Transforming Spaces for Active Living by 2026: A Vision for Healthier Communities

Good morning, everyone. I extend my gratitude to Chris Boardman for that kind introduction.

It is truly a pleasure to be here with so many of you this morning, on 22 September 2026.

Over the past few months, I have found myself in Manchester quite frequently, though I am unsure why. Perhaps it is due to the enthusiasm of Andy Burnham, who insists that this city is where the action is.

I am aware that there will be a panel discussion later, so I shall keep my opening remarks succinct. However, I would like to touch upon the rationale, the methodology, and the outcomes of this government’s approach to active travel.

The Personal Significance of Active Travel

Let us begin, as all good narratives do, in Swindon—my hometown. My journey with cycling commenced with a blue bike adorned with a white basket and stabilisers, a gift from my parents when I was merely three or four years old.

It may not surprise you to learn that during the 1980s, Swindon, known for its infamous Magic Roundabout—six roundabouts in one—was not particularly accommodating for cyclists. Nevertheless, this did not deter me.

As a teenager, my bicycle provided me with my first job—delivering newspapers during the early hours on my father’s old road bike, complete with two large orange bags tucked under my arms, all before heading off to college. I often reminisce about those hills and wish I could conquer them today as effortlessly as I did back then.

Cycling has fostered my health and served as a mental refuge while traversing the hills of the Ridgeway during my A-level studies—a route I still enjoy today, albeit with the assistance of an electric Brompton.

It instilled in me a sense of independence, which I believe is the essence of what active travel represents. The joy that cycling brings is a feeling that tends to linger.

This passion did not wane in my twenties, when I cycled seven miles across London after relocating to the capital for a temporary position, primarily due to financial constraints preventing me from purchasing a travel card.

During my tenure as Deputy Mayor of London, I collaborated with Will Norman to implement segregated cycling lanes and reduce speed limits on some of the city’s busiest thoroughfares. Many often assume that my proudest achievement as Deputy Mayor was the Elizabeth line; however, I take equal pride in the introduction of segregated cycling infrastructure along Cycleway 4 leading to Greenwich, which now brings joy to thousands daily.

Establishing a Comprehensive Transport Network

As Transport Secretary, I am committed to constructing a well-integrated transport network. My objective is to significantly enhance the use of public transport.

If we are genuinely intent on providing individuals with the choice and resources to engage in active travel, then the notion of it being an afterthought or an additional element must be relegated to the past.

We must recognise walking, wheeling, and cycling as fundamental components of everyday journeys. This includes the walk to the bus stop, navigating a station platform, or cycling to work, school, or the shops.

This initiative is not about competing modes of transport; there is no ‘war’ between them, nor will you find me at the forefront of the lycra brigade. My goal is simply to provide greater choice in how people navigate their lives.

I envision a coherent transport system where each segment of a journey complements the next, where accessibility is integral, signage is clear and uncomplicated, and where all—ranging from elite athletes like Chris Boardman to casual cyclists like myself—feel secure and confident in opting for the more active route.

This may sound overly ambitious, but it is attainable. Just look outside in Manchester, a city that is setting the standard.

The Bee Network: A Model for Success

I firmly believe that the Bee Network stands as the most significant success story of devolution. I do not make this claim to flatter Chris, one of its chief architects, nor to ingratiate myself with my new superior, its most ardent supporter; I state this because it is a fact.

It is important to remember that the Bee Network originated as the active travel plan for Greater Manchester. Andy was so impressed with its vision that he expanded its scope to encompass the entire transport network, creating a comprehensive solution for navigating this remarkable city, all starting from a bold vision for active travel.

The results speak for themselves: last year, there were 700 million active travel trips undertaken. That equates to nearly one walk, roll, or cycle for every resident on each working day.

This achievement is not the result of chance but of careful planning and execution. We have witnessed a notable increase in active travel where new, safe routes have been established, such as the Chorlton Cycle Way and along Oxford Road, which demonstrate the latent demand for active travel; we simply need to provide the opportunity for people to embrace it.

Looking Ahead: Enhancing Active Travel

While improved infrastructure is undoubtedly essential, we must also consider where decision-making authority resides. This includes decisions regarding pavement parking and the implementation of school streets, as well as the capacity to identify and address the needs of specific areas.

These seemingly minor details often escape the attention of national leaders, yet they are glaringly apparent to many of you. This is why I have always contended that the levers of power should be held at the local level.

I am delighted to see that the spirit of devolution is embedded within the latest cycling and walking investment strategy, which is being executed locally by mayors and councils but supported nationally by Active Travel England.

The vision is straightforward: to provide safe, straightforward, and accessible choices for a larger number of individuals across more locations. Collectively, we are poised to invest billions in active travel by 2030, with the majority of funding devolved to local governments, allowing for unprecedented multi-year financing to realise their long-term aspirations.

We must set ambitious targets. By 2035, at least 60% of children should be walking or cycling to school, building upon a landmark agreement signed with mayors to deliver 3,500 miles of footways, safer crossings, and dedicated cycle lanes.

We are also supporting local initiatives, including wayfinding pilots, as we progress towards a consistent national Active Travel Network. Today, I am pleased to announce an investment of £104 million aimed at transforming the National Cycle Network. This funding will be directed towards the maintenance and expansion of the 12,000-mile network, including repairs to bridges, updates to signage, and the development of new routes surrounding the High Speed Two (HS2) line.

Active Travel: A Vision for the Future

In conclusion, I can think of few more effective ways to realise the Prime Minister’s vision than by wholeheartedly embracing active travel. When Andy speaks of instilling hope in people, I envision the millions of additional journeys we are facilitating by foot, cycle, or wheel—journeys that connect us to employment, friendships, and the aspects of life that matter most.

When he discusses creating places we can take pride in, I envision roads that are less congested and safer, high streets rejuvenated, and women and girls feeling more secure when walking home alone.

And when Andy speaks of revitalising Britain, I see the reduction in sick days, the increase in productivity, and the alleviation of pressure on the NHS—all achievable through increased physical activity.

Ultimately, active travel transcends being merely a mode of transportation. It is about connecting individuals to the lives they aspire to lead while designing environments in which we all wish to reside.

Thus, a conversation about footways, junctions, and wayfinding evolves into a reflection on the type of nation we aspire to become. This is why conferences like this are of paramount importance.

It underscores the significance of the work each of you undertakes. I am resolutely committed to collaborating with you to place active travel at the very core of our transport network.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy the remainder of the conference.