A national Active Travel pledge - to help all our health
I’ve spoken a lot in the past about mental health, and the links between physical health and your mental well-being. I’ve realised how important it is to me to stay active.
Cardio exercise of any type, from gentle walking to cycling, running or whatever you enjoy, is proven to have positive benefits to mental health.
It’s a key part of making us a healthier region. There is massive evidence showing how regular physical activity reduces risks such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression. That’s one of the reasons why last week I joined other Mayors in pledging together to create a national Active Travel network. We’re aiming to develop 3,500 miles of safe walking, wheeling and cycling routes including safer routes to schools, shops, high streets, workplaces and transport hubs.
It’s also part of my aim to give us the national profile we deserve, so Hull and East Yorkshire has a seat at the table and same opportunities as all other regions.
Another part of this was attending The Great North Board Meeting, discussing plans including how we can, together, attract investment globally for major infrastructure projects where we have shared interests across the North.