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Public event to explain focus of Active Travel investment

Tuesday, 7 May 2019

An event to explain how the Isle of Man Government intends to encourage more people to walk and cycle will be held at Noa Bakehouse at North Quay in Douglas on Friday 10 May.

Maps and information on the areas to be prioritised and targeted for investment will be on display between 10am and 2pm.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK and Kate Lord-Brennan MLC, Member with responsibility for Active Travel, will be present from 11am to announce the priority routes and talk about how a range of plans are coming together across government in support of the Active Travel Strategy.

The strategy was approved by Tynwald in July 2018 with the long-term vision for the Island to be a place where cycling and walking are normal and realistic transport choices for people of all ages.

The strategy’s aim is to increase participation and see more than 20% of people travelling actively to work by the time information for the 2021 Census is gathered - a marked increase from 14% when the 2011 Census took place.

Since the strategy was approved, consultants Sustrans have helped to develop an investment plan aimed at making it easier for people to walk or cycle in and around Douglas. A list of priority routes has now been established following consultation and by using evidence and modelling to indicate the areas where investment should be targeted to have the greatest effect.

Representatives from Sustrans will be present at the event to explain the process behind creating the priority routes map - which focuses on an area within 2.5 miles of Douglas town centre - the benefits it will bring and how a similar approach has worked in places across the UK.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:

‘A lot of work has taken place since Sustrans were commissioned last year to use their experience and expertise in this area and produce an Active Travel Investment Plan.

‘This document highlights the most effective way to enable people in and around Douglas to walk and cycle to work and school, and a summary will be available to pick up and take away at Friday’s event. A number of routes have been identified and prioritised and will inform how funds should be committed to make effective changes to the way we move around.’

The event is open to all and representatives from Infrastructure, Education, Public Health, the IoM Constabulary’s Road Safety team and Sustrans will be on hand to discuss Active Travel throughout the day.

After Friday’s event, the display will be moved to the Sea Terminal, where it will be available to visit May 13-17.

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