How does the provision of Cycle Track align to Health and Wellbeing Agenda

Investing in infrastructure to provide safe, attractive, convenient walking and cycling routes are a means by which the built environment can have a positive influence on improving physical and mental wellbeing. Walking and cycling, whether as transport or recreation, is beneficial to mental health, can help to tackle problems of inactivity and contribute to the wider obesity agenda:

• Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death in the UK.
• Increased investment in cycling and walking could help narrow social economic inequalities in physical activity levels, as those from lower social economic backgrounds are more likely to use active travel (like cycling and walking) than those from more affluent backgrounds.
• Tackling obesity is one of the greatest long-term health challenges currently faced in England and the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the health consequences of living with an unhealthy weight. 

LCWIP delivery and promotion will utilise Corporate engagement on health and wellbeing. This includes the sharing of communication channels used by Together Active Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and the Public Health and Prevention Team. There is also the opportunity to tap into the Do It to Feel Better campaign that links to the County Council’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Action Plan. The provision of additional revenue resources would enable the County Council to promote and encourage use of new walking and cycling facilities.