Background and Challenges
When SYMCA commissioned Trueman Change in 2025, they were preparing to create a new Walking, Wheeling and Cycling Strategy. The aim was to ensure it reflected the daily experiences of people across South Yorkshire. Achieving this required a thoughtful and grounded approach that recognised long standing barriers such as inconsistent infrastructure, concerns about safety, challenges with accessibility and an enduring cultural reliance on cars.
The challenge was both practical and cultural. Communities wanted to be heard, and seldom heard groups wanted meaningful involvement. With substantial experience in large scale engagement and organisational change, Trueman Change was well placed to help SYMCA develop a strategy rooted in local experience and shared ambition.
Trueman Change Involvement
Our role combined structured programme design with deep engagement across the region. We created a five phase methodology that brought together evidence, experience and community centred insight.
Key activities included:
- Designing and delivering workshops, focus groups and surveys, with focused engagement for disabled residents, women of South Asian heritage and small business owners
- Conducting stakeholder interviews with businesses and organisational partners
- Completing a rigorous thematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative data
- Supporting the development of Community Champions to sustain local involvement
- Mapping evidence gaps and identifying priority themes for the emerging strategy
This approach ensured the strategy was informed not only by established best practice but also by the everyday journeys, frustrations and aspirations of people who travel in South Yorkshire.
Outcomes and Solutions
Central to the work was an accessible and detailed assessment of active travel needs across the region. This enabled SYMCA to clearly understand what was working, what required attention and where communities wished to see change.
Key outcomes included:
- A clear evidence base showing widespread concerns about maintenance, safety and accessibility
- Identification of strong opportunities for inclusive design, improved networks and positive health and wellbeing outcomes
- Insight from both communities and businesses on the need for safer routes, better integrated public transport and more secure cycle storage
- Establishment of community voices at the heart of the strategy through a network of Community Champions
- A suite of practical recommendations supporting SYMCA to adopt a dynamic, community centred and data led approach
This work created a solid foundation for a strategy that continues to evolve in response to community experience.
Added Value
The engagement programme went beyond gathering views. It supported local leadership, strengthened collaboration and helped shape future ways of working.
Trueman Change:
- Amplified the voices of groups often underrepresented in transport planning
- Supported cultural change by linking active travel with wellbeing, neighbourhood life and local identity
- Helped SYMCA embed inclusive engagement into ongoing practice
- Highlighted regional differences and local priorities, ensuring the strategy reflects the realities of areas such as Doncaster and Rotherham
- Delivered practical recommendations for infrastructure enhancement, safety initiatives, cultural change activity and data driven monitoring
This added value helped SYMCA move from consultation to genuine co creation, building trust and shaping a healthier and more connected future for South Yorkshire.
