Government has appointed a UK charity to help launch the Island’s Active Travel Strategy.  

Sustrans will aim to make walking and cycling become more accessible.  

The Active Travel Strategy aims to see 20 per cent of people travelling actively to work by the time information for the 20121 Census is gathered.  

Sustrans will look at signage, road layout and infrastructure and trying to engage with different groups to create cultural change.  

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer says: “Providing ways in which people can choose to walk or cycle is at the centre of what we are trying to achieve through Active Travel, and I’m confident Sustrans will help us deliver the aims of the strategy. 

“They will be getting to work immediately by committing two staff members in the Island, and looking at the ways in which schools and businesses can play their part in the process right from the start.”  

Rosslyn Colderley, Sustrans England North Director, said: “Increasing everyday levels of active travel significantly benefits health and wellbeing, can boost local economies and create more pleasant local environments to live in and travel through. 

“We know from our research that when better walking and cycling routes are provided, alongside community engagement programmes, uptake in cycling and walking increases dramatically. 

“This is why we’re delighted that the Isle of Man Government is investing in more dedicated cycling and walking routes which help to create low traffic neighbourhoods – where riding a bike or walking become the easiest way of travelling for short journeys.”