We’ve launched a new interactive tool on our Walk Wheel Ride website, in partnership with Commonplace, to better understand how people travel around Huddersfield. This initiative is all about making it easier, safer, and more accessible for people to walk, wheel, and cycle—whether for commuting, errands, or leisure.
We know that many people want to choose active travel more often but face barriers such as accessibility issues, road safety concerns, a lack of clear routes, or simply not knowing where to start. That’s why we want to hear from you. Your insights will help us understand what’s working well, what needs to change, and how we can better support local communities in making sustainable travel choices.
The tool invites you to share your experiences of travel habits by marking locations on a map to highlight barriers you face, take surveys, and showcase any routes you think will benefit others.
“This valuable feedback will help shape future efforts to improve active travel in the town” said Beth Lomas, EPIKS lead on active travel. “We expect it to inform communities, employers and councillors where people feel improvements and better maintenance is needed”.
The Walk Wheel Ride project, established by EPIKS, will use the collected feedback to foster community-led groups, raise awareness through travel campaigns, host workshops, and create practical resources for active travel. Our engagement project through Commonplace is supported by the Mayor of West Yorkshire (WYCA) and Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Chas Ball, EPIKS DIrector on a Walk Wheel Ride stall promoting active travel and the new Commonplace engagement tool
Listening to Local Voices
Many people in Kirklees want to walk, wheel, or cycle more but are hindered by safety concerns, unclear routes and poor accessibility.
“While Walk Wheel Ride cannot directly address infrastructure changes, this initiative will help identify where improvements are most needed, providing evidence to support better conditions for walking, wheeling, and cycling,” said Chas Ball, EPIKS Director. “Working together, we can make Kirklees a better, safer place for active travel and ensure decision-makers understand the real challenges that people face on their daily journeys.”
How You Can Get Involved
Through the Commonplace website your participation will be appreciated by others, by:
- Pinpointing locations on an interactive map where you have encountered issues or encountered positive features.
- Take a short survey to share your travel habits and what would make it easier to walk, wheel, or cycle.
- Share your favourite routes to help others discover safe and enjoyable paths around Kirklees.
Your feedback isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s about shaping solutions.
Improving routes and infrastructure is important, but real change happens when people feel supported and empowered to travel actively. That’s why we’re not just gathering data—we’re using your feedback to shape how we support active travel in Huddersfield. This could mean:
- Community-led walking, wheeling, and cycling groups to help people build confidence.
- Awareness campaigns and workshops to promote safer, more accessible travel.
- Practical resources, such as route guides, maintenance support, or skills training.
- Being a louder voice for change, advocating for the improvements you want to see.
By getting involved, you’re helping us create a Huddersfield where walking, wheeling, and cycling are easy, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Share Your Thoughts Today
Every piece of feedback helps build a clearer picture of local travel needs and supports real change. Whether you’re an everyday walker, an occasional cyclist, or someone looking for better accessibility, we want to hear from you. Visit Commonplace today!
