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The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) showcase returned last month.
The event, held in the Attlee Suite in the House of Commons, brought together a large number of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Peers, alongside a range of charities and campaigning organisations who focus on walking, cycling and wheeling.
Attendees heard from co-chair of the group Selaine Saxby MP, before Simon Lightwood MP, Shadow Minister for Local Transport, and Guy Opperman MP, Minister for Roads and Local Transport, addressed the event.
Noting the role that active travel can play in local communities, Simon Lightwood MP said: ‘’Labour absolutely recognises the huge importance of active travel and the crucial role it plays in the fabric of our towns, cities and villages. It’s that social fabric, woven together by high-quality transport options, that transforms communities into hubs of prosperity, opportunity and high quality of life.’’
He also outlined his personal enthusiasm for the issue, noting: ‘’The scale of what we can achieve on active travel is one of the most exciting parts of my job.’’
Guy Opperman MP highlighted how much things have improved from 15-20 years ago, and the amount of funding now available through mayoral budgets and local authorities.
He also set out his long-term vision for Active Travel England, explaining that it is: ‘’To harness their great abilities and technical know-how, and teach the local authorities and the mayors how it is that they can implement that on the ground.’’
A number of charities and campaigning organisations exhibited at the showcase, including: Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster, Bikeability Trust, British Cycling, Cambridge Cycling Campaign, Conservative Environment Network, Conservative Friends of Cycling, Cycling UK, Footways, Labour Cycles, Living Streets, Saheli Hub, Sustrans, and Wheels for Wellbeing.
The group hopes that this cross-party event, having brought together such a wide range of stakeholders, will provide renewed focus on the urgency required to truly deliver the conditions and infrastructure for widespread uptake of cycling.
Selaine Saxby MP, co-chair of the APPGCW said: ‘’I was delighted to host the Parliamentary Active Travel Showcase this year. It’s always an important opportunity for those working and volunteering in the sector to come together with policy makers, and discuss the best ways to make cycling, walking and wheeling safer for everyone.
‘’The range of organisations and charities exhibiting is testament to the passion that exists in this area, and I am proud to work with many of them.’’
