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Dan Simpson

@iamthedans.bsky.social
413 followers 364 following 223 posts

Policy & public affairs @ @WalkWheelCycleT.bsky.social. He/him.

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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Maybe they've got a point about there being a war on cars...
Two men smiling with a placard which says "pedestrianise the M6"
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
What a step forward that, rather than labelling their food allergens, conferences now have a QR code which you can scan to get the same information in a more confusing and time-consuming format. And if they forget to upload it, you get nothing. Progress!
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
That's one way to describe me
A lanyard which says "complex third sector visitor"
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Off to Labour conference? See you at a) Dawn Butler's Jamaica Party and b) the Sustainable Transport Alliance's event on how transport can drive regional economies. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sustainabl...
eventbrite.co.uk
Sustainable Transport Alliance: Devolution and Transportation
Join our Labour Party Conference fringe event where an esteemed panel will be discussing ‘How devolution can unlock a transport revolution’.
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
This video from Living Streets demonstrates exactly how hazardous delivery robots can be. If these new vehicles are to be allowed, they need to be made much safer, and they should be on the road, not the pavement. The pavement's for people.
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Bikes and the budget: How Burnham can save people money October 2026 will see the first budget of Andy Burnham’s government. The Treasury has asked for ideas. Dan Simpson, our policy and public affairs manager, explains how we can unlock cheap transport for people across England 👉 buff.ly/RM48XSf
walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
Bikes and the budget: How Burnham can save people money
In October 2026, the first budget of Andy Burnham’s government will be presented. The Treasury has asked for ideas. Dan Simpson, our policy and public affairs manager, explains how we can unlock…
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A bike is the symbol of free travel, so it's sad that people on low incomes are least likely to have one. @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social's got a cheap, simple proposal to help people buy a cycle and get a bit more breathing space. www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/our-blog/opi...
walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
Bikes and the budget: How Burnham can save people money
In October 2026, the first budget of Andy Burnham’s government will be presented. The Treasury has asked for ideas. Dan Simpson, our policy and public affairs manager, explains how we can unlock cheap...
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
My friend Grace has doodled me and it is LOVELY
A doodle of a guy with a moustache, flat cap, vest and trousers with birds on them
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
@walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social's a great place to influence government. The National Cycle Network is in almost every constituency. Our engineers ensure mean our asks are practical. My manager, Rachel, is going on maternity leave. Want to cover her job? Hit apply. www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/44...
linkedin.com
Head of Policy and Communications at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust — London Area, United Kingdom | LinkedIn Jobs
Apply for Head of Policy and Communications at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in London Area, United Kingdom. Full-time Director role. See responsibilities, qualifications, and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
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Transport for All @transportforall.org.uk · 18/08/2026
Breaking news! The Government has announced that from April 2027, disabled people across England will be able to use our bus passes 24 hours a day. We've been campaigning with others to lift time restrictions for a while now, and are proud to be part of that movement for change.
Two disabled people beside a Bee Network bus in Manchester. The image is in a jagged frame on a red textured background. Bold black text on yellow tape says "Breaking news! Time restrictions on bus passes" A bright yellow arrow wraps around the image.A graphic with a red background and bold black text on yellow rectangles. The text reads: What's happening? The Government has announced that from April 2027, people will be able to use their Disabled Person's Bus Pass to travel for free at any time of day. Bright yellow arrows point at the text.A graphic with a red background and bold black text on yellow rectangles. The text reads: Why is this good news? We are disabled 24 hours a day. Freedom to travel means getting where we need to go, when we need to go. It also ends the confusing and unjust postcode lottery caused by different local rules. Bright yellow arrows point at the text.A graphic with a red background and bold black text on yellow rectangles. The text reads: A win worth celebrating! Disabled people shared their experiences and campaigned. Politicians listened and policy changed. There's more to do but this is a win worth celebrating! Bright yellow arrows point at the text.
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
The government recently released their third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, and it’s got big ambitions. In the second of a series of blogs, @iamthedans.bsky.social , our policy and public affairs manager, looks at whether they’ve got their priorities right. 👇 buff.ly/e8IoauX
walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
The government wants to get England moving. Will it work?
The government’s just released their third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, and it’s got big ambitions. In the second of a series of blogs, Dan Simpson, our policy and public affairs manager,…
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Is a target the same as an objective? When is a "stage" a "trip"? Why did I study history? All these questions and more are answered in the second blog in our series about the third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy. www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/our-blog/opi...
walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
The government wants to get England moving. Will it work?
The government’s just released their third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, and it’s got big ambitions. In the second of a series of blogs, Dan Simpson, our policy and public affairs manager, ...
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
If you take the bus, chances are you're walking or wheeling there. @utg-uk.bsky.social have just released a report about how active travel can support public transport journeys. It contains many nuggets and an unusually appropriate semi-colon 🧵 www.urbantransportgroup.org/system/files...
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Another welcome letter down! It's really striking the progress that we've been able to make despite ministerial churn in the 3 and a half years I've been at the Trust. We'll be sorry to see @liliangreenwood.bsky.social go, but great to welcome Justin Madders and @simonlightwood.org.uk (back!)
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
The government’s just released their third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, and it’s got big ambitions. In the first of a series of blogs, @iamthedans.bsky.social, our policy and public affairs manager, breaks down what the funding means. Read it here 👇
buff.ly
Is the government giving enough funding to active travel in England?
The government’s just released their third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, and it’s got big ambitions. In the first of a series of blogs, Dan Simpson, our policy and public affairs manager,…
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Am I an influencer now? I've done one of those day in the life videos www.linkedin.com/posts/walk-w...
linkedin.com
Take a trip to Devon with Dan Simpson! - A Dan's-eye-view, day in the life of a Policy and Public Affairs manager 👀 Last week, Dan traveled to Ivybridge in Devon to meet Transport Select… | Wal...
Take a trip to Devon with Dan Simpson! - A Dan's-eye-view, day in the life of a Policy and Public Affairs manager 👀 Last week, Dan traveled to Ivybridge in Devon to meet Transport Select Committee ...
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
(Money) I'm talking about money, money. My hot takes on the new cycling and walking investment strategy from a funding perspective! www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/our-blog/opi...
walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
Is the government giving enough funding to active travel in England?
The government’s just released their third Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy, and it’s got big ambitions. In the first of a series of blogs, Dan Simpson, our policy and public affairs manager, b...
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Councils should have the power to decide where you can park on the pavement - they know their streets best. But this should only be where it's safe, accessible and absolutely necessary. It's heartbreaking reading Hana's experiences here. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Pavement parking allowed by half of councils in England
Disability charities say the practice makes streets harder to navigate for wheelchair users and people with limited sight.
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
🧵 1/2 Have you seen delivery robots on the pavement? They're spreading to more British cities. Pavements are for people, and we shouldn't have more clutter making it harder to navigate them. We've fought cars, bikes and scooters blocking pavements, and we'll fight this as well.
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Rebecca Montacute @beckymontacute.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The apartment we're staying in has two of the passive cooling installs that are too hard to get in the UK - external shutters (which need planning permission as they alter the external appearance of the property) and awnings (which sometimes need permission e.g. in a conservation area)
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
What if we could design new towns where everything you need is within easy reach? England’s New Towns Programme is an opportunity to get this right, but only if walking, wheeling and cycling are built in from the start. In our latest blog we've set out how 👇️
buff.ly
7 reasons why the New Towns Programme should show stronger support for everyday journeys
How often are we given a blank canvas to create a whole new town where the things we need are all within easy reach?
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Great weather for the Parliamentary Bike Ride! In some ways, it was a jolly. But, I ended up having a lovely geeky conversation with Phil Jones, conspiring about new road signage which could be pitched in the upcoming Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions update. If of interest, lmk 🚦
A white guy in his 20s with a moustache and stubble smiling on a bike in a flowery shirt under a blue sky, sitting on a bike
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Obviously, opinions will differ based on the detail, but time and time again people support the principle that pavements are for people, not cars.
A YouGov survey of 4431 GB adults on 7 May 2026 asking "Would you support of oppose a ban on drivers parking their cars on pavements?" 31% strongly support, 31% somewhat support, 18% somewhat oppose, 9% strong oppose and 11% don't know.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
A great blog from my colleague Aggie about how we can unlock more housing in well-connected locations. What do you think? www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/connectivity...
walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
Connectivity in planning: why building homes near stations isn’t enough
Housing estates built in the middle of nowhere – they’re bad for people, and they’re bad for our planet.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
An integrated transport system isn't about big interchanges, even if they're cool. It's about a change of mindset, not being competitive between modes - investment in public transport helps more people walk, wheel and cycle, and vice versa. Here are some short clips from what I told parliament.
A picture of Dan, a white bearded guy in his 20s, smiling while sitting in a committee room in the House of Commons. There are green chairs and wooden panelled walls. Dan's wearing a suit with flowers on his shirt.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Yes, we are gonna celebrate every step as pavement parking powers are rolled out. We've waited decades for them, and they could easily stall again. Did you know we got close before? 🧵
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
It was actually fun (!) being interrogated by the select committee and hearing from such interesting panellists. I'm not going to watch it back because I'd cringe at myself, but perhaps you should watch it.
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Frans Petersen @franspetersen.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Jong geleerd, oud gedaan. De enorme vrijheid die fietsen biedt is ongekend. Ik denk dat wij inmiddels 90% van de ritten fietsend afleggen. Een goede bakfiets én een elektrische ‘gezinsdeelfiets’ voor de langere ritten, of voor de puber die nog in het donker op pad moet, helpen daar wel bij.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Thrilled and terrified in equal measure to say that I'm giving oral evidence to the transport select committee next Wednesday. They're looking at how to make journeys more joined up. Almost every bus journey starts with a walk or wheel. Thinking cross-mode just makes sense.
A screenshot of a meeting at 9:15am, Wednesday 15 April in Room 15 of the Palace of Westminster on Joined-up journeys: achieving and measuring transport integration. It features:
Ansaf Azhar
ADPH Board Member at The Association of Directors of Public Health
Pete Dyson
Researcher at University of Bath
Dan Simpson
Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Professor Charisma Choudhury
Chair in Behaviour Modelling at Institute of Transport Studies, and UKRI Future Leader Fellow at School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds
Chris Hillcoat
Associate Director, Future Mobility at KPMG
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Waiting to cross every side road when you're walking to the shops slows you down more than you notice. Sticking a zebra crossing where the two roads meet is a simple way to make clear that pedestrians have priority.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Want to see how a Dutch joke reel shows just how much cycling culture is flipped in the UK?
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Interesting that UK coverage has made a lot of the fuel duty changes in Australia but mostly ignored this more radical measure. I know one's federal and one's at state level, but there's a lesson for the UK here: councils and combined authorities could act quickly to save people money.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Lovely news: sometimes, "at the next legislative opportunity" actually means that! In January, the government announced they wanted to give councils the power to tackle cars parked on the pavement. They've now tabled an amendment to the English Devolution Bill to deliver those 👇
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Today we launch our 2025 Walking and Cycling Index 🥳 The report is the biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in the UK and Ireland brought to you by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust in collaboration with 22 regional and local partners.
Text reads: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. For our health. Our wellbeing. Our world. UK report Walking and Cycling Index 2025.
Every year, walking, wheeling and cycling prevent 28,038 serious long-term health conditions. www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/walking-cycling-indexText reads: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. For our health. Our wellbeing. Our world. UK report Walking and Cycling Index 2025.
Every year, walking, wheeling and cycling creates £9.55 billion in economic benefit for individuals and UK Index areas.
www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/walking-cycling-indexText reads: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. For our health. Our wellbeing. Our world. UK report Walking and Cycling Index 2025.
Every year, walking wheeling and cycling saves 500,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/walking-cycling-indexText reads: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. For our health. Our wellbeing. Our world. UK report Walking and Cycling Index 2025.
Every year, walking, wheeling and cycling saves the NHS £346.7 million equivalent to the cost of 7.7 million GP appointments.
www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/walking-cycling-index
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The Ranty Highwayman @rantyhighwayman.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
And there's your side road zebras being possible in Wales from 11th March this year. www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2026/35/...
legislation.gov.uk
The Traffic Signs (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations and General Directions 2026
This Instrument amends the Traffic Signs Regulations 2016 and the Traffic Signs General Directions 2016, together titled the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 (“the 2016 Instrument...
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
🧵 1/6 Some pertinent comments from @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social and Dr Anna Dixon MP during Tuesday's Westminster Hall debate: Women's safety while walking, wheeling, cycling and running. It's wonderful to hear the National Cycle Network described as 'binding' a constituency in this way 👇
Graphic showing quote by Dr Arthur Scott MP: In my constituency, a national cycle route runs alongside the River Leath. This route used to be the Balerno line, and it provides a space for active travellers to enjoy a quiet and beautiful route away from traffic. I use this route regularly and feel incredibly lucky to be able to enjoy it as I travel through my constituency. It's one of the things that binds my constituency...
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Such a no-brainer to make it easier to build or improve railway paths. Here's a quick reminder of one step which could be taken. bsky.app/profile/iamt...
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Great to hear @ollyglover.bsky.social MP and Local Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood's positive exchange about re-purposing railway paths for walking wheeling and cycling. There are paths over the country ready to be built and we'd love to talk about how we could make it easier to get going ⛏️
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
I've written a nerdy piece about setting a good national framework for devolved policymaking - I think it's relevant beyond active travel. Also proud to have snuck in a) some prosperous hypothetical parallel universes and b) a reference to the prog song Hocus Pocus by Focus🚲🎸
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Today is a big day. Campaigners have been waiting decades for cars parked on the pavement to be tackled. They then waited five years for a response to the government's consultation. Now, it's finally come 🧵
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust's @iamthedans.bsky.social met up with Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Richard Holden, for a stroll along the National Cycle Network in his constituency just before Christmas 🚶
Dan Simpson (left) and Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Richard Holden set off for a stroll on the National Cycle Network. There are buildings in the background and signposts for the National Cycle Network in the foreground. Richard Holden and Dan Simpson walking along the National Cycle Network in a urban area. Richard Holden applies a National Cycle Network sign to a lamp post to show the way.Richard Holden applies another sign to a lamp post showing the way on the National Cycle Network.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Whatever I do in life, I don't think I'll ever surpass this wot I did when I was a teenager. Love and joy come to you etc etc youtube.com/watch?v=eE32...
youtube.com
Here we Come a-Wassailing - Dan Simpson #WassailTheDeer
YouTube video by Rhii Photography and Film
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Lord Hendy's been making a lot of positive news this week for walking, wheeling and cycling! First, we had the first confirmation that Bikeability (CC @bikeabilityuk.bsky.social) and the National Cycle Network will get multi-year funding settlements. 🧵
A screenshot of an answer from Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill on 28 November 2025. The important part is where he says "The Government plans to offer long term funding settlements over the 2025 Spending Review period for other national active travel programmes run by wider organisations, such as Bikeability and the National Cycle Network, following the conclusion of DfT business planning."
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
Want a break from the budget? Good news! Across Europe, there are zebra crossings at side roads. They make it clear that people walking and wheeling have priority, rather than stopping every few metres. In the UK, governments haven't officially allowed them - until today 🧵
People walking and wheeling across a zebra crossing which is right at the junction of a side street
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
In our new strategy, one of our goals is Connecting. This includes making longer journeys possible for everyone by making it easy to walk, wheel or cycle to catch a bus, tram or train.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Integrated transport, joined-up journeys, multi-modal, whatever you say: the transport select committee's started a new inquiry, so I've taken the opportunity to set out how walking, wheeling and cycling are the glue that holds together other modes. www.walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/our-blog/res...
walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk
What role can walking, wheeling and cycling play in longer journeys?
MPs in the transport select committee recently asked how to make longer journeys easier, like walking to the bus or cycling to the train.
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
New fave Dutch word just dropped
A screenshot of Google translate with "pissebed" translated as "woodlouse"
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walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Drumroll please! 🥁 We are now Walk Wheel Cycle Trust 🚶‍♀️ 👩‍🦽 🚴‍♀️ For our health our wellbeing and our world 🌍 #HealthWellbeingWorld #ActiveTravel #SustainableTransport #Walking #Wheeling #Cycling #NationalCycleNetwork #FreshAir #Nature #Community #ConnectingCommunities
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
Just been to a conference fringe which was an hour and a half, not the usual hour, and it was honestly so much more worthwhile because of the space for discussion. Fewer fringes, more discussion!
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Dan Simpson @iamthedans.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
Very exciting to be a late addition to this interesting panel tomorrow! We can build the 1.5 million homes we need and create places where people want to be. I'll explain how walking, wheeling and cycling can play their part.
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