Oxfordshire’s new active travel and cycling champion wants to hear residents’ views on improving the situation for walkers and cyclists. Councillor Emily Kerr, who represents Oxford’s Bartlemas division, said she is honoured to be chosen and can’t wait to get stuck into the job.
She said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be the new active travel and cycling champion for Oxfordshire County Council, as I’m a huge supporter of making improvements to help us all get around more easily without needing to rely on driving a car.
“As a local resident in the vibrant city of Oxford, I am proud to have great experience in walking and cycling in urban areas, and I am eager to learn more about what matters most for those travelling throughout our beautiful county and in our most rural areas.
“I am looking forward to engaging with countryside groups in the coming weeks. I’d love people to get in touch with me to share their thoughts for the best active travel opportunities.”
Her role will involve taking part in regular road safety working groups and workshops, both rural and urban. These were set up by the council after it adopted the Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050.
Councillor Kerr takes over from Damian Haywood. The role has previously been held by Councillor Dan Levy and Councillor Andrew Gant.
She added: “I am dedicated to building on the excellent work of our previous county active travel champions and working closely with the council and local people to deliver evidence-based policy and high-quality infrastructure that will benefit our communities.”
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “As someone who has held this position before, I know what an important role the active travel and cycling champion is.
“I’d like to thank Damian Haywood for all the valuable work he did while in this post, and I am looking forward to working with Councillor Kerr in the future.
“Her enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for the issues shine through, and I am sure she will be holding our feet to the fire on all matters related to active travel.”
