By KLTV Newsdesk –

New interactive tool launched by EPIKS gives locals the power to highlight barriers and improve active travel in the town

People across Huddersfield are being urged to share their views on how to make the town more accessible and safer for walking, wheeling, and cycling through a new interactive tool launched by EPIKS (Environmental Projects in Kirklees).

The initiative, part of the Walk Wheel Ride project, invites residents and workers to pinpoint problem areas on a digital map, take surveys, and suggest useful travel routes.

Developed in partnership with online engagement platform Commonplace, the tool is designed to gather meaningful community feedback that can influence the future of active travel in the area.

Capturing Local Experiences to Drive Change

“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”.

While the tool cannot directly deliver infrastructure changes, the information gathered will provide vital evidence for local decision-makers, highlight urgent areas for improvement, and support campaigns for safer and more accessible travel routes.

Working Together for a Healthier Huddersfield

“Many people in Kirklees want to walk, wheel, or cycle more but are hindered by safety concerns, unclear routes and poor accessibility,” explained Chas Ball, Director at EPIKS.

“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.

“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.”

The Walk Wheel Ride project also aims to foster community-led groups, raise awareness through campaigns, host workshops, and produce practical resources to promote everyday active travel.

Get Involved

Huddersfield locals can get involved now by visiting the Commonplace map tool.

Users are encouraged to:

• Pinpoint locations on an interactive map where issues or improvements exist

• Complete a short survey to share their travel habits and highlight barriers

• Suggest favourite routes to help others discover safe and enjoyable journeys around Kirklees

For more information about the Walk Wheel Ride initiative and local walking and cycling groups, visit the official website.