The latest ratings for each Local Authority (in England outside London) in terms of their Active Travel Capability have now been published by Active Travel England. It isn’t good news for Derby.
It’s good to see that Derbyshire have increased their rating from Level 1 to now Level 2 and also good to see that Nottinghamshire have similarly improved their rating to Level 2.
What is disappointing is that Derby City Council are still rated at Level 1 – defined as “Some local leadership and organisational capability with basic plans and isolated schemes that do not yet form a plan for a coherent network.”
In comparison, a Level 3 rated authority (such as Nottingham) is described as “Very strong local leadership and organisational capability, comprehensive plans, and a significant network in place with a growing number of people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle.”
Of 80 local authorities assessed, 39 were rated Level 1 (including Derby) with all the remainder rated higher (Level 2 or 3). Derby is therefore now in the lower half of active travel capability across the country. The city still has a lot to do to contribute to achieving the Derbyshire Cycling Plan goal of being the most connected and integrated county for cycling in the country by 2030.
Especially disappointing locally is that significant monies (£161million) were allocated to Derby and Nottingham for transport improvements (Transforming Cities Fund) – the only bid across the country to receive the full amount requested. This fund was aimed at improving connections between major employment sites and promoting active travel and public transport. The fund is now mostly spent and it is hard to argue that Derby has been “transformed”.
We hope to see improvements within the city in 2026 which lead to a better rating in the capability assessments at the end of 2026. In particular, a plan for a coherent network.
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