Active travel: A current trend or a behaviour trend that’s here to stay?

In May 2022 the AA president Edmund King urged drivers to cut out shorter car journeys if they are able to do so and “walk or cycle to save money” in response to the rapidly rising cost of fuel. Almost a fifth of AA members have already started doing this. Could this be the push people need to take up active travel? And how do we continue to capture this trend and make it a permanent lifestyle change?

Changing behaviours 

There are many benefits to active travel. Not only is it good for the purse but it can help reduce traffic congestion, air and noise pollution and has significant mental and physical health benefits. 71% of travel within England is under five miles, a distance which can be completed on foot or by cycling. But encouraging active travel isn’t enough, we also need to enable it.. 

We work with local authorities who recognise the importance and growing popularity of greener travel but want to remove the barriers that are currently putting people off.  

“Project Centre is at the forefront of delivering active travel schemes. Our multi-disciplinary teams work collaboratively with our clients and local residents to design bespoke solutions that are sympathetic to a location’s heritage and character. Through our holistic approach to design and our extensive experience with engaging local authorities and their residents, we encourage behaviour change which encourages, promotes and delivers active travel.”

Scott Lester, Technical Director

Road design impacts people’s travel habits. Cycling infrastructure like bike lanes, cycle hangers and bike parking encourage more people to walk or cycle those shorter journeys.

“It could be as easy as putting a safe crossing on a busy road, or it could be a complete overhaul like cycle tracks, pathways and just additional measures to make things safer.”

Jess Lloyd, Principal Engagement Consultant

Driving footfall 

Those choosing active methods of travel have a direct impact on the increase in revenues for high street stores. Having more people walk benefits the economy. It is estimated that active travel can generate a 30% increase in sales for retailers.

Expanding walking routes, widening pavements, creating seating areas, zebra crossings and creating pedestrianised roads creates a safer and more accessible environment. With less emissions, traffic and noise pollution generated by vehicles, it also creates environments that people want to spend more time in. 

Our work with Surrey Heath Borough Council on regenerating Camberley town centre, is a great example of how we can make town centres more accessible. 

Increasing safety with active travel

At Project Centre, we’ve carried out substantial research on School Streets to evaluate safety. Our assessments can lead to restricting vehicle access during certain times around schools leading to safer travel routes for children. 

Project Centre was commissioned by Barking and Dagenham Council, through Be First. The purpose was to assess several School Streets in the London borough to reduce traffic and improve air quality.

Our traffic and transportation engineers, communication consultants and road safety auditors worked with schools and local communities to successfully complete the project. We completed 290 face to face surveys with residents. There was an average of 75% in support of the introduction of School Streets. 

Projects like this encourage people to actively travel with their children. This also establishes a future generation who invite environmentally friendly types of travel. 

Using data and engaging with communities, we advise local authorities on how to implement active travel to complement their existing travel network.

Monitoring pollution 

Using the latest technology, Project Centre analyses and assesses data. We advise local authorities on how to implement active travel to complement their existing travel network. Because some people rely on cars, active travel shouldn’t eliminate cars from roads completely. The goal is to encourage the use of alternative means of transport where possible. Project Centre’s work makes these alternatives available to more people. 

Active travel is here to stay

Active travel is a movement that shows no sign of slowing down. If anything, with the government agency Active Travel England growing and more grants becoming available, we can only expect growth in this area. Project Centre provides support in promoting and adopting active travel. Our multidisciplinary teams are experts in infrastructure and road design, behaviour change and landscape and urban design. Speak to us today to begin transforming your community now.