our communities.

“The Government has set out a clear vision for increasing walking, wheeling and cycling, backed by significant long-term investment. 

“Through the mayor’s role advising Active Travel England, our region will be well placed to help shape that national agenda while ensuring the opportunities and challenges facing places like our region are reflected in decision-making.

“We know that when people are given safe, accessible and attractive options, more people choose to travel actively.

“The work already under way across the region is creating the foundations for healthier journeys, stronger communities and greater independence for people of all ages.”

The announcement comes as Active Travel England unveiled plans to deliver 5000 new routes and 10,000 safer crossings nationwide by 2030.

Chris Boardman CBE, national active travel commissioner and former Olympic gold-medallist cyclist, added: “Mayor David Skaith gets it. 

“Safer streets aren’t just a transport issue, they’re a public health issue, an economic issue, and a quality-of-life issue.

“Having Helen and David as advisors means we are genuinely rooted in the places we are trying to change – bringing the voice of local leaders who are already making a real difference to delivery on the ground.

“Together, they will help us make sure this record investment reaches the communities that need it most.”

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