A new plan to promote “Walking, Wheeling and Cycling” in Sheffield hopes to tackle rising transport inequality and the current NHS burden by taking a new approach to creating a safe, reliable, and low-carbon transport network.
Councillors across the city have supported the proposed plans, sharing the vision of a modern network that works for Sheffield’s people, builds prosperity, and helps protect the planet.
Cllr Ben Miskell said: “We are the Outdoor City—where rivers and hills welcome culture and communities, and where the outdoors is part of who we are. This plan is about making that identity something everyone can enjoy daily, by building liveable streets and places that invite walking, wheeling, cycling and time spent outdoors.
“We’ll create neighbourhoods and streets that support healthier lifestyles and give people more genuine choices in how they get around.”
Councillors said the current issue is that walking is difficult or time-consuming in many places in Sheffield, and cycling is dangerous, all due to a lack of infrastructure.
Only a small percentage of people cycle and walk to work – a combined 10% of commuters – compared to the larger rate of driving commuters – 45.2% of commuters.
Between 2017 and 2023, more than 800 people were killed or seriously injured while walking or cycling in Sheffield. Commuting rates by walking and cycling are low, yet people walking and cycling make up 44% of the killed or seriously injured road incidents.
The plan also aims to ease the growing pressure on our local NHS services by improving physical and mental health. Areas of Sheffield with higher rates of walking and cycling have a higher average life expectancy and a lower carbon footprint, stats that Sheffield hopes to push city-wide.
Student and cyclist Matt Brookes said, “There’s an okay number of cycle lanes, but improvement is definitely needed, as they are all cracked and on the same level as the road, so quite dangerous. The city would benefit from more bike-only routes for safety and efficiency.”
Visit the Sheffield council’s website for a full, detailed plan breakdown. Remember that council members and departments have contact information online if you have any questions.
