Trafford Council wants views on draft strategy to get people moving more

By Trafford Council | 26 January 2023 | TAGS: Trafford

Trafford Council has launched a consultation with residents, businesses and visitors on the Trafford Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Strategy.

The consultation and draft strategy, which is available for comments until 12 February, will support the council's vision to make Trafford a green and connected borough where more people choose active travel every day.

Walking, wheeling and cycling are often the most accessible ways for people to be active, and being active benefits our health, and are generally low-cost or free activities that have practical as well as health benefits.

Along with partners, the council will work to support more people to take up walking, wheeling, and cycling so that everyone can feel the benefits, including:

• Improvements to physical and mental wellbeing.  
• Better air quality through reducing emissions from motor vehicles and reducing congestion. 
• Reduced carbon footprint through fewer petrol and diesel vehicles on the road. 
• Better connection to nature and the outdoor environment.
• Reduced noise pollution. 
• Better connectivity across the borough.

 The Council’s overall goal is that over the next ten years:

• 90% of journeys under one mile will be taken by foot bike/scooter.  
• 80% of journeys under five miles will be taken by foot/bike scooter or public transport.  

Cllr Aidan Williams, Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy, said:

“We love Trafford and we want to encourage as many people as possible to leave their cars at home and to walk, cycle and scooter across our borough. This would not only improve our air quality but would be a massive boost to our physical and mental health as well.

“If we work together on this, we can make Trafford one of the greenest and most beautiful boroughs in the region. We are encouraging businesses and residents to tell us what they think by taking part in the Trafford Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling (active travel) Strategy.”

The council are also organising drop-in sessions, online and in-person, to provide an opportunity for people to comment on the draft Walking, Wheeling, and Cycling Strategy.

For dates and times of central Trafford and online drop-in sessions, click here.