JustBeingCP

This morning I met with the Minister for Active Travel, Jesse Norman MP and Danny Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of Active Travel England at the Department for Transport offices in London.

I urged them both to work with the Minister for Roads and Local Transport, Richard Holden MP to ensure that all walking and cycling routes are accessible for all when they involve pavements.

I also urged the Minster for Active Travel to look at how accessible walking and cycling in England is for those with disabilities and additional needs.

I beileve that if the ministers for Active Travel and Roads don’t work as a team then we as a community will not be able to live an active and healthy lifestyle for many years to come.

I explained to both men that I would love to get out in the countryside in my wheelchair with family but it is not currently possible because of the inaccessibility of rural walking routes.

I also shared the experiences of others who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters to get around on a daily basis.

I also left a few questions the minister to answer after the meeting had concluded.

I also left 4 recommendations with the DFT (Department for Transport) to consider following our meeting and those recommendations were:

Recommendation A: More accessible routes in rural areas so that wheelchair and mobility scooter users can go walking in the countryside with family and friends. 

Recommendation B: The creation of an interactive map pinpointing where there are accessible walking routes for those who use wheelchairs & mobility scooters. 

Recommendation C: Local authorities across the nation should consider appointing an Active Travel accessibility champion.

Recommendation D: Active Travel England & Department for Transport need to look at ways to make schemes such as the Beryl and Boris bikes accessible for those who have disabilities.

The Recommendations Explained

A: If there were more accessible countryside walking and cycling routes then I for one would take full advantage of these because it would mean that I could go out with friends and family walking in the countryside and this something that I am currently unable to do.

B: An interactive map of accessible walking and cycling routes would help those who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters to locate these routes with ease when out and about with friends and family.

C: If every local authority across England had an Active Travel accessibility champion, then these individuals would be able to advise their local authorities on how to make Active Travel accessible for all.

D: If the Boris and Beryl bike schemes were accessible to those with disabilities then I believe that these groups would take advantage of the schemes – something that we aren’t currently able to do.

I had planned to ask the Minister 3 questions during our 45 minute meeting and those questions were.

1. As the minister for Active Travel will you commit to working with me and people like Joe Skinner from Burnley when looking at how accessible Active Travel is?

2. Do you think it is important that young people like the students at Hereward College in Coventry are listened to when the DFT are making decisions around Active Travel etc?

3. Do you believe that there is an issue with England’s infrastructure preventing those who use wheelchairs and mobility scooters from participating in Active Travel?

I am really pleased with the way the meeting went as I felt that I was listened to by all who were involved.

It is heartening to see what is already being done by Active Travel England around this issue and I look forward to watching their progress over the next few years.

I would like to end by taking the opportunity to thank the Minister and the CEO of Active Travel England who gave me their time this morning.

However, I would also like to thank each and everyone of my readers and followers, who take the time out of their busy schedules week in and week out to read my blogs.

Cam