The West Midlands' cycling and walking champion has firmly dismissed the notion of a 'war on motorists' as she works to provide residents with safer and more practical travel alternatives. Beccy Marston, who was appointed as the Active Travel Commissioner for the West Midlands Combined Authority a year ago, is focused on dismantling the barriers that prevent people from choosing to cycle or walk for their journeys.
A Collaborative Approach to Active Travel
In her inaugural year, Beccy has engaged extensively with local councils, partners like Sport England, and community campaign groups to identify needs and shape future strategies. This collaborative effort aims to create a more inclusive and effective active travel network across the region.
Substantial Funding for Infrastructure
The West Midlands Combined Authority has been allocated a significant £36 million war chest to implement new schemes and develop additional routes for walking, wheeling, and cycling over the next twelve months. This investment underscores a strong commitment to enhancing the region's transport infrastructure.
Key Initiatives and Global Recognition
Beccy, alongside Road Safety Commissioner Mat MacDonald, has been instrumental in developing the innovative 'Kids Streets' initiative, designed to make school routes safer and more accessible for children. She also played a pivotal role in the appointment of Lime to manage new e-bike and e-scooter contracts in the area.
Her dedication has garnered international acclaim, with Beccy being named among the top 100 Mobility Changemakers by Zag Daily. She remains enthusiastic about advancing these projects to foster greater adoption of active travel options.
Promoting Healthier and More Economical Choices
Beccy highlighted the ongoing work to ensure that routes and paths are suitable for walking, wheeling, or cycling. She explained, "We're reviewing the walking and cycling investment plan, which outlines where local authorities are enhancing the network to ensure it meets community needs."
She emphasised that making local trips safer is a crucial first step, encouraging residents to consider longer journeys. Beccy also pointed out the economic benefits, noting, "People often overlook the full cost of car ownership. When broken down, using public transport, walking, or cycling can be far more affordable."
Addressing Misconceptions and Enhancing Well-being
Beccy stressed that active travel is not about attacking motorists but about improving health and air quality. She remarked, "Sitting in traffic exposes you to more pollution, whereas walking alongside the road offers cleaner air. Cycling to work, for instance, integrates exercise into your daily routine, saving time and boosting reliability."
She added, "This isn't about eliminating cars; it's about exploring different travel methods and combining them with daily exercise for a healthier lifestyle."
Expanding Access and Building Confidence
The authority anticipates that the new contract with Lime will lead to increased usage of cycles and scooters in available areas. Beccy expressed optimism, stating, "eBikes are transformative, especially for those who feel unfit or have health concerns. Renting one can make cycling seem more accessible than expected."
Infrastructure improvements are currently underway in locations like Birmingham and Dudley to facilitate easier walking, wheeling, and cycling. Other initiatives include distributing bikes to NHS workers and offering adult cycling training, complementing bikeability programmes in schools.
Long-term Vision for Connectivity
Beccy outlined a long-term goal of enabling seamless cycling from Wolverhampton City Centre through Dudley, parts of Sandwell, and into Birmingham. She acknowledged, "Progress is piecemeal as funding allows, but the aim is to connect all West Midlands towns."
To address declining cycling rates, she noted, "Fewer people ride bikes due to safety concerns. By installing more cycle paths, we can provide dedicated lanes that boost confidence and demonstrate it's a safe option."
Through these efforts, Beccy Marston and the West Midlands Combined Authority are striving to create a balanced transport ecosystem that prioritises safety, health, and choice for all residents.
