Evening all, you may well have heard the news that our active travel commissioner for the region Sarah Storey is stepping down.
Sarah and Pete Zanzottera have done a significant amount in the past three years to change the active travel situation in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Many Infrastructure changes are yet to be rolled out however Sarah has pushed the council & public opinion Especially with regards inclusivity for walking and cycling. I think her achievements are remarkable.
Sarah is going onto work in Greater Manchester, and who can blame her? With the support of Andy Burnham and a new leader of the Manchester Council and a public transport officer devoted to mass transportation I’m sure she will make great things happen
If you haven’t ever heard Sarah speak or wondered what her legacy in Sheffield will be I would recommend putting the most recent streets ahead podcast in your ears. Shout outs on the podcast to the excellent work done by Kevin Smith & team on Operation Close Pass & the Cycle for all centres in Doncaster. Also grey to green, school streets, AWRC & the Olympic legacy park. Had you heard of any of these things 3 years ago? I hadn’t.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/streets-ahead/id1507602653?i=1000554349422
With regards what’s actually happening about the city centre and my favourite Pinstone street, I haven’t had the chance to catch up with Douglas Johnson or any other council members. I’m afraid to say last I heard retaining existing changes was still hanging in the balance. The shortsightedness of the current council is extremely frustrating.
In other news a large active travel conference is coming to Sheffield in July. To city hall in fact
https://www.transportxtra.com/tx-events/2600/cycle-city-active-city-sheffield/
Look out for updates and opportunities to show your support for active travel in the city, we are hoping to coordinate fringe events, meet & greets & much more, with a focus on how active travel supports health and well being in the city.
This is our opportunity to show the whole country how important space for walking and cycling is in Sheffield. Hope to see you there!
Wishing you all safe and active journeys enjoying the lovely spring weather
best wishes Jo
Dr Jo Maher
Move More GP