A new report from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling & Walking (APPGCW) has identified barriers preventing many people from enjoying the benefits of active travel, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.
The Active Travel and Social Justice Report, which was was compiled by Dr. Tom Cohen and Dr. Ersilia Verlinghieri of the University of Westminster’s Active Travel Academy, is divided into three main sections: The Barriers, The Facilitators and Recommendations, says Air Quality News.
Data from the Sustrans Walking and Cycling Index shows lower active travel participation rates among women, disabled people, those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and minority ethnic groups. For example, disabled people took 28% fewer walking or wheeling trips than non-disabled people in 2020.
The report highlights that road safety is a key issue, with inadequate infrastructure, speeding, and aggressive driving discouraging active travel. Studies show that people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds in deprived areas are over three times more likely to be killed or seriously injured while walking, while the physical risks of cycling in a busy urban environment a major deterrent, particularly for women, children, and older individuals, who would prefer segregated cycling infrastructure.
Disabled cyclists are further hindered by the lack of appropriate infrastructure such as dropped kerbs.
The cost of cycling is a barrier in itself but beyond that, storage of cycles is particularly problematic for low-income families. Compounding this is the fact that the Cycle to Work scheme is not available for low-income earners.
The cost issue is an even greater problem for disabled people because of the extra cost involved in acquiring appropriate cycles.
The third barrier identified is a cultural one, best summed up with 93% of women cyclists said that drivers had deliberately used vehicles to intimidate them and 77% said this happened at least once a month.
Fabian Hamilton MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Party Group for Cycling and Walking (APPGCW) said: “Walking, wheeling, and cycling should be available to everyone, but right now, too many people are excluded. If we are serious about increasing active travel, we must address the systemic barriers that prevent millions from participating. This report provides clear, actionable solutions to make active travel truly inclusive. We will be working hard in Parliament to push for change.”
(Pic: TfGM)
