Dame Sarah Storey launches Active Travel Interactive Map for Sheffield City Region

Dame Sarah Storey, the active travel commissioner for Sheffield City Region, has launched an interactive map to enable cyclists and walkers in the area to log problems with roads, cycle paths and footpaths.

The multiple world and Olympic champion paracyclist, who was appointed to the position in April, says that comments added to the map will help the region develop safe routes for people on bike and on foot.

She said: “This map is for those who walk or cycle now, and those who want to in the future. I want to hear what you think about South Yorkshire’s roads and footways as they are at the moment, to help my team and I improve them for you in the future.

“For those parents who struggle with buggies and worry about when their toddlers want to run on ahead, or the teenagers who don’t feel safe walking to school and people using wheelchairs or have mobility aids, what are your journeys like now? And how could they be improved and made safer? Do you face challenges on what should be the simplest of journeys?

“I am committed to being led by communities, I want to know what works for you and what doesn’t," Storey added.

"Your comments will be used alongside those of planning experts to create an Active Travel Network which is safe, suitable and accessible for all who would like to use it.”

The map, developed by Deetu Consulting, will enable users to make comments on issues including safety and accessibility and to rate locations on a scale from very negative to very positive.

The Active Travel Interactive Map can be found here.  All comments are anonymous, but can be shared to social media with users encouraged to use the hashtag #CycleWalkSCR.

“The car has been king for far too long,” said Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis. “By asking people what they need and working with some of the country’s most knowledgeable active travel experts, we will create a network which will provide people with a genuine alternative to driving.”

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “The car has been king for far too long.

“The health of our planet and its people is rapidly deteriorating, our children are breathing dirty air and we are in the midst of an obesity crisis. We must offer people an alternative to driving which is safe and accessible for all.

“It is fantastic to be working with Dame Sarah Storey to enable more people to walk and cycle in South Yorkshire.

“By asking people what they need and working with some of the country’s most knowledgeable active travel experts, we will create a network which will provide people with a genuine alternative to driving,” he added.