Decision

This Council notes:

• The need for all children in the Borough to have the opportunity to travel safely around the Borough and breathe clean air.
• That the record-breaking heatwave experienced this summer is a reminder of the need to reduce carbon emissions to address climate change; and that transport accounts for the second largest source of emissions in the Borough.
• That the UK faces a growing crisis of childhood obesity and poor mental health and that this is most concentrated in some of our poorest communities.
• That the Greenwich Labour Party Manifesto committed to the introduction of a £150 Active Travel Voucher to help every child aged 4-16 in the Borough to get a bike, scooter and/or relevant safety equipment.
• That, supported by improvements in road safety and cycle training, the Active Travel Voucher can contribute to decarbonising transport and journeys in the Borough, while delivering a range of other benefits to children and young people in Greenwich.

This Council believes:

• That everyone remembers getting their first bike – that first taste of freedom, independence and fun – but that the cost of living means too many parents are finding it harder to give their children that start. A voucher to help every child get a bike or scooter eases cost of living pressures on families, supports our local businesses, helps children get active and lead healthier lives, and contributes to decarbonising transport in the Borough.

This Council resolves:

• Subject to Cabinet’s approval - to deliver the Greenwich Active Travel Voucher – a £150 voucher for every child and young person aged 4-16 and under to help them buy a bike or scooter and safety equipment – funded solely from dedicated ring-fenced sustainability s106 funds, using money negotiated from developers to help local children and families.
• To work in partnership with local businesses and national retailers to ensure the Active Travel Voucher is easily accessible for all children and young people.
• To continue delivering wider improvements to local cycle networks, road safety, cycle training and public transport improvements to further encourage children and all residents to travel in a more sustainable, fun and healthy way.