
Local authorities have been issued with guidance to support them in making it easier for people to walk and cycle to work.
The 60-page publication, titled ‘Moment for Change’, has been produced by Sustrans on behalf of the DfT. It is intended to provide practical steps to harness an increase in walking and cycling seen during the pandemic.
The document lays out how councils can access funding for behaviour change programmes, and how to shape programme design through using a data-driven approach, behaviour change models and more inclusive language and imagery.
It lists initiatives that employers can take to encourage greater uptake of active travel, and it provides communications resources to local authorities after a call for help in promoting the benefits.
Although there is a focus on cycling, it includes examples of successful walking interventions.
The DfT has described the context of the guide’s publication as a ‘rare, national, moment of change’.
Matt Winfield, England director at Sustrans, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic and restrictions ease, we should seize the opportunity to bring about lasting, positive behaviour change.
“We know we need to drive less, and we know people want to walk and cycle more – this guidance document highlights how local authorities can play their part in making that happen.”
The guidance was released by the DfT as part of a raft of announcements made under the umbrella of a ‘Summer of Cycling and Walking’.
In the 1990s, I rode a bike to work from Stamford Hill to the City. I was not quite the only one that did so, but almost. On Monday I hired a Santander bike to go from Charing Cross through the West End to St. John’s Wood and back. The cricket was disappointing, but the journey was magnificent. It was an extraordinary how hundreds and hundreds of people were using bikes to get around. What’s more it felt completely safe, with 20mph speed limit throughout. Build it and they WILL come…
Adrian Berendt, Tunbridge Wells
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Please do not assume that Robert’s experience of U3A is typical. Here in Lymm near Warrington we have U3A groups and this includes a cycling group (see https://u3asites.org.uk/lymm-thelwall/page/75939).
A simple search of “U3A cycling” will reveal U3A cycling groups all around the country. Many people around here walk to their U3A meetings. People who are keeping active rather than always reaching for the car keys.
Electric bikes are transforming the options for the elderly to cycle more easily and further. Why have all the complications of parking a car when you can use a bike.
Of course if we build for cars we will get more car usage. And if we neglect to build an environment that is good for cycling then we will get more car usage.
So well done Matt and Sustrans for your ideas for change.
Rod King, Lymm
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As i have said before on this subject ‘you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. The fact that it becomes easier to walk or cycle to work doesn’t mean that more people will do it – especially in bad weather. Matt WInfield says we know people want to walk and cycle more. Really? What is the evidence for this.? The population is growing older. Do old people want to walk or cycle more? I used to cycle school daily 7 miles along an A class road. No kid does that now. I haven’t been on a bike for years and, at 85 years old, have no intention of getting on one now. I am in the U3A, there are lots of sub groups in the U3A, but I have never seen a Cycling one. the walking groups go along rural footpaths for a round trip. Very few people walk or cycle to the meetings, most come by car. There is already more car use because of fear of infection from public transport. Matt may have ideas for change but i doubt it will ever happen. People love their comfort more.
Robert Bolt, St Albans
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