Whitby group says walking and cycling plan essential for health
A new plan to improve cycling and walking infrastructure in Whitby is essential to overcome "massive problems" with transport and health, campaigners have said.The proposals, aimed at attracting funding and increasing usage, were approved on Friday by North Yorkshire councillors.Andy Jefferson, trustee of Whitby and Esk Valley Active Travel, said people were "taking their life into their hands just to get across roads" because of a lack of infrastructure.The charity had campaigned for three years for the plan to be introduced, he said.
As well as "massive problems with transport", there was a "coastal health crisis in this area," he added."We need to be able to get people fitter. It is going to help not just their physical health but their mental health."He warned that without necessary funding, the plan would remain "only a document", and that funds would need to be distributed "not just to the usual places like York, Harrogate and Scarborough"."It has to reach places like Whitby - we have the worst problems."
According to a tool developed by campaign group Transport for the North, coastal areas were more at risk of "transport-related social exclusion".Mr Jefferson described this as "dependence" on certain types of transport, which some people may not be able to access, highlighting issues with rail and bus travel."If people struggle to get to the town centre or if they have a town centre completely overrun by tourism, then they don't feel part of a community," he added.A report for North Yorkshire Council indicated approximately 46% of people in the Scarborough Borough travelled less than three miles (5km) to work, suggesting potential to encourage greater levels of commuting by bicycle.
The walking and cycling plan identified "those additional routes that can support the main routes to create a comprehensive network", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.The report also said: "There are several compelling reasons for government to invest in active travel infrastructure in Whitby."York and North Yorkshire's elected mayor David Skaith agreed with the report, and said he would "make the case" for increased investment.
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