EDM 1160: Curry Rivel Active Travel Group's new cycle path

That this House welcomes the completion and opening of the first phase of a new active travel route between Curry Rivel and Langport, providing a safe, off-road alternative to the busy A378 for both pedestrians and cyclists; notes that this initial section was delivered through the sustained efforts of the Curry Rivel Active Travel Group in partnership with Curry Rivel Parish Council, local landowners, and neighbouring parishes; acknowledges funding support from Somerset Council and the Rural England Prosperity Fund, alongside valuable community contributions and volunteer efforts led by Tony Greenaway; recognises the significant public health and wellbeing, environmental and road safety benefits for rural residents, particularly school children and those without access to cars; further notes the plight of many rural communities who continue to lack safe walking and cycling routes and would greatly benefit from similar infrastructure; highlights the potential for easy to access routes to boost the local economy, supporting rural businesses; welcomes the role of this new path in a wider network planned across the Somerset Levels and Moors; and calls on the Government to prioritise investment in rural active travel infrastructure, adopting a nationwide active travel strategy.