South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard confirmed on Wednesday the appointment of
former Olympic champion cyclist Ed Clancy as the region’s latest Active Travel
Commissioner.
The role has been vacant since the previous commissioner, Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey,
moved across the Peak District last May to take up the same job for Greater Manchester’s
combined authority.
Following the announcement, Barnsley born Mr Clancy said: “I’m honoured to be South
Yorkshire’s new Active Travel Commissioner and I can’t wait to get stuck into the new role.
“I want to use my platform to break down those barriers that stop people walking or biking
to get where they need to go. Too many of us are driving cars, that’s clogging up our roads
and making them more dangerous.”
An Active Travel Commissioner is someone who works on either a national or regional scale
to ensure that walking or cycling routes are prioritised over driving when planning decisions
are being made. They usually do this by advising a legislative body such as a council, the
Government, or a mayor.
New Commissioner Mr Clancy retired from competitive cycling shortly after the delayed
2020 Tokyo Olympics. His honours included three Olympic golds in consecutive games
between 2008 and 2016 and several World Championship podium finishes.
After a career mixing with elite athletes, Mr Clancy is now focused on getting everyone
active, regardless of their ability.
“I’m committed to using my platform to get more people of all ages to walk, cycle, scoot or
skate around South Yorkshire.
“This means giving people a real, safe choice when it comes to their journeys.”
This week, Active Travel England announced £200m worth of new funding to improve
walking and cycling routes in the country, with South Yorkshire also receiving £1m
specifically for routes, e-bike loans and training.
Speaking at Mr Clancy’s announcement, Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Right now our roads
are too congested and dangerous, which is making us sicker and it’s stopping us reaching
our Net Zero targets.
“No one’s going to leave the car at home if it’s easier or feels safer not to, and that’s why
the work Ed will do with us is so important, it’s vital work and I’m sure he’ll be a huge
success.”