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Public demand in the UK for better walking, cycling, and wheeling infrastructure is stronger than ever. With growing awareness of the health, economic, and environmental benefits of active travel, it’s no surprise.
The government’s recent £300 million funding injection reflects this growing support for improved active travel projects.
But why does active travel continue to demand more investment? The benefits are simply too hard to ignore. From boosting local economies to improving public health and cutting emissions, active travel stands to improve people’s lives across the UK.
Strong public support for active travel investment
A recent survey by Sustrans revealed that over half of UK residents support reallocating funds from road building projects to initiatives that improve walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transport. This keen interest in active travel is backed up by 50% of respondents wishing to walk more, and 43% aiming to cycle more. In contrast, only 15% expressed a desire to drive more, while 24% intend to drive less.
Additionally, a YouGov survey from 2020 indicated that 77% of British people are in favour of implementing local measures to encourage cycling and walking. These findings underscore a widespread public endorsement for enhancing active travel infrastructure.
Why children are asking for safer streets
Children, in particular, are highly likely to want better active travel options. A report by Sustrans asked whether children were enthusiastic about better infrastructure.
Of those asked, 78% of children backed an increase in proper bike lanes. 81% were supportive of quieter paths, 70% wanted better traffic calming measures and slower speed restrictions, and 66% supported the closure of traffic outside schools. The report’s main finding was that boys are twice as likely to cycle as girls. Perhaps, it’s only through better infrastructure that we can aim to redress this imbalance.
A recent video by Active Travel England features children expressing their desire for safer routes to school and more accessible transport options. Helping to reinforce the importance of investing in infrastructure that can solve the need for greater activity levels among children.
Economic advantages
So, why is there demand for better active travel schemes? What does active travel actually bring to the table?
To begin with, cycling has a surprisingly strong economic benefit. A report by the Department for Transport highlights that cycling can boost high street sales, as cyclists often spend more per month than car users. This increased footfall can lead to higher revenues for local businesses.
Cycle tourism has also become a significant contributor to the UK’s economy. According to Cycling UK, leisure and tourism cycling on the National Cycle Network contributes £650 million annually and supports over 15,000 jobs. This highlights the potential of active travel to boost local economies, particularly in rural areas where tourism is a key source of income.
Investing in active travel infrastructure can also increase property values. A study by phys.org that properties located near safe cycling and walking routes tend to attract higher prices. This is because well-connected active travel networks make neighbourhoods more appealing, encouraging greater social engagement and higher foot traffic for local businesses.
The environmental impact
On top of the economic reasons, the environmental benefits of active travel are perhaps more obvious, but also substantial. A thorough scientific study published in the Transportation Research journal found that increased cycling and walking can lead to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions. Replacing short car trips with walking or cycling helps to cut down on traffic congestion and also improve air quality.
This shift, crucially, also reduces noise pollution, creating more peaceful and pleasant urban environments. In fact, recent studies are increasingly linking noise to adverse health effects.
Fewer cars on the road mean cleaner air and quieter streets, which improves overall quality of life for residents. The environmental impact extends beyond urban areas, too, as more sustainable transport options help reduce pressure on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Health benefits and reduced strain on our NHS
Active travel also plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health. Research shows that incorporating walking or cycling into daily routines leads to a healthier workforce, reducing sick days and increasing productivity. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that regular active travel is linked to lower rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved cardiovascular health.
Additionally, Active Travel England reports that active travel now accounts for 20% of all minutes of physical activity undertaken by adults in England. Regular physical activity is closely associated with lower rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Reducing these health risks could ease pressure on the NHS and lead to long-term cost savings for the healthcare system.
Walking and cycling can also promote social interaction and mental well-being. Creating safe and accessible routes helps to encourage more people to spend more time outdoors, ultimately improving mood and reducing feelings of isolation. This benefit is particularly significant for older adults and those with limited mobility.
Challenges still remain
Despite the benefits, barriers to active travel remain. Safety concerns are a significant issue, with many cyclists and pedestrians citing dangerous road conditions and inadequate infrastructure as major deterrents.
This is where improved funding and new projects help. By expanding protected bike lanes, improving pedestrian crossings, and reducing vehicle speeds in residential areas we can continue to address these challenges.
Accessibility is another pressing issue. Individuals with disabilities or limited mobility often face barriers such as poorly maintained footpaths and a lack of wheelchair-accessible routes. Designing active travel infrastructure with inclusivity in mind is essential to ensuring that everyone can benefit from these initiatives.
Cycle parking is another major component of successful active travel networks. Without that secure place to park, people are unlikely to choose cycling over driving. Covered bike shelters, canopies, well-secured bike racks can all help build out infrastructure across the UK.
A sustainable future
The welcome momentum behind active travel investment in the UK is underpinned by its proven economic, environmental, and health benefits. And with strong public support and clear demand from children, enhancing active travel infrastructure presents a compelling opportunity to build a healthier, more sustainable, and economically buoyant society.
Investing in active travel is not merely about improving transport options; it is about reshaping the way people engage with their communities, improving quality of life, and building a more sustainable future.
By addressing safety and accessibility concerns and responding to the growing demand for better infrastructure, better active travel projects can continue to foster more active travel journeys up and down the country.