Government doesn't have 'standalone' active travel strategy

But wider 'Transport Strategy' will outline works to promote walking and cycling

Government doesn't have a standalone strategy for active travel, but it is still a 'key aim'.

That's from the infrastructure minister in response to a Tynwald Question for Written Answer from Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas who asks: what government's active travel strategy is; what funding is provided for it; and how its effectiveness is monitored and evaluated.

Dr Michelle Haywood says: 'At present, the Government does not have a standalone active travel strategy.

'The previous strategy prepared by the department, covering the period from 2018 to 2021, concluded without formal renewal. 

As a consequence, she says active travel initiatives have been incorporated into general infrastructure planning, rather than being driven by a dedicated policy framework.

She adds that the department has prepared a comprehensive 'Transport Strategy' which will 'underscore government's commitment to promoting sustainable and healthy transportation options'.

On Mr Thomas's question regarding funding, the minister says there is no separate funding provided for active travel strategy.

Regarding how such a strategy's effectiveness would be measured, Dr Haywood says: 'A central learning from the previous strategy was that success could not be measured due to the absence of reliable baseline data.

'In response, the Department is collaborating with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) to introduce a National Travel Survey. 

'This survey, subject to funding, aims to capture crucial data on how often residents walk and cycle, for what purposes, over what distances, and what barriers they face. Using this evidence, the Department will establish solid benchmarks for future progress and ensure that our active travel initiatives are both effective and accountable.'