A woman from Linthwaite who has recently taken up cycling is among local people fronting a new campaign to encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport.

The new initiative led by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Ticketing Company (WYTC) features 10 members of the public, showcasing their own travel habits and the small changes people can make to enable more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective travel.

Patrice Garland from Linthwaite shares her story about how cycling has made a positive impact on her life after recently learning how to ride a bike.

Other West Yorkshire residents fronting the campaign include Belle Whiteley from Bingley, who describes why walking means so much to her, not just for work, leisure and walking her dog, but why she is unable to drive because of a visual impairment.

Meanwhile three-year-old Annie Thompson from Rodley and her father James are featured cycling to and from nursery, with dad James explaining how cycling with the family has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing, as well as finances.

Siblings Mae and Patrick Presley from Horsforth also discuss how they make the most out of unlimited travel getting to college and going out together on the bus.

The new initiative aims to encourage people, communities and businesses to make sustainable travel choices by showcasing the ease and variety of alternative options across the region, whilst raising awareness of the health and financial benefits.

It will also highlight the simplified ticketing offers available through WYTC’s MCard app, the not-for-profit, multi-operator, multi-modal ticketing scheme for West Yorkshire, as well as journey planning on public transport and the support available to help people build confidence walking and cycling, including free adult cycle training.

The 12-week campaign is research-driven, with extensive data gathered to understand existing travel behaviours and uncover people’s attitudes around current available travel options.

Slaithwaite-based Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin (above) said: “Every trip matters and everyone makes a difference. We want to encourage people to really consider their travel habits and make the right choice for the right journey.

“This campaign aims to do that by using real-life stories from people living within our communities to shine a light on their personal travel tales and how they are making a difference.

“We’re working hard to ensure transport in the region is easy, simple and affordable, making a better-connected West Yorkshire that works for all.” 

The initial ‘Walk It, Ride It’ campaign proved such a success in Leeds last year, it is now being rolled out across West Yorkshire to include Kirklees, Bradford, Calderdale and Wakefield. For more information, click here.