Councillors join active travel training to help shape better streets for Portsmouth

Councillor Steve Pitt and Councillor Peter Candlish have taken part in an active travel training workshop delivered by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, supporting Portsmouth City Council’s ambition to create safer, more accessible routes for walking, wheeling and cycling.

The session forms part of the council’s ongoing work to strengthen its capability in designing high‑quality active travel infrastructure, helping staff build practical skills and confidence in line with national guidance.

Cllr Peter Candlish, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

“Supporting our staff to design ambitious, high quality walking and cycling routes is an important part of making travel safer and easier for everyone in Portsmouth. This workshop will help us build the skills we need to create better streets and neighbourhoods, so more people feel confident to walk, wheel or cycle for their everyday journeys.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

“We’re committed to improving how people move around our city, and investing in staff training is a key step in that journey. By strengthening our expertise and aiming for a higher capability rating with Active Travel England, we can unlock more funding and deliver the transport improvements our residents expect and deserve.”

The workshop covered topics including inclusive design, national active travel guidance, and practical approaches to improving routes and junctions in urban settings, skills that will support future local projects.

Portsmouth City Council is continuing its long‑term ambition to create a safer, healthier and more connected city by improving walking, wheeling and cycling routes. This includes aligning local projects with national guidance, investing in staff training, and working towards a higher capability rating with Active Travel England. This can help unlock further funding for future improvements.