SOUTH Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and Barnsley-born Olympic gold medalist Ed Clancy have teamed up in a bid to make the county the fittest in the country.
At a recent event, Mr Coppard launched the Year of Active Travel as he aims to the make the region the healthiest in the UK.
He will be investing £160m of funding into the region to improve cycle routes and green technology.
The mayor’s projects range from the region’s first Dutch-style roundabout in Barnsley, to segregated cycle lanes in Rotherham.
Dutch-style roundabouts give priority to cyclists and pedestrians, and have a narrower carriageway which forces vehicles to slow down on approach.
He said: “I want to make sure we are building the healthiest future for the generations to come.
“This is why this year is going to be South Yorkshire’s Year of Active Travel.
“This is not another soundbite – it’s a concrete plan.
“I am determined to make South Yorkshire the healthiest region in the country.”