Active travel event keeps residents rolling at Chester Lane Library

Article date: 17 April 2025

The event was part of the council's £30,000 Active Travel Social Prescribing project, which aims to encourage healthier, more active lifestyles through better access to travel options and personalised support.

Social prescribing is a healthcare approach that connects people to non-clinical services and activities within their communities to improve their health and wellbeing. 

The funding has been directed toward three main areas:

• The implementation of individual transport plans for children and young people with SEND
• Education and training to promote active travel
• A referral funding allowance to support inactive residents in increasing their activity levels

The Chester Lane event aligned with the education and training element of the programme and provided a range of engaging activities and information stands for the community. Highlights included:

• Dr Bike, offering free bike maintenance and servicing for residents
• Merseyside Police, conducting bike marking and registration
• The Road Safety Team, sharing practical travel safety advice
• The St Helens Wellbeing Service, promoting their walking programme and services such as smoking cessation support
• The council's climate change team, providing sustainability advice and resources
• Transport teams, offering insights into recent and upcoming infrastructure changes and the borough's Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)

Councillor Sue Murphy MBE, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:

"We were pleased to join our community partners at the Chester Lane event and thrilled by the positive response from residents. This health and wellbeing initiative is about making active travel accessible, inclusive, and part of everyday life for everyone. By bringing together key services and creating a space for conversation, support, and hands-on learning, we're helping residents feel empowered to take those first steps toward healthier, more active lifestyles."

For further information about the project, please contact publichealth@sthelens.gov.uk.

And to find other cycling and walking events in the community, visit www.thelivewelldirectory.com and search near you.