Posted: 21 October, 2020
The project will build on the regional and national momentum around cycling and active travel, ensuring that more people are given the opportunity to experience the benefits of cycling and have the chance to weave cycling into their day-to-day lives.
This is the first regional Wheels for All programme of its kind in the country and has been created in partnership with the Sheffield City Region Active Travel Team and will support existing inclusive cycling providers in the region, as well as aiding the development of new provision across Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster and Barnsley.
Focus will be given to ensuring that a variety of inclusive cycling packages are available to those who have seen their opportunities to be active reduce and therefore make an enormous difference to individuals and communities across the region.
Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Sheffield City Region, said:
I am very excited about the creation of this role and the appointment of Leanne to lead the programme. When I was appointed by Mayor Jarvis in April 2019, I pledged our programme would be a leader in its provision for people with disabilities and mobility impairments.
It’s vital we enable everyone to have the same opportunities when it comes to leading a healthy and active lifestyle, and by developing this role we are putting this at the heart of our plans. Having already spent time at our existing Sheffield Cycling for All group in Hillsborough Park in Sheffield, I am excited about what can be achieved by having a network of similar opportunities across the region.
Along with the partner authorities, we have plans to build over 1000km of active travel lanes in the region over the next 20 years, and these will all meet the standard to be accessible for those using adapted bikes and other mobility aids. Therefore, alongside the plan to create infrastructure, it’s also vital that we create the opportunity for people to build their confidence and independence in cycling, so they can fully benefit from the provision when it is funded and built.
Leanne Knight, Sheffield City Region Wheels for All Regional Co-ordinator, added:
It is a privilege to be welcomed into this role at such an exciting time, when we have seen an increase in physical activity and improvements to cycling infrastructure.
I am looking forward to building on this and taking a person-centred approach in order to develop and create regular, sustainable and inclusive cycling opportunities across the Sheffield City Region, whether this is part of organised sessions or front door opportunities. I look forward to developing this role and seeing lots of positive outcomes.
