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The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will invest more than £ 19.4million in walking and cycling programs.
At a meeting last week, members approved recommendations to advance three walking programs. This included a £ 7.6million scheme to boost active travel between Skipton Rail Station, Coach Station and the city center.
Members also heard details of a £ 10.9million scheme at Harrogate station.
The Skipton and Harrogate railway station projects will be carried out in partnership with local authorities under the Transforming Cities Fund program.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “In my manifesto I made a commitment to achieve our goal of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.
“This is why I am delighted that the investment committee has agreed to progress programs to increase walking and cycling. It’s not only good for air quality, but it’s also a fundamental part of my commitment to improving health and well-being. ‘
Roger Marsh, Vice Chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Investment Committee, added: “Building the future we want with a 21st century transport system is more important than ever, helping to lead the economic recovery of the region after the pandemic and achieve our goal of becoming a zero-carbon economy by 2038.
“We need to reduce car trips by 21% and increase bicycle trips by 2,000%, walking trips by 78%, bus lanes by 39% and train trips by 53% if we are to achieve this. ambitious target within this timeframe. These programs will help us do that.
In related news, the bicycle is ten times more important than electric cars in achieving net zero cities, writes Christian Brand, associate professor of Transport, Energy and Environment, Transport Studies Unit, University of Oxford.
He says: “Active travel has offered an alternative to cars that preserves social distance. It has helped people stay safe during the pandemic and could help reduce emissions as containment is relaxed, especially since the high prices of some electric vehicles are likely to deter many potential buyers for the. moment.
Photo credit – Flo Karr
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