Mayor impressed by impact of Birtley Active Travel Centre
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has been in Birtley to visit a new centre that promotes walking, wheeling and cycling and to learn about the impressive impact it's having locally.
The Mayor met residents who are already seeing the benefits of being involved in activities at the Birtley Active Travel Centre, which opened in the same building as the recently refurbished Birtley Library on Durham Road in April.
Birtley Active Travel Centre offers a full programme of activities for all ages, supporting residents to make their daily journeys by walking, wheeling or cycling and promoting Active Travel as accessible to everyone. This includes:
- support, advice, and planning for everyday active journeys
- guided walks for every fitness level
- cycling training, guided rides and maintenance sessions
- engagement in work and education settings
- short-term cycle loans and refurbished cycle referrals
- employment and volunteering opportunities
The impact of these activities on residents from the area is already impressive - helping people to gain independence and confidence all while improving their health and wellbeing.
Nationwide, around 67% of journeys from one to five miles in length are completed by car and van, so there is massive potential to reduce congestion and improve air quality by encouraging a switch to active travel.
Birtley Active Travel Centre is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and services are being delivered by the national charity Sustrans.
Mayor Kim said:
"What's happening here in Birtley at the new Active Travel Centre is exactly the kind of transformative change our region needs.
"By building confidence on bikes and on foot, offering vital support into work, and creating a welcoming space for families and wheelchair users, this hub is empowering people of all ages. I'm proud to back this project, it's opening doors and that is exactly what transport should do - not just help people get around but help them get on."
Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said:
"Active travel benefits everyone - both for individuals and for our wider communities, by improving health and wellbeing while reducing congestion and improving air quality in Gateshead.
"We are committed, as a local authority and as a region, to providing safe and appealing transport choices. An attractive active travel offer is a vital part of that, and we hope to see the offer of activities and support in both Birtley and Leam Lane continue to grow across Gateshead, making it as easy as possible for anyone to make more journeys actively."
Matt Barber, Head of Growth and Partnerships, England said:
"We were delighted to welcome Mayor Kim McGuinness to the Birtley Active Travel Centre, and to showcase the impactful work we are delivering to the local community, thanks to the support of Gateshead Council.
"From short term cycle loans, to 'Dr Bike' cycle checks, and cycle confidence sessions, to led walks, and support, advice, and planning for everyday journeys - we are here for everyone; to help make it easier for them to walk, wheel, and cycle."
Find out more about Active Travel in Gateshead.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has been in Birtley to visit a new centre that promotes walking, wheeling and cycling and to learn about the impressive impact it's having locally.
The Mayor met residents who are already seeing the benefits of being involved in activities at the Birtley Active Travel Centre, which opened in the same building as the recently refurbished Birtley Library on Durham Road in April.
Birtley Active Travel Centre offers a full programme of activities for all ages, supporting residents to make their daily journeys by walking, wheeling or cycling and promoting Active Travel as accessible to everyone. This includes:
- support, advice, and planning for everyday active journeys
- guided walks for every fitness level
- cycling training, guided rides and maintenance sessions
- engagement in work and education settings
- short-term cycle loans and refurbished cycle referrals
- employment and volunteering opportunities
The impact of these activities on residents from the area is already impressive - helping people to gain independence and confidence all while improving their health and wellbeing.
Nationwide, around 67% of journeys from one to five miles in length are completed by car and van, so there is massive potential to reduce congestion and improve air quality by encouraging a switch to active travel.
Birtley Active Travel Centre is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and services are being delivered by the national charity Sustrans.
Mayor Kim said:
"What's happening here in Birtley at the new Active Travel Centre is exactly the kind of transformative change our region needs.
"By building confidence on bikes and on foot, offering vital support into work, and creating a welcoming space for families and wheelchair users, this hub is empowering people of all ages. I'm proud to back this project, it's opening doors and that is exactly what transport should do - not just help people get around but help them get on."
Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for the environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said:
"Active travel benefits everyone - both for individuals and for our wider communities, by improving health and wellbeing while reducing congestion and improving air quality in Gateshead.
"We are committed, as a local authority and as a region, to providing safe and appealing transport choices. An attractive active travel offer is a vital part of that, and we hope to see the offer of activities and support in both Birtley and Leam Lane continue to grow across Gateshead, making it as easy as possible for anyone to make more journeys actively."
Matt Barber, Head of Growth and Partnerships, England said:
"We were delighted to welcome Mayor Kim McGuinness to the Birtley Active Travel Centre, and to showcase the impactful work we are delivering to the local community, thanks to the support of Gateshead Council.
"From short term cycle loans, to 'Dr Bike' cycle checks, and cycle confidence sessions, to led walks, and support, advice, and planning for everyday journeys - we are here for everyone; to help make it easier for them to walk, wheel, and cycle."
Find out more about Active Travel in Gateshead.
