Tag Archive: active travel

  1. The future of corporate cycling in Finland and beyond

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    Source: Zag Daily

    Although the Finnish tax exemption scheme for bike and e-bike purchases through employers is coming to a close, an argument has been made that this does not signal the end of corporate cycling, and that companies everywhere can make a real difference in boosting active travel.

    Mikko Ampuja, CEO and Founder of Finnish bike benefit company Vapaus, has highlighted that the Finnish scheme primarily benefited higher income earners, leaving affordable personal active travel options out of the reach of many. “High earners gained the greatest tax savings, while lower-income workers – who stand to benefit most from affordable transport – were often excluded.”

    The end of Finland’s tax incentive scheme has forced Vapaus to change tack, Ampuja says. Having leveraged their purchasing power with a range of high-quality European e-bike and regular bike brands, they work with companies to offer bikes to employees, on an affordable monthly basis with payments taken from the salary for streamlined administration. Options to change to a new model mid-contract are available for a fixed fee.

    How employers can make a difference

    Ampuja points out that companies have the capacity to put cycling benefit policies in place that can directly influence and benefit large numbers of employees – leading to lower emissions and enhanced employee wellbeing. This is often in contrast to national policies, which are subject to shift and change – such as the ending of Finland’s tax scheme after a period of five years.

    In countries where there is strong support for corporate cycling schemes such as bike leasing, the numbers of people opting for active travel are substantially boosted. Belgium has a 20-year-old law in place which mandates that companies with over 500 employees must have a corporate mobility plan; the nation’s bike leasing sector saw a growth in net added value from €7 million in 2015, to €102 million in 2023. Germany is another success story, with 750,000 new company bikes being leased in 2024, bringing the country’s total number to 2.1 million leased bikes.

    At the EU level, pressure is increasing on the Commission to include policies that support and boost bike leasing schemes as it prepares its Clean Corporate Vehicles initiative.

  2. UK parliamentary active travel group takes learnings from Paris

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    Sources: Cycling Industry News, BikeBiz

    The UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) recently led a delegation on a study tour to Paris to gain an understanding of how the city has successfully implemented active travel infrastructure over recent years, particularly in preparation for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and how it plans to sustain cycling growth.

    The delegation, consisting of APPGCW members plus local councillors, policy makers and representatives of various active travel campaign groups, travelled to Paris by Eurostar and undertook a cycle tour of the city on arrival, using Lime shared e-bikes. The cycle tour allowed the delegation to explore various examples of Paris’s reallocation of space for active travel, ahead of a meeting with local councillor Florent Giry, who shared details of the city’s cycling strategy and how it had rapidly implemented segregated cycle routes.

    The group also met at the French Parliament with Catherine Hervieu MP, alongside representatives of the Paris cycling advocacy organisation Paris en Selle, of national active travel Réseau Vélo et Marche (Cycling and Walking Network), and other policymakers working to promote active travel on a national level.

    Fabian Hamilton MP, Chair of the APPGCW, said: “This visit has shown us what’s possible when political will and investment align behind active travel. Paris has made extraordinary progress in just a few years, creating more space for those walking, wheeling and cycling. The trip was invaluable in learning more about what is possible, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the political spectrum to bring this knowledge into our work on the APPG.”

  3. Active Travel England invites SMEs and NGOs to bid for funding

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    Active Travel England (ATE), the UK executive agency which aims to increase the number of local journeys being walked, wheeled or cycled, is inviting bids for grants of up to £100,000, from a £1 million funding pot distributed through the Active Travel Innovation Fund. Eligible applicants include Small / Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who can present new or already successful initiatives for promoting and supporting active travel.

    Examples of projects presented in the bidding process could include:

    • community initiatives designed to help under-represented groups in choosing more active travel options
    • partnerships between councils and local businesses and community groups for the promotion of active travel
    • digital tools designed to enhance accessibility to safe active travel

    Application for funding is open until midday on Friday 14th November, and the funding period for projects will run for 12 months, after which an evaluation process will commence – each organisation will be asked to report on how the funds have made an impact. The funding is accompanied by practical support to successful applicants from ATE and the Government Grant Managed Service (GGMS).

    Through the funding initiative, ATE is aiming to create a wide, collaborative partner network, and gather valuable feedback on the progress of active travel promotion and uptake. It follows an announcement earlier in the year of a £300 million funding package to support local authorities in the creation of new infrastructure for walking and cycling and the provision of cycle training for children. Multiple outcomes are expected, including reducing traffic congestion, cutting sick days, and helping to strengthen local economies.

    Former professional cyclist Chris Boardman, the National Active Travel Commissioner, said, “The Active Travel Innovation Fund will help turn great ideas into real improvements for people who walk, wheel, or cycle. Enabling more people get about under their own steam is one of the most important interventions we can make to improve the nation’s health, so it’s crucial that we support bold projects that will help us do this. We’re excited to see the creativity and ambition of applicants and look forward to working closely with the selected organisations to deliver positive and lasting change to the way people travel.”

    The Minister for Local Transport, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Walking, wheeling, and cycling bring huge physical and mental health benefits. We are determined to make them easy and safe choices for people across the country. The government is providing £1 million to back bold projects from small businesses and community groups to encourage more people to choose these healthier, more active, options for short journeys. We’re building a healthy, sustainable and joined-up network, a key part of our Plan for Change to boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS.”

    Organisations can apply for the funding here.

  4. WHO active mobility toolkit launched

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    Source: ZAG Daily

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently launched its active mobility toolkit, aligning with the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week which took place from 12-18 May, with the theme ‘Make Walking and Cycling Safe’.

    The biennial Road Safety Week advocates for action at both national and local levels to improve the safety of active travel, and to reduce fatalities. With over one quarter of global road fatalities each year comprising of pedestrians and cyclists, the WHO toolkit details seven priority policy areas which can guide governments and local authorities in enhancing the safety of active travel.

    The seven policy areas

    • Integrating walking and cycling into all relevant policies
    • Providing safe and connected walking and cycling networks
    • Designing inclusive and safe streets for all
    • Improving safe road user behaviour
    • Protecting and prioritising walking and cycling
    • Facilitating integrated transport options
    • Promoting and incentivising walking and cycling

    Alongside outlining these priority areas, the comprehensive toolkit provides the reasons for instigating integrated walking and cycling, details practical steps and real-world case studies, and gives guidance on implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

    The numbers

    1.2 million road fatalities occur each year globally, with pedestrians and cyclists representing a substantial proportion. However, less than one-third of countries have national policies in place to promote walking and cycling, and the WHO toolkit states that, “Despite their value, walking and cycling remain under-prioritized in policy and planning. Globally, infrastructure is inadequate – only 0.2% of reported road length includes cycling lanes, and the majority of roads are unsafe for pedestrians. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, older adults, and those with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by poor infrastructure and unsafe streets.”

    Other region-specific WHO data reveals that, between 2011 and 2021, cyclist deaths in the European region rose 50%, while in the Western Pacific region the figure was 88%. In the Southeast Asia region, pedestrian deaths rose by 42% in the same timeframe.

    The benefits of walking and cycling

    The toolkit was launched during the WHO’s ‘Streets for Life’ webinar on 12 May, during which the health and environmental advantages were highlighted by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    “This 8th Global UN Road Safety Week highlights the huge benefits that arise from walking and cycling. Every step and ride reduces congestion and air pollution, helps to fight climate change, and lowers the risk of diseases like cancer and diabetes.

    “But to reap these gains we must make walking and cycling safe.  More than one-quarter of all road traffic deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists, and fatalities have risen rapidly in some regions. When walking and cycling are made safe and accessible, more people choose these healthy options. That’s why WHO is calling on policymakers to make active mobility safe by reducing speeds and investing in infrastructure to create safe, connected networks for walking and cycling.”

    The webinar was closed by observations from WHO’s Department of Health Promotion Director Rüdiger Krech.

    “Investing in walking and cycling delivers a powerful return – healthier populations, healthier cities, equity and greater climate resilience. The message is clear: the time for action is now. Let’s prioritise walking and cycling to create healthier, safer and more inclusive communities for all.”

  5. The UK government allocates €360 million to local cycling and walking initiatives

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    Source: Cycling Industry News

    In collaboration with Active Travel England (ATE), the UK government has announced plans to enhance cycling and walking infrastructure in England, with almost £300 million (€360 million) of funding.

    The plans are for the development of 300 miles (482 kilometres) of new walkways and cycle lanes, benefiting millions of people by promoting safer and more accessible active travel options.

    Funding distribution and key initiatives

    The funding package is strategically allocated to various programs:

    • £222.5 million (€267.3 million) for local authorities to develop and implement walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure, alongside community engagement and training initiatives.
    • £30 million (€36 million) for the Bikeability program, offering cycle training to hundreds of thousands of children.
    • £30 million (€36 million) allocated to Sustrans for improving the National Cycle Network, enhancing accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
    • £8.5 million (€10.2 million) directed to organizations including Cycling UK, Living Streets, and Modeshift to promote active travel within schools and communities.

    Addressing community concerns

    In response to previous controversies surrounding active travel measures, ATE has introduced new guidance to ensure local authorities incorporate public input when designing transport changes. This approach aims to mitigate concerns and foster community support for infrastructure improvements.

    Health, economic, and environmental benefits

    The government projects that this investment will facilitate 30 million additional cycling and walking journeys annually, including over 20 million walk-to-school journeys. These initiatives are anticipated to reduce the number of sick days by 43,000 per year, alleviating pressure on the NHS while promoting healthier lifestyles. Additionally, the economic impact is estimated at £9 million, benefiting local businesses and improving connectivity.

    Government and local authority endorsements

    Chris Boardman, National Active Travel Commissioner, emphasized the transformative potential of the funding: “Making it simple and safe to walk, wheel or cycle to schools, shops and workplaces is one of the most effective actions we can take to improve the nation’s health, economy and get to net zero, all in one. Free exercise, zero emissions and no risk of getting stuck in traffic are benefits already being enjoyed as standard by our European neighbours and it’s time we had the same life-improving choices. This funding will help make our towns, cities and villages happier, healthier and greener places to live.”

    Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood, reinforced the government’s commitment, stating, “Walking and cycling is an affordable way to get around and is hugely beneficial for both mental and physical health. We’re making sure local authorities can deliver high-quality and easily accessible schemes for everyone. Investing in our national cycling and walking infrastructure is a key part of our mission for growth and today’s investment will not only provide better connectivity but boost local businesses, grow local economies and ease pressure on the NHS, helping us deliver our Plan for Change.”

    Greater Manchester’s model for success

    The announcement will be marked by a visit to Greater Manchester, where active travel policies have proven highly successful. Mayor Andy Burnham highlighted the region’s commitment to connecting 95% of residents to high-quality active travel routes, emphasizing Stockport as a model for integrating new developments with sustainable transport.

    Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans, welcomed the funding, stating: “As the charity that looks after the National Cycle Network, this funding is a fantastic boost to our work to make the 13,000 miles of routes safer and more accessible for local journeys, whether by foot, cycle, wheelchair or mobility scooter.We can now step-up our work with local communities, many partners and governments across the UK, to make it easier for everyone to walk, wheel or cycle for more journeys, growing local economies, providing easy and healthy access to nature and helping people live well for longer.”

    The ATE remains dedicated to ensuring that new infrastructure projects are implemented efficiently and to high standards, further reinforcing the UK’s commitment to active and sustainable transportation solutions.

  6. UK Government announces €119 million for walking and cycling infrastructure

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    Source: Zag Daily, S.Musa

    The British government’s Autumn Budget has allocated funding to improving active travel

    This latest move to facilitate active travel infrastructure has been welcomed by sustainable transport advocates after previous funding was slashed by 75% in 2023. The new investment seeks to reinstate support for walking and cycling, aiming to improve public health and reduce car dependency across the country.

    Jim Densham, the policy manager of charity Cycling UK, has expressed appreciation for the renewed commitment, but also cautioned that it may not be enough to fully meet the UK’s long-term health and sustainability goals. “We’re pleased to see the Chancellor prioritise sustainable transport even despite the country’s difficult financial situation. Today’s announcement will help return us to previous active travel levels but those levels will not be enough if the government wants to achieve its health missions going forward.” Densham told Zag Daily.

    Just before the Budget announcement, Cycling UK joined 17 other organizations in an open letter urging the government to dedicate 10% of the transport budget to active travel, totalling about £2 billion annually. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) supports this recommendation, emphasizing the need for substantial investment to match the active travel benefits seen in countries like Denmark and the Netherlands.

    IPPR Head of Transport Policy Stephen Frost acknowledged the positive impact of the £100 million (€119 million) , “The budget commitment to maintain dedicated funding for active travel into the 2025/26 financial year will provide some funding certainty and, combined with investment in city regions and other local transport projects, will see improvements made across England to how easy it is for people to get around actively.” However he also noted that it falls short of the government’s active travel ambitions, “At £100 million, the dedicated funding falls short of what’s needed to deliver on the government’s ambitions for active travel and the Department for Transport should make increasing this a priority on the conclusion of the review of its capital spending commitments.”

    Simon Munk of London Cycling Campaign shared similar sentiments, welcoming the funding but expressing concerns over the ongoing fuel duty freeze. Munk warned that without more action to curb private car use, issues like pollution and road danger would remain challenging.

    While the funding represents a positive shift, transport advocates continue to call for more comprehensive, long-term support to help build a robust active travel network across the UK.

  7. UK data shows majority want increased funding for walking, cycling, and public transport

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    British charity Sustrans has published its Walking and Cycling Index 2023, revealing that a majority (56%) of people want to see a shift in investment in road building schemes to funding options for walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport

    Sustrans’ Walking and Cycling Index 2023 is the largest independent survey of active travel in the UK. With compelling figures, the charity is calling for proper recognition of the public preference for prioritising active travel and public transport. The results also revealed greater public demand for active travel over driving, with 50% wanting to walk more and 43% wanting to cycle more, and third of people wanting to make greater use of public transport. By comparison, just 15% want to drive more. 24% want to drive less.

    Sustrans noted that these figures can give confidence to any moves taken by the next government in reaching Net Zero targets, and in hitting government targets of 50% of urban journeys to be walked or cycled in the next six years

    Xavier Brice, Chief Executive of Sustrans, said:

    “The evidence shows that people want to have the choice to walk, cycle, and use public transport. Moving forwards isn’t about forcing people out of their cars. It is about making it easy for people to travel how they would actually prefer to, which also improves public health, the economy and our environment.”

    The wider benefits of active travel

    • Sustrans’ data shows that, yearly, active travel benefits the 18 Index city economies by £6.1 billion.
    • And walking and cycling prevents over 21,000 serious long-term health conditions in those same cities.
    • In addition, journeys walked, wheeled or cycled in 2023 prevented 420,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions entering the atmosphere.

    Xavier Brice continued:

    “The UK is spending record sums on transport but the message from the public is clear. They want a real choice. They don’t want to be locked into driving a car because there are no other options. We’ve seen real improvement in the cities we’ve surveyed over the last 10 years, but there is a long way to go to make active travel work for everyone. Now the opportunity is for government at all levels to listen to what people want and shift future investment to options that benefit us all.”

    What the public wants to see

    The Walking and Cycling Index highlights public support for initiatives focused on making it easier for people to get around their neighbourhoods:

    • 65% support banning vehicles parking on the pavement with only 16% opposing
    • 58% support more cycle paths protected from traffic even if this removes space for cars
    • 50% support the installation of School Streets – closing streets outside schools to cars during drop-off and pick-up times. 24% disagree.

    Dennis, who lives in Manchester, explained her struggle to travel actively:

    “When the children were small I got forced onto the road while they were on the path as there was no space for the wheelchair. I couldn’t see them behind the parked cars. It was very upsetting. Unsafe pavements isolate people in their homes. When I was a manual wheelchair user I couldn’t go anywhere on the pavement. We need to design our neighbourhoods to suit people rather than cars. We should get rid of cars on pavements.”

    Head to Sustrans website to download the Walking and Cycling Index 2023.