An initiative that aims to get people out of their cars and on to their legs or bicycles moved a step forward this week.

The ’active travel strategy’ launch - which was approved by Tynwald in July- took place at Ballakermeen High School, Douglas, where the scheme will be trailed.

It promises to make everyday journeys to work and schools by foot and bike ’more accessible’ through better signage, cycle routes and traffic calming measures.

The UK charity Sustrans, which makes ’active travelling’ easier for people, will help lead the initiative aiming to see more than 20% of people cycling or walking to walk by 2021.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: ’Providing ways in which people can choose to walk or cycle is at the centre of what we are trying to achieve through "active travel", and I’m confident Sustrans will help us deliver the aims of the strategy.

’They will be getting to work immediately by committing two staff members in the island, and looking at the ways in which schools and businesses can play their part.’

Rosslyn Colderley, Sustrans England north director, said: ’Increasing everyday levels of active travel significantly benefits health and wellbeing, can boost local economies and create more pleasant local environments to live in and travel through.

’We know from our research that when better walking and cycling routes are provided, alongside community engagement programmes, uptake in cycling and walking increases dramatically.

’This is why we’re delighted that the Isle of Man Government is investing in more dedicated cycling and walking routes which help to create low traffic neighbourhoods - where riding a bike or walking become the easiest way of travelling for short journeys.’

Education Minister Graham Cregeen, Kate Lord-Brennan MLC, Ballakermeen High School head teacher Adrienne Burnett, Manx cyclists Mark Christian, a former pupil of the school, and Tara Ferguson, a current student, attended the event.