Thursday 21 December 2017

Forget the gym, make active travel your New Year resolution

21 December 2017

You don’t have to join the gym in the New Year to work off the Christmas turkey. We recommend introducing active travel into your daily routine to improve your health and fitness. Swopping the car for the bike can also save you time and money.

To demonstrate, Sustrans award-winning ‘Leading the Way’ Workplaces programme has produced two short films which compare driving to work with both cycling and running the same journey. The films show a typical car journey to work in Derry~Londonderry, with the aim to inspire commuters to reconsider whether driving is really the more convenient, beneficial mode of transport.

Our Workplace Active Travel Officer Michele Murphy said: “The videos demonstrate that by using sustainable travel modes to get to work, such as cycling, walking or running, they not only save you time but can also be good for your health and well-being.

“Research has shown that organisations who promote active travel and other physical activity initiatives in the workplace are more likely to have reduced absenteeism, experience lower staff turnover and report higher levels of job satisfaction. According to a recent study cycling to work lowers your risk of premature death by as much as 40 per cent.”[i]

Derry City and Strabane District Council – on behalf of the Public Health Agency (PHA) – commissioned Sustrans this year to run the workplace active travel programme ‘Leading the Way’ in the North West for staff in the Western Health & Social Care Trust (WHSCT), PHA and the Council itself. This programme encourages staff to travel to and from work by sustainable means: walking, cycling, car-sharing and public transport. It mirrors a similar workplace programme which has been running for three years in Belfast.

The programme runs various initiatives to encourage staff to be more active for their journeys to and from work and throughout their working day. 

Michele said: “In November we ran an online Step Challenge in the WHSCT and PHA. Fifty teams signed up with 246 staff participating in the event. At the end of the fortnight challenge a total of 28,277 km were stepped, with the teams burning 1.4 million calories – the equivalent of nearly 6,000 doughnuts!”

The Leading the Way programme won the ‘Active Travel Workplace of the Year’ trophy at the prestigious Healthy Streets Awards in London in October. 

Walking or cycling is a great way to help individuals get active and work towards the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines of 150 minutes moderate intensity physical activity each week. For advice on getting more active, visit the PHA’s website www.choosetolivebetter.com which also has tips on setting targets and more ways to move more and move more often.

Watch the ‘running versus driving’ film Watch the 'cycling versus driving’ film Find out more about what we do in workplaces in Northern Ireland

 

[i] A University of Glasgow study of more than a quarter of a million people over five years, published in the BMJ in April 2017 showed that cycling to work lowers the risk of dying early by 40 per cent, and reduces the chance of developing cancer by 45 per cent. Similarly a daily bike ride to the office nearly halves the risk of heart disease.

 



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Wednesday 20 December 2017

Street Talks return: Should cars be priced off London's roads?

21 December 2017
Audience member asks a question of the panel at a London Street Talk #StreetTalks

#StreetTalks is back for 2018. On the 23 January we’ll be discussing whether or not vehicles should be priced off London’s roads with a panel of leading experts. 

The free event will take place at The Gallery, Alan Baxter Associates in central London. Doors will open from 6:00pm. Attendees must register through Eventbrite and entry will be first come first serve on the night.

The talk will feature Gary Raccuja, who won the Wolfson Prize for Economics for his proposal ‘Paying for road use could be miles better’. Debating the issue alongside him will be Joe Irvin (Chief Executive of Living Streets), Natalie Chapman (Head of Policy for the Freight Transport Association and Deputy Chair of LCCI’s Transport Committee), and London Assembly Member, Caroline Pidgeon MBE (Deputy Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee).

“ Should we be aiming for a car-free London? Is pricing cars off the road the right thing to be doing? ”

- Matt Winfield, Acting Director for Sustrans in London

The panel will pay close attention to Gary Raccuja’s proposal to replace fuel and vehicle duties with a pay-per-mile charging scheme. The Chair is to be confirmed.

Audience members will, as always, get the chance to ask the panel questions and voice their opinions. 

Matt Winfield, Acting Director for Sustrans in London said: 

“Should we be aiming for a car-free London? Is pricing cars off the road the right thing to be doing? With an air pollution crisis and competing pressures on London’s streets, these are the big questions our expert panel will be addressing.

“At Sustrans we enjoy being at the forefront of the real issues facing London. That’s why we run Street Talks, to discuss the big issues facing our streets and the way Londoners travel.” 

Have a suggestion for a future talk?

If you’d like to make a suggestion and recommendation for talks, topics and speakers for the year ahead, email us at London@sustrans.org.uk

Historically, Street Talks was coordinated by the Movement for Liveable London.

Register for Street Talks January 2018 Sign-up to be first to hear when registration opens for this Street Talk and future events

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Early Christmas present for Chester

20 December 2017
Sustrans Chester Greenway volunteers celebrate new container, Sustrans volunteers plant bulbs on Chester Greenway

Our volunteer group on the Chester Millennium Greenway celebrated the launch of their new base this week, when a 20ft shipping container equipped with a range of hand tools, arrived on the popular cycle and walking route.

Volunteers and staff braved the bad weather to enjoy a festive “bulbs and baubles” workday, planting bulbs around newly planted fruit trees. Afterwards they sheltered in their new base, decorated with festive baubles, to enjoy hot chocolate, biscuits and mince pies.

The container, which was funded by Network Rail, will allow volunteers to carry out regular maintenance and practical conservation tasks on the greenway without the need to rely on our maintenance team for equipment. A new bike trailer will also help to transport tools across the greenway, allowing volunteers to carry out tasks all along the route.

Along with the fruit trees and container, our Greener Greenways project has also landscaped the area; improving access by providing a new path, creating fencing and planting a new hedge which will help the area blend into its surroundings.

Volunteer Jayne Rodgers explains what the new base means to her group:

“We are really pleased with the new container and its marvellous contents. Having access to the tools and equipment nearby and somewhere to meet and spend time over a cuppa is really worth a lot to us volunteers. It’ll allow us to arrange a lot more workdays and be able to engage with the community more and hopefully sign up more volunteers to help out not to mention the attention we attract and the publicity we hope to achieve for Sustrans and the volunteers. We’re really looking forward to when the recently planted trees, bulbs and seeds are flourishing in the Spring.”

Chester Millennium Greenway is a former railway track which runs eight miles between Chester and Connah’s Quay and is part of the National Cycle Network. Esmée Fairbairn Foundation awarded £400,000 funding over three years to Sustrans to continue and expand wildlife conservation work across more than 400km of cycle and walking routes in the National Cycle Network, including sections of the Sea to Sea.

Find out more about volunteering for us

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Tuesday 19 December 2017

Stockport volunteer wins Sustrans award

19 December 2017
Ian Barker recieves Sustrans award

A Stockport-based volunteer for Sustrans has won the charity’s North of England award for outstanding commitment to volunteering.

Ian Barker is a retired engineer from Heaton Moor who enjoys cycling, walking and the outdoors. He is volunteer group coordinator for Sustrans’ Fallowfield Loop cycle and walking path and runs Thursday ‘Task Days’ to help keep the popular path clear for users and to manage the habitats along the route to protect and attract wildlife. He is also a volunteer on the Trans-Pennine Trail.

Ian said:

“I was surprised to get the award but as I watched the photos I realised how much the Trans-Pennine Trail volunteers in Stockport and the Fallowfield Loop Friends & volunteers had achieved over the last year, to enhance our sections of the National Cycle Network.

“The enjoyment comes from working and chatting with similar-minded volunteers from all walks of life and choosing tasks that you feel capable of or in trying new ones, while getting exercise. It’s great to see the improvements we’ve made to these green corridors benefit both people and wildlife and there are often appreciative comments from locals & passers-by.”

Abigail Pound, Sustrans Volunteer Coordinator for the North said:

“Ian has been a wonderful asset to the volunteer team. His regular ‘task days’ with local people along the Fallowfield Loop are helping to create a wildlife haven along this popular commuter route and build better links with local communities along the path. He’s always ready to help out in a whole variety of tasks in Sustrans work throughout the North, from scything to tree clearance to photography. We’re really grateful for the support of Ian and all the volunteers in the North, we couldn’t do our work without them.”

Sustrans has over 4,000 volunteers in the UK, with 798 in the North. There are many varied volunteer opportunities – including maintaining traffic-free sections on the National Cycle Network, to helping to conserve wildlife, to photography and videography skills.

Feel inspired by our award winning volunteers? Find out more about volunteering with Sustrans

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Monday 18 December 2017

20mph zones must stay in in Bath and North Somerset

18 December 2017
cyclists pass 20mph road, 20mph sign in Bristol

We have called called on Bath and North East Somerset Council to keep its 20mph zones following comments regarding safety on roads with the reduced speed limit.

In a statement released today we have called on local authorities across the country to heed evidence showing that 20mph zones are safer.

James Cleeton, Sustrans’ Director in the South of England, said:

“There is a well-established body of evidence that shows slower speeds mean fewer collisions and that when collisions do happen injuries are much less severe. A study published in the British Medical Journal looking back over 20 years of data concluded 20mph zones had halved the number of children killed or seriously injured.”

“Lower speed limits make our streets safer, more inclusive and attractive for all. We strongly support the need for universal speed limits for all urban areas across the UK.”

Our statement also follows findings publishing this year by the Department for Transport showing that eight out of ten drivers are ignoring the 20 mph speed limit.

Dr Adrian Davis, Professor of Transport and Health at the University of the West of England in Bristol, also responded to the comments made, saying: 

“20mph speed limits have been tested in many local authority areas since the first significant UK trial in Scotland in 2000. Evidence to date shows that they reduce speed and casualties. It is, however, simply not appropriate to evaluate the road safety effects on casualty numbers after one year given likely random variations over such small lengths of time. Between three and five years of data is required. It is unscientific to make any such conclusion after just one year regarding effects on casualty numbers. To do so is likely to be misleading.“

James Cleeton makes it clear that Sustrans supports the Government’s guidance, saying:

“This is something local authorities should be investing in so all of us can enjoy safer streets.”

Read our blog to find out why we support 20mph limits 

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Friday 15 December 2017

Residents invited to preview new walking and cycling path extension to Shawfair

15 December 2017
,

Local residents are being invited to preview a new walking and cycling route extending the existing path from Roslin to Lasswade onto Shawfair, as works pause over the Christmas period.

The 3km traffic-free route, delivered by Sustrans Scotland in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, Midlothian Council and contractors RJ McLeod, will be open to the public from Saturday 23rd December to Sunday 7th January. The route will then close again so that final works can be carried out.

Visitors will get the chance to see how the route, running along the disused railway path, will link communities living in Lasswade, Danderhall and Shawfair in Midlothian.

It is hoped the new path, which is being funded by Transport Scotland through Sustrans Scotland’s National Cycle Network development fund will encourage residents and visitors to explore the area by foot and bike.

Sustrans Scotland Principal Engineer and Project Manager Paul Cronin said:

“This project aims to deliver a valuable extension to the existing walking and cycling network within Edinburgh and Midlothian.

“With new housing developments set to start in the area over the next few years, we anticipate this path will become a key route for local residents who wish to walk and cycle.

“We hope the local community will enjoy the path over the Festive period, and be encouraged to use it in the New Year for journeys by foot or bike.”

Finishing works will recommence from 8 January, with the path expected to be complete by the end of January 2018.

Find out more about our work in Scotland 

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Thursday 14 December 2017

The DfT's £200 million package is a step in the right direction

14 December 2017
Cyclist outside station

Today, the Department for Transport has announced a £200 million package to help improve the condition of local roads, including:

£46 million to help repair potholes £151 million for the local highways maintenance incentive fund £500,000 competition for connected technologies £4 million for the Cycle Rail scheme an extension to three cycle and walk to work pilot projects.

Responding to the announcement, Xavier Brice, CEO of Sustrans, walking and cycling charity said:

“The £200 million package is a step in the right direction by the Government to make it safer and easier for people to walk and cycle – and hopefully a harbinger of more to come.

“We know there’s a clear public desire to cycle more, and a huge demand for safe and high quality infrastructure to help more people choose cycling as their daily transport mode.

“If local authorities are to meet the Government’s target to increase levels of walking and cycling, more meaningful funding is needed, through a rebalancing of road budgets to fund a broader range of transport options.”

For further information and to request interviews contact: Anna Galandzij, Senior Press Officer at Sustrans, 07557 915 648, anna.galandzij@sustrans.org.uk Amy Jones, Press and Media Officer at Sustrans, 07768 035318, amy.jones@sustrans.org.uk

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Sustrans Scotland welcomes £80m active travel investment in Scottish Government budget as ‘bold statement of intent’

14 December 2017

Sustrans Scotland has welcomed the investment of £80m to active travel in the 2017 Scottish Government budget as a ‘bold statement of intent’ for the country.

Reacting to the news, which was announced as part of the Governments spending and taxation plans for the year ahead, Sustrans Scotland Director John Lauder said:

“Investing £80m in active travel as part of the 2017 budget is a bold statement of intent for the government. By doubling the budget from £40m to £80m there is the potential for a step change in how active travel is delivered in Scotland, and massively increase people’s health and wellbeing It also sets an example for the rest of the UK.

"The investment ensures that 10% of the trunk roads budget is spent on walking and cycling projects and builds on the successes to date in programmes for walking, cycling and improvements to local communities.

"Our challenge for the future is to build on the creative partnerships already working to make cycling and walking easier, particularly local authorities, regional transport authorities, Scottish Canals, the two national parks and Community Trusts taking active travel to the heart of their communities.

"Walking and cycling is delivering a whole range of benefits across health, environment, transport, education and rural and urban economies. Sustrans Scotland is ready to continue its work with partners across the board to help Scotland realise its potential as an Active Nation.”

Find out more about our work in Scotland

from News https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/sustrans-scotland-welcomes-80m-active-travel-investment-scottish-government-budget-bold
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Tuesday 12 December 2017

Wirral volunteer group wins Sustrans award

12 December 2017
volunteers accept award

A Wirral-based volunteer group has won our North of England Volunteer Group of the Year award for outstanding commitment to volunteering and the community.

The group helps maintain local cycle routes, organising task days to cut back vegetation, carry out litter picks, cleaning and painting structures. They also offer free training sessions to learn to ride; and volunteers also work at Eastham Centre in partnership with Wirral Evolutions, to run a bike re-cycling project and weekly activities using adapted bikes to help people with variety of disabilities enjoy the benefits of cycling.

Volunteer group coordinator Janet Gregory said:

“It’s great that our contribution is recognised. Volunteering has introduced me to all sorts of people and fantastic projects across Wirral. A key part of what we do in Sustrans is to build the skills amongst volunteers so that they can carry things on beyond the initial funding. We’re always on lookout for new volunteers, so please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.”

Abigail Pound, Sustrans Volunteer Coordinator for the North said:

“We are delighted to award the Wirral volunteers the Volunteer Group of the Year Award for their exceptional contribution to Sustrans and the community. Volunteers are helping local people to get cycling and walking in so many ways including leading rides, organising events, recycling bikes and maintaining the cycling and walking routes.

“Janet Gregory the volunteer Group Co-ordinator always makes new volunteers feel welcome and co-ordinates all the different activity that happens across the Wirral. Huge thanks go to the Wirral volunteers and all our volunteers in the North, we couldn’t do our work without them.”

Sustrans has over 4,000 volunteers in the UK, with 798 in the North. There are many varied volunteer opportunities – including maintaining traffic-free sections on the National Cycle Network, to helping to conserve wildlife, to photography and videography skills.

Are you feeling inspired by our award winning volunteers? Find out more about volunteering with Sustrans

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Monday 11 December 2017

Dumfries community group gain official recognition after Street Design project

11 December 2017
Dumfires based community group receives £1000 grant

A Dumfries community group, formed as part of a Neighbourhood Street Design Project to improve an area in the Victorian quarter of the town, has celebrated their official status as a constituted community group.

Residents from Queen Street, McLellan Street, Brooke Street and Cumberland Street came together to form DG1 Neighbours in 2014, as part of the five-year project with Sustrans and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The local group, played a vital role in shaping the changes to their neighbourhood, from helping to create the innovative art work to choosing the traditional Victorian street lights and gateways. Their engagement and commitment to the project has helped to make the area more attractive to live and safer for people to walk and cycle through.

DG1 Neighbours’ new status as a constituted group means they are now able to access funding and support to help maintain the improvements to their local area and build on the project legacy. And to mark the occasion, the group have been awarded a £1,000 grant by Sustrans to help to kick-start works.

Sustrans Scotland Project Coordinator for Street Design, Emily Davie said:

“DG1 Neighbours’ ideas and continued involvement in the regeneration of Queen Street and the wider area has ensured that the neighbourhood has been reclaimed for those everyday activities that really define a community, such as feeling safe to walk and cycle, stopping for a chat with neighbours and coming together for fun local events.

“By becoming officially recognised as a constituted group, residents have ensured that the legacy of the Neighbourhood Street Design Project will continue long into the future.”

Chair of DG1 Neighbours, Robert Rome said:

“Thanks to Sustrans and Dumfries and Galloway Council for their support and assistance in helping us to become a constituted community group. We now look forward to using the grant from Sustrans to build on the successful outcomes of this project.”

Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Elaine Murray said: “All those involved in the Neighbourhood Street Design project should be proud of not only the physical work delivered but the legacy that now exists in the shape of DG1 Neighbours. This was an ambitious project which wouldn’t have been as successful without the backing of the local community who were involved at every level of the project and actively participated in the look and design of their area. Through the constitution, the community group should feel more empowered to take forward their ideas to the next level and this grant should help them to do just that.

The Neighbourhood Design Project has been jointly funded by Dumfries and Galloway Council and Sustrans Scotland with funding from Transport Scotland.

Find out more about the Street Design project in Scotland.

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Friday 8 December 2017

Sustrans birthday celebrations in Leicester

8 December 2017
Sustrans staff group photo in Leicester

We’ve been celebrating our 40th birthday throughout 2017, and this week our team in the midlands held an event in Leicester.

We’ve come a long way from our early Bristol based days, and to celebrate we were joined by a number of representatives from Leicester City Council, including Cllr Adam Clarke and Cllr Sarah Russell who cut a special cake.

The cake came from a local Leicester firm (Chocoholic) and was delivered by bicycle. There were also awards handed out to local Sustrans volunteers for the work they’ve done in the area.

Funded through the Department for Transport’s Access Fund and the People’s Health Trust, we engage with workplaces and schools in Leicester. Our aim is to encourage more people to take part in active travel such as walking and cycling. We’ve also delivered a number of community projects, such as the Braunstone Gate Places for People Project and improved cycling infrastructure at a number of locations - including Watermead Park.

In the afternoon our staff and volunteers had a fabulous time at Leicester’s closed road circuit and then attended an annual low-carbon lecture at City Hall.

Speaking on the celebrations our Regional Partnership Manager in Leicester, Dave Clasby, said:

“It was great to celebrate the success we’ve had over the past forty years at our event in Leicester. We’ve received strong support from the community and the Council - there’s clearly real interest in cycling and walking. There’s so many benefits to active travel including better air quality, a healthier lifestyle and fewer cars on the road means less congestion. Today’s event was a celebration of what we’ve achieved over the last forty years – just think what we can achieve in the next forty.”

Learn more about our 40 years of hard work, bold ideas and incredible support

from News http://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/sustrans-birthday-celebrations-leicester
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Tracks of the Ironmasters path now wheelchair accessible

8 December 2017
people use tools on a path , cyclist and pedestrian on a cycle and walking path

We have widened and improved a section of the popular Sea to Sea (C2C) cycle and walking route as part of community work for Tracks of the Ironmasters to make the path accessible for wheelchairs, buggies and large bicycles.

The 16 miles of paths, which runs from Whitehaven to Rowrah and Workington to Seaton, Siddick and Broughton Moor, gets its name from the former railway line which once carried iron ore from the surrounding mines. It is now a haven for people who want to walk and cycle, as well as wildlife such as red squirrels, lizards, bats and wildflowers.

Widening the tarmac path by over a metre to 1.5m, with no barrier access will allow easier access for people with disabilities, while larger three wheeler family bikes and buggies will also benefit from the new look path. Improved access as well as restoration of historic bridges, features and natural habitats along the route was highlighted as a priority by local communities. 

As part of the work local volunteers worked with our regional team to select and remove sections of grass verges alongside the path at Camerton, and reseed them, to help preserve grasses rich in wildflowers and wildlife.

Sustrans Project Officer Nikki Wingfield said:

“Tracks of the Ironmasters is a really exciting project which will help us open up this fascinating area as a vibrant history and nature trail accessible by foot or bike for all ages and abilities. By upgrading this section of the route to allow access for a wider range of bicycles and non-motorised vehicles we hope to make it much easier for local people to be able to enjoy the path.”

In May 2016 we won a £859,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to preserve and improve the natural, social and industrial heritage of Tracks of the Ironmasters, and to share it more widely. The path is linked to former iron ore mines at Knockmurton and Kelton and ironworks at Workington, Cleator and Distington and includes a number of historic bridges and remnants of the path’s past, such as a rock crusher and railway signal.

The C2C route attracts around 15,000 cyclists every year for the challenging 140 mile long distance ride between Whitehaven and Sunderland.

If you would like to volunteer for Tracks of the Ironmasters please contact nikki.wingfield@sustrans.org.uk

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Wednesday 6 December 2017

Rubber Mulch for Play Area in Presteigne/Llanandras #Rubberised...



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NEAP Neighbourhood Equipped Area for Play in East Sussex...



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Recycled Rubber Walkways in Newland #Recycled #Rubber #Pathways...



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Rubber Playground Bark Installers in Oldborough #Rubberised...



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Tuesday 5 December 2017

Recycled Rubber Mulch Repair in West Winch #Recycled #Rubber...



Recycled Rubber Mulch Repair in West Winch #Recycled #Rubber #Shred #Repairs #West #Winch https://t.co/jS4Eu4URqt

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Recycled Rubber Mulch Repair in South Yorkshire #Recycled...



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Sustrans’ research recognised by United Nations

5 December 2017
cyclists on a road

Sustrans’ research has been recognised by the United Nations as an example of best practice in using science to shape sustainable development policy. 

Fit for Life’, a report by Sustrans presenting independent research by leading experts into the public health benefits of walking and cycling routes, has been included in a new report by the United Nations.

The report, ‘Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface: A gap analysis’, highlights the need for greater collaboration between scientists and policy makers in finding solutions to environmental challenges.

In his foreword, Erik Solheim, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, uses Sustrans research as an example of how this can be achieved:

“There is growing evidence that sound science can play an important role in creating the political will to shape policies that can deliver the Sustainable Development Goals. For example, Dr Andy Cope, Director of Insight at Sustrans, partnered with the UK Research Councils funded iConnect research consortium to evaluate a UK Big Lottery funded active travel programme. Together they made a very compelling case for legislation and policy supporting walking and cycling in the United Kingdom. This includes promoting the Active Travel Act in Wales, increasing investment by the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland, supporting a Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy for England, and significantly increasing investment in active travel in Scotland through the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland.”

Andy Cope, Director of Insight at Sustrans, said:

“Walking and cycling is part of the solution to many of the challenges we face, including air pollution, congestion, physical inactivity and obesity.

“From our recent Bike Life report to the launch of our new air quality model - making the case for walking and cycling using robust evidence is a key aspect of our work and we welcome this recognition from the United Nations.

“We continue to call on governments at all levels to invest in cycling and walking to increase the number of people travelling in a way that benefits their health, the environment and the economy.”



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Rubber Playground Mulch in Newport #Newport...



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Sustrans helps secure Liveable Neighbourhoods funding for Lewisham

5 December 2017
Cyclists on Quietway in London ,

Sustrans have helped Lewisham Council win funding from Transport for London’s £114 million Liveable Neighbourhood programme.

The funding will help Lewisham Council develop a detailed proposal that will improve walking and cycling and reduce road danger in the Deptford Parks area.

The Deptford Parks bid by Sustrans, on behalf of Lewisham, plans to connect green spaces, schools and public transport and could see £2.9 million invested in local infrastructure. Proposals include:

reduced traffic on streets in North Deptford a new north-south traffic-free route along the former Grand Surrey Canal for walking and cycling ‘Copenhagen crossings’ to prioritise pedestrians at side roads and reduce danger from traffic new cycle routes through the park will link to the proposed new Bakerloo line station at New Cross Gate new cycle parking, and street lighting for the area.

“ We’re keen to make this exciting proposal a reality and work with the community further to transform the area into a place that people in Lewisham can enjoy for years to come. ”

- Matt Winfield, Sustrans’ London Director

Earlier this year, Sustrans, Deptford Folk and Lewisham Council worked with residents, community groups and representatives, to develop a proposal to change the area around Folkstone Gardens into a safer and more pleasant place for people to walk, cycle, play and socialise.

The proposal for Rolt Street was shortlisted in the 2017 Healthy Streets Awards.

Lewisham will now manage the next stage of the process, which will involve community consultation as plans develop.

Matt Winfield, Sustrans’ London Director, said:

“This funding recognises the creativity of the local community and our urban designers, engineers and facilitators in London in creating a vision for healthier streets.

“We’re keen to make this exciting proposal a reality and work with the community further to transform the area into a place that people in Lewisham can enjoy for years to come.”

In a newsletter to their supporters, Depford Folk, the park user group for Deptford Park and Folkestone Gardens, described the project as:

“A local project for our local area led by local people.”

“ A local project for our local area led by local people. ”

- Depford Folk newsletter

“None of this would have been possible without the work undertaken by a range of people including DeptfordFolk, local residents, school governors, Deptford Working Histories, Lewisham Cyclists, The Ramblers, Deptford Park Residents Association, and Sustrans and Lewisham Council who wrote the bid. Thanks also to our MP Vicky Foxcroft, GLA Member Len Duval and Cllr Joyce Jacca.”

There will be another round of bidding next year, where other boroughs will be able to come forward with proposals for further ‘Liveable Neighbourhoods’ funding.

Multi-million 'Liveable Neighbourhoods’ programme to transform London neighbourhoods

The funding is part of the new multi-million pound programme that the Mayor of London and TfL established to transform neighbourhoods across the capital into greener, healthier, more attractive public spaces, building on the lessons of the ‘Mini-Holland’ programmes in Enfield, Kingston and Waltham Forest.

At this stage, Transport for London are giving £1.25m to seven boroughs to help develop their proposals further.

Ealing, Greenwich, Hackney, Haringey, Havering, Lewisham and Waltham Forest boroughs were all successful in their initial bids for funding from the 'Liveable Neighbourhoods’ programme, which is the first scheme set up to directly deliver the Mayor’s new Health Streets Approach across London.

Matt Winfield, Sustrans’ London Director, added:

“The Boroughs control 95% of London’s streets and improving Londoners’ health, air quality and transport options can only be done by changing those streets.

“Empowering London’s boroughs to transform their neighbourhoods and high streets to reflect the way Londoners travel is a very welcome opportunity to make life in London better.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“As London’s population grows, I’ve outlined my ambition to increase walking and cycling, and improve public spaces across London. I’m delighted that we’re now progressing with the local funding that will transform the environment in many local communities. Our new Liveable Neighbourhood scheme will see millions of pounds invested in schemes that will directly make walking and cycling a safe, enjoyable and convenient option for many more Londoners – supporting small businesses by making our high streets cleaner, safer and more enjoyable places to spend time.

"We will continue to work closely with boroughs as they develop their plans to improve the environment and transform the quality of life of Londoners.”

London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown MVO, said:

“Local communities are at the centre of our plans to transform access to walking, cycling and public transport, and our Liveable Neighbourhoods programme will help ensure this happens. Many of London’s streets were designed to give cars priority but, by working with London’s boroughs, we can help redesign them to put people first – making them better, safer, cleaner places.”

More successful projects  West Ealing, Ealing

Proposals include comprehensive improvements along the Broadway and to parallel quieter routes, reduced rat-running in the adjoining residential areas, parking controls, and new walking and cycling routes, including links to the new Elizabeth line station.

Greenwich Town Centre, Greenwich

The scheme aims to transform Greenwich Town Centre by removing the dangerous and intimidating gyratory and providing a much more generous pedestrian environment, in particular on the approach to the World Heritage Site. It will also provide a safe cycling route through the town centre.

Hackney Central, Hackney

Key routes in the town centre will be transformed by a reduction in traffic, the introduction of two-way protected cycle lanes on Mare Street, a ban on general traffic at the south end of Amhurst Road, and making three dangerous junctions safer, including Pembury Circus.

Crouch End, Haringey

Under the proposals, pedestrian and cycling conditions in Crouch End town centre will be improved to help encourage more active travel in the area, tackling congestion and improving air quality and residents’ well-being. The proposals, which residents will be consulted on, look to create a new square incorporating the clock tower, currently surrounded by traffic on all sides. Segregated cycle routes will feed the town centre, pedestrian crossings will be improved and traffic will be reduced on residential streets with new modal filters.

Romford Town Centre, Havering

The project will enable more walking and cycling in Romford town centre by making the busy Ring Road easier to cross on foot and by bike. Existing subways will be replaced by pedestrian and cycle crossings at street level along with new bus lanes and public spaces.

Coppermill Village, Waltham Forest

The funding will support the regeneration of St James Street and Blackhorse Road and will create access routes to the newly opened Walthamstow Wetlands. Coppermill Lane will be turned into a 'cycle street’, safer junctions and crossings will be added and the area will be improved with new wayfinding and planting.

Find out more about Liveable Neighbourhoods

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BBC response to Sustrans complaint

5 December 2017
Two people on bikes in segregated cycle lane

We received the following letter in response to our complaint re: Nolan Live TV show feature on cycling.

We are very disappointed but not surprised by this response as it fails to address all the points we made. However, as a charity we have to focus on the more important work of encouraging and enabling more people to cycle and this broadcast, together with the Bike Life report, has emboldened us to redouble our efforts. The Bike Life Belfast report found that an overwhelming majority of the public (81%) – whether or not they cycle – want improved cycling infrastructure and we will continue to focus our efforts on achieving this.

If you would like to support our work through becoming a supporter and/or volunteering, do get in touch belfast@sustrans.org.uk

30 November, 2017

Dear Mr Brice

Editorial Complaint - Nolan Live (CAS-4669767)

I’m replying to your recent complaints (we’ve received your webform contact and your letter to the Director General - both from 24 November) about the content and handling of a wide-ranging discussion about cycling, road usage and safety on an edition of Nolan Live which was broadcast on 15 November, 2017.

Our item began by referencing research which supports the increased provision of cycling lanes in Belfast. This was the prompt for our discussion, rather than its focus. What followed, counterpointed the views of two well-known commentators and included lively exchanges - reflecting their different positions on this discussion topic. George Hook’s assertions were robustly and repeatedly challenged by Malachi O’Doherty, who disputed the claim that all cyclists are the same and that they habitually break the rules of the road.

We also included video footage which highlighted the serious road safety issues affecting cyclists and then extended the discussion to explore the frustrations that can be felt by some motorists at being unable to easily overtake groups of cyclists on country roads. All of this was fast-moving, rather than in-depth, and it was intended to reflect/include differing viewpoints and experiences. We accept that it would have been helpful to have included an additional contribution from a cyclist’s perspective, but feel that this discussion was balanced both in terms of argumentation and the airtime given to our panellists.

We accept that George Hook’s comments about Brown Shirts and accompanying hand gesture were inappropriate. Both were challenged immediately by the programme’s presenter and in unequivocal terms. He stated several times that what had been said/done was ‘wrong’ and that it was ‘not funny’. We also took the decision to conclude the discussion item at this point and clearly regret any offence caused.

Strongly-held views can help to stimulate debate. And we know that cycling can sometimes divide opinion – and with varying degrees of seriousness. It is never helpful, however, when statements made for dramatic effect become offensive - thereby foreclosing on meaningful engagement with other people’s opinions and the subject matter under review.

We very much welcome audience feedback and are grateful to you for taking the time to get in touch. Your concerns have been discussed by the production team and shared with relevant BBC editorial colleagues.

Yours sincerely,

Shane Glynn

Managing Editor BBC NI Productions 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/

Read our letter of complaint to BBC



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Sunderland volunteer wins Sustrans award

5 December 2017
volunteer wins holds award with volunteer coordinator

A Sunderland-based volunteer has won the Sustrans North of England award for outstanding commitment to volunteering. Andrea George took up cycling to help improve her health and now inspire others about the benefits of two-wheeled travel for mental and physical health. 

Since 2015 Andrea George has committed 500 volunteering hours to two Sustrans projects: the women’s only cycling group Bike Belles and the community hub ‘Bike Dock’. She helps more people to try out cycling, by leading rides, bike maintenance sessions and learn to ride sessions for children.

Andrea said:

“I’m absolutely delighted and surprised to receive this Volunteer Award from Sustrans.

“I’ve truly enjoyed every activity that I’ve been involved in.  I love the feeling when a child gets to pedal away on two wheels for the first time, and you know you helped them on their way. 

“It’s great when local people join a ride and you take them to a little known place of interest, such as the Coastal Acoustic Mirror, past a military site, or along Bede’s Way with its landmarks.  They are like hidden gems that they never knew are on their doorstep.

“I’ve made loads of new friends, and of course improved my geographical knowledge of local coffee shops!” 

Sarah Donnelly, Sustrans Volunteer Coordinator for the North said:

“As a trained volunteer, Andrea shares her skills and enthusiasm with others by delivering led rides, learn to ride sessions, bike maintenance workshops and promoting the work that we do. She is extremely dedicated and an inspiration to others.”

We have over 4000 volunteers in the UK, with 250 in the North East. There are many varied volunteer opportunities – including maintaining traffic-free sections on the National Cycle Network, to helping to conserve wildlife, to photography and videography skills.



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Works Commence on Community Links PLUS project in Glasgow

4 December 2017
People in hi-vis and safety equipment by JCB

Glasgow City Council’s winning design in the Scottish Government funded Community Links PLUS competition will deliver first of its kind infrastructure in Scotland.

The Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf, today launched initial works of the South City Way (SCW), Glasgow City Council’s winning bid to the 2016 Community Links PLUS (CLPLUS) competition run by Sustrans Scotland.

Having impressed the judging panel with its bold and high quality design, the SCW will deliver a 3km segregated cycle and pedestrian route from Queen’s Park in Glasgow’s Southside to Stockwell Street in the heart of the Merchant City.

Local business owner, Shoaib Shafaatulla, Deputy Director of Sustrans Scotland, Daisy Narayanan, and Glasgow City Council’s Convenor for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, Anna Richardson, joined Mr Yousaf to celebrate ground breaking activity.

In addition to the creation of world class active travel infrastructure in a densely populated area of Glasgow, the SCW will deliver a host of community, health and business benefits through its place-making approach. 

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said:

“ The Scottish Government’s Active Nation initiative is designed to encourage more of us to make everyday and leisure journeys sustainably - on foot and by bike ”

“I am delighted to join partners and local businesses in launching the SCW. Glasgow City Council has demonstrated real vision through its commitment to develop this major active travel route from the south side to the city centre.

“The expert panel who evaluated the 2016 bid was incredibly impressed with the high level of design and innovation shown by the SCW project. Whether you live, travel or work in Glasgow, this infrastructure will allow generations of people to better and easier enjoy the benefits of greener and healthier modes of transport.

“The Scottish Government’s Active Nation initiative is designed to encourage more of us to make everyday and leisure journeys sustainably - on foot and by bike. To achieve this vision, we are doubling our investment in active travel, from £40 to £80 million next year, demonstrating our commitment to make our towns and cities more walking and cycling friendly.”

Funded by the Scottish Government and run by Sustrans Scotland, the design competition delivers pioneering and game-changing projects which inspire public bodies in Scotland to design better places and spaces for people to live, walk and cycle in for everyday journeys.

Granted £3.25 million of funding from the Scottish Government with Glasgow City Council match funding the investment, the SCW is expected to be complete in late 2018. On completion, journey times between Queen’s Park and the city centre are estimated to take 30 minutes on foot and 12 minutes by bike.

The first phase of works on Albert Avenue and Albert Road in the city’s Southside will see the sections of these streets that adjoin to Victoria Road transformed into attractive and pedestrianised public areas with cycle racks and green space.

Sustrans Scotland, Deputy Director, Daisy Narayan said:

“ Our hope is for the SCW to become a leading example of how places that integrate people moving by foot, bike or public transport lead to stronger local economies and healthier people ”

“Glasgow City Council’s SCW shows real ambition and vision towards improving conditions for people who choose to walk or cycle along a major commuter route, while also connecting a densely populated area with the city centre.

“Once completed, the South City Way will improve travel choices and accessibility for residents and visitors. It will also reduce congestion, improve air quality, enable easier use of public transport, and create places where people want to socialise, shop and spend time in.

“Our hope is for the SCW to become a leading example of how places that integrate people moving by foot, bike or public transport lead to stronger local economies and healthier people than places designed around vehicles.

In addition to creating a segregated route between Queen’s Park and the city centre, central to the SCW’s vision is the redevelopment of Victoria Road as a place for sustainable walking, cycling, bus and rail travel.

Delivering such sustainable infrastructure will support smaller retailers in the area, create healthier communities and deliver safer, more attractive streets. Works on Victoria Road will commence in early 2018.

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said:

“Today marks the start of a fantastic and very exciting project that’s going to bring huge improvements to the area and the people who live here. There’s been extensive engagement with local communities, groups and businesses from day one and this will continue throughout the project.

“We want to see more people cycling and walking, and the right infrastructure is key in ensuring these options are safe, enjoyable and sustainable. Increasing the number of everyday journeys by bike brings benefits both to individuals and our city.”

Ground breaking activity comes after the recent announcement of the 2017 CLPLUS competition results that revealed all five finalist projects will be granted up to 50% of the project cost to deliver its proposed active travel design.

Glasgow City Council again was a deserved winner with its Woodside Mini Holland bid, alongside entries from Stirling Council, Highland Council and two projects from City of Edinburgh Council. These four councils will share over £22.5m in match funding.

Find out more about the Community Links Plus design competition 

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Building protected cycle lanes can prevent premature deaths from air pollution

4 December 2017
cyclist on protected cycle lane

Building traffic free routes and protected cycle lanes in towns and cities across Scotland can help to prevent premature deaths from air pollution, according to new research released today.

Sustrans, the walking and cycling charity, has released a model1, which can, for the first time, monetise the contribution of walking and cycling to improving air quality and the subsequent benefits to public health.

Developed in partnership with environmental consultancy Eunomia, the Air Quality Benefits of Active Travel report carried out modelling that analysed a number of cycling and walking infrastructure schemes run by Sustrans across Scotland and England and looked at the effects of possible city wide interventions.

It found the UK economy could save £931m annually from improved air quality, by meeting the stated goals to increase walking and cycling in Scotland and England. That’s more than £9 billion over 10 years.

Of this, savings of £364 million would be realised annually from improved air quality in Scotland, if the modal share of 10% of all journeys by bike, set out in Scotland’s Cycling Action Plan, was achieved.  It would also mean nearly 4,000 premature deaths would be avoided over a decade.

This was echoed in England, where doubling cycling and increasing walking set out in the Government’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy could save £5.67 billion over 10 years. This is five times more in financial savings from air quality improvements than Westminster’s planned Clean Air Zones.

The Sustrans Connect 2 project in Glasgow, which completed an unfinished bridge across the M8 and delivered a partly protected route from the city centre to Kelvingrove, is calculated to provide £104,820 in air quality-related health benefits each year.

This large economic benefit is achieved because of the high numbers of people who have chosen swapping cars for cycling as a result of the creation of safe, protected infrastructure, but also because 72% of the route is located away from traffic, and therefore has lower pollution exposure levels.

And, whilst some findings show that the exposure to pollution for people cycling on the busiest roads was higher than those who were sedentary in a car due to a higher respiratory rate; when combined with the wider health benefits of cycling from increased physical activity – the benefits of cycling to our health is always far greater than being in a motor vehicle in this country.

The UK has repeatedly broken EU legal limits of Nitrogen Dioxide, derived mainly from Diesel vehicles. And every year tens of thousands of early deaths can be linked to breathing polluted air. Many cities have also high levels of particulate matter, 45% of which comes from car tyre and brake wear and won’t be reduced by a move to electric vehicles2.

The Scottish Government also recently developed more detailed proposals to deal with Air Pollution. In 2016, the number of air quality management areas (AQMA) in Scotland increased from 34 to 38. 

This has resulted in a Scottish Government consultation, which proposes to introduce Low Emission Zones to 4 Scottish cities by 2020, and all AQMAs by 2023. In addition, the Scottish Government has doubled the budget for walking and cycling and is taking forward five Community Link Plus schemes in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling and Inverness, which will be funded by Transport Scotland, local authorities and others and coordinated by Sustrans.

Sustrans Scotland National Director, John Lauder said:

“The model created through our Air Quality Benefits of Active Travel report show that building more protected and traffic free cycling and walking routes in our towns and cities will help to cut the number of deaths caused by air pollution each year. The report helps demonstrate the good sense of the Scottish Government doubling the budget for walking and cycling.

“The vitality and health of our neighbourhoods rely on the way we move around. By providing a network of direct protected routes along busier roads in addition to quieter routes will encourage more people to walk and ride a bike.

“Walking and cycling have a huge role to play in reducing air pollution in towns and cities across Scotland. And at a time when road transport is responsible for 80% of NOx pollution where legal limits are being broken, it has never been more important to reduce the number of motorised vehicles on our roads”.

Lead modeller and air quality expert at Eunomia, Ann Ballinger said:

“This is the first time that Sustrans’ data has been used alongside public health data to understand what impacts walking and cycling schemes have on an individual’s exposure to air pollution.

“Our analysis suggests investment in cycling and walking has considerable potential to improve local air pollution. We believe this innovative model could be of considerable value in supporting local authorities and government as these bodies consider options to tackle the air pollution emergency at a local level.”

Find out more by visiting https://www.sustrans.org.uk/airquality

1. Using transport appraisal mechanism, the model estimates amounts of emissions from motor vehicles and assigns a standard ‘damage cost’ monetary value to them, to quantify the health impact.

2. Transport for London (2014) Improving the health of Londoners: Transport Action Plan http://content.tfl.gov.uk/improving-the-health-of-londoners-transport-action-plan.pdf

Notes to editors

For more information, interviews and case studies, contact: Claire Daly, Policy and Communications Manager, Claire.Daly@Sustrans.org.uk, 0131 346 1384

What Sustrans projects have been put into the model?

The model has been used to analyse the impact on air quality of 18 ‘infrastructure projects’ across the UK, i.e. delivery of local routes and networks for cycling and walking. These 18 projects were drawn from Sustrans’ UK-wide Connect2 projects and Community Links programme in Scotland.

Connect2 (Glasgow, Dumfries, Bethnal Green, Havering, Norwich, Northampton, Birmingham, Plymouth, Dover, Leeds, Cardiff) and Community Links (River Lossie - Moray, Adelphi Street - Glasgow, Milton Bridge - Midlothian, Balmaha - Loch Lomond, Almondvale Park - West Lothian, Dunoon - Argyll and Bute, Great Glen Way - Scottish Canals)

How and why did the schemes get chosen?

These schemes were selected on the basis of geographical distribution (whilst recognising the Scottish funding source and the Northern Ireland gap) and ensuring there was a mix of high usage and low usage schemes; road-adjacent and road-separated routes; and differing levels of walking relative to cycling.

This was for the purposes of testing the model. The technical report shows that some schemes are more successful than others, and we wanted to be able to identify the ‘drivers’ of effectiveness of schemes’ impacts on air quality. This is definitely not a group of the 18 most successful schemes in terms of air quality.

What exactly does the model do?

The model compares ‘pre’ and ‘post’ scenarios in the case of each infrastructure scheme, and estimates two types of benefits in relation to air pollution from shifting to active travel:

Change in emissions resulting in a change in the number of trips by car: estimates the reduced emissions of air pollutants: particulate matter 10 (PM10) and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) from car journeys replaced by active travel. Change in the extent of route user’s personal exposure: estimates the air quality health benefit (or dis-benefit) to a group of people walking or cycling due to a change in exposure to pollution from their change in mode of travel. The model can then scale up this value to larger populations.

Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle.  We connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods, transform the school run and deliver a happier, healthier commute.

Sustrans is a registered charity no. 326550 (England and Wales) SCO39263 (Scotland).

Established in 2001, Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd (‘Eunomia’) is a Bristol-based, independent consultancy and an appointed advisor to many types of organisations including the European Commission, central government, local and regional authorities; www.eunomia.co.uk



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Hitting UK cycling targets can prevent thousands of deaths from air pollution – new findings

4 December 2017
cyclists in protected cycle lane in Manchester

More than 12,000 premature deaths from air pollution would be prevented over ten years, if both England and Scotland reached their respective official goals to get more people to walk and cycle. In addition, there would be £9.31 billion worth of benefits to the economy over the same time period.

Sustrans, in partnership with environmental consultancy Eunomia, has today released a first-of-its-kind model to measure air quality benefits from both reducing motor emissions due to shifting to walking or cycling, and the changes in personal exposure to air pollution.

The model aims to support local authorities in making the case for investment in walking and cycling and estimates the contribution of active travel in reducing air pollution – and the subsequent benefits to public health.

It found that if the targets to double journeys by bike and increase walking by 300 stages per person in the England’s Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy were met, this would prevent more than 8,300 premature deaths from air pollution and would result in £5.67 billion in benefits to the public purse over ten years – through the avoided costs associated with poor air quality, including NHS treatment for respiratory diseases.

“ This innovative model could be of considerable value in supporting local authorities and government, as these bodies consider options to tackle the air pollution emergency at a local level. ”

- Ann Ballinger, lead modeller and air quality expert at Eunomia

Equally, if the vision of 10% of everyday journeys by bike set out in Scotland’s Cycling Action Plan was realised, nearly 4,000 premature deaths would be avoided and £3.64 billion of savings would accrue over a decade. 

The gains would be even bigger if wider benefits to health and wellbeing from increased physical activity were included.

Xavier Brice, CEO for Sustrans, said:

“At a time when road transport is responsible for the majority of air quality limit breaches in the UK, it has never been more important to reduce the number of motorised vehicles on our roads.

“The new findings reiterate that walking and cycling has a huge role to play in tackling the air quality crisis that causes tens of thousands of premature deaths every year. If we are to make a major modal shift, we need to provide a network of direct protected cycle routes on roads in addition to quieter routes across the UK.

“We’re urging governments at all levels to include funding for walking and cycling infrastructure in their Clean Air Plans and the UK Government to prioritise investment in active travel as part of wider urgent action to make air safe again.”

Every year tens of thousands of early deaths can be linked to breathing polluted air. The UK has repeatedly broken legal limits of nitrogen dioxide, derived mainly from diesel vehicles in the last few years. Many towns and cities are now also failing World Health Organisation guidelines for particulate matter, 45% of which comes from car tyre and brake wear and won’t be reduced by a move to electric vehicles.

In England, 29 local authorities that are breaking legal air quality limits are to produce Clean Air Plans by November 2018, whilst the devolved nations are trialling a number of different plans to improve air quality. The Scottish Government, for instance, is proposing to introduce Low Emission Zones in four cities by 2020 and air quality management areas (AQMAs) by 2023 across the country.

Ann Ballinger, lead modeller and air quality expert at Eunomia, said:

“This is the first time that Sustrans’ data has been used alongside public health data to understand what impacts walking and cycling schemes have on an individual’s exposure to air pollution.

“Our analysis suggests investment in cycling and walking has considerable potential to improve local air pollution. We believe this innovative model could be of considerable value in supporting local authorities and government, as these bodies consider options to tackle the air pollution emergency at a local level.”

For further information about the new model and the accompanying research Air Quality Benefits of Active Travel go to: www.sustrans.org.uk/airquality

Notes to editors

For further information and to request interviews contact:

Anna Galandzij, Senior Press Officer at Sustrans, 07557 915 648, anna.galandzij@sustrans.org.uk; Amy Jones, Press and Media Officer at Sustrans, 07768 035318, amy.jones@sustrans.org.uk

The cycling and walking infrastructure schemes used in the research are documented in the full report, many factors were taken into account when working with these samples including: Number of participants Traffic-free proportions of the scheme Whether counterfactual essential journeys were taken by bus Location of the scheme Population density of the surrounding area. Connect 2, a short route from Anderstone to Glasgow city centre, is calculated to provide £104,820 in air quality-related health benefits each year. This economic benefit is achieved due to high numbers of people choosing swap cars for cycling as a result of safe, segregated infrastructure, but also because 72% of the route is located away from traffic, and therefore has lower exposure levels. In Southampton, which has a population of 249,000, a city wide model found that a 10% drop in car use, brought about a 0.5 per cent reduction in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) suggesting health benefits to all residents of £477,000 per year. This value would be even higher if the particulate matter was also factored in. CWIS targets include: total number of cycle stages made each year to increase from 0.8 billion stages in 2013 to 1.6 billion stages in 2025; increase walking, where walking activity is measured as the total number of walking stages per person per year, to 300 stages. Sustrans is the charity making it easier for people to walk and cycle.  We connect people and places, create liveable neighbourhoods, transform the school run and deliver a happier, healthier commute. Sustrans is a registered charity no. 326550 (England and Wales) SCO39263 (Scotland). Established in 2001, Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd (‘Eunomia’) is a Bristol-based, independent consultancy and an appointed advisor to many types of organisations including the European Commission. www.eunomia.co.uk

from News https://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/hitting-uk-cycling-targets-can-prevent-thousands-deaths-air-pollution-new-findings
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Bonded Mulch Specification

-Several play area surfaces are constructed with bonded rubber bark, that is a product made by using recycled tyres. The truck tyres are cr...