Category: News

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The Future of Transport. Could devolution be a game changer?

According to the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper (2024), the aim of devolution is to ensure that “decisions are made closer to the people they affect”  and transport is a key focus area for this strategy.

Centralised vs Decentralised power

Devolution shifts transport decision-making from a national level to a more local level. This gives local authorities more power in decision-making relating to transport planning and implementation. This could mean the needs of local people are met with better local spending on transport where it matters most.  The English Devolution White Paper (2024) suggests bringing stronger powers to mayors with integrated funding opportunities to deliver better transport services. Greater transport planning focusing on a smaller-scale transport network rather than a top-down government approach may make changes which serve a greater number of local people.

Increased Local Power

Local authorities will gain greater flexibility in the management of transport budgets and in making decisions about funding services like concessionary travel and bus operations, according to the English Devolution White Paper (2024). Your local authority may choose to move funding for transport services and prioritise discounted travel where it is needed the most through identifying cost efficiencies (Carrington West, 2025).

Better Coordination

A devolution approach can lead to better coordinated transport across different travel modes within local regions. Improvements to local transport services have already been seen through devolution deals (UTG Report, 2025). There is an opportunity for a more integrated method of transport, where train, bus, micro mobility, and active travel services can become more efficient for local people’s use.

Accountability and Local Needs

Local Decision-makers can be held more accountable to their constituents, leading to greater local involvement. This in turn could provide opportunities for local users of the transport network to have greater input in decision-making (UTG Report, 2025).

Modal Shift and Sustainability

WSP prepared a report in 2023 highlighting the research already done on the interventions to shift people out of private car use. It discusses the opportunities that arise from a devolved authority and how they are better positioned to encourage shifts away from car use through regional policies on clean air zones, low-emission buses, and urban design. Local control allows experimentation with fare caps, ticketing innovations, and service improvements that can increase ridership.

Devolution In Practice

Since the initial devolution agreement in November 2015, the Liverpool City Region has secured significant investments and implemented various initiatives:
Train Travel: A £500 million investment in a new fleet of publicly owned trains on the Merseyrail network, along with the construction of new stations and a 600km cycling and walking network.

Bus Travel: In October 2023, the region took the landmark decision to bring the bus network back into public control after nearly 40 years of a deregulated system. The residents of the Liverpool City Region have begun to see an improved bus system with a more reliable service.

Active Travel: There are additional plans for a 600km cycling and walking network to be established across the region, making Active Travel for commuting more efficient as a transport method.

The region has greater cooperation between the six local councils, making collaborative transport much more efficient.

The Manchester City Centre Transport Strategy for 2040, developed by Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), aims to transform how people travel into and around Manchester’s city centre. The strategy is designed to support the region’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.

Modal Shift: The strategy sets an ambitious target for 90% of peak morning trips into the city centre to be made on foot, by cycle, or using public transport by 2040.

Reduced Car Usage: A significant reduction in car use is planned, particularly for short journeys under 2 km. This includes discouraging petrol-driven vehicles and removing car parks to promote cleaner alternatives.

Enhanced Public Transport: Improvements to bus, tram, and rail services are central to the strategy, aiming for better integration and efficiency across modes.

West Yorkshire’s Mayor Tracy Brabin has committed to introducing capped fares and improving bus reliability to tackle transport poverty and achieve environmental goals (West Yorkshire Combined Authority, 2025).

Devolution presents a valuable opportunity to improve public transport, making it more attractive to users, better aligned with local needs, and more integrated for smoother, more efficient journeys.

If you have questions about how your local devolution plans might affect transport in your area, please contact your local authority.

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Mind the Gap, Watch Your Step…but what if you can’t?

Public transport plays a critical role in people’s movement and contributes to meeting the UK Government’s Net Zero target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2050. Accessibility of public transport for millions of disabled people in the UK is essential to achieving the UK Net Zero target. So how are things evolving to make a more inclusive public transport system?

The Equality Act 2010 is a key piece of legislation that continues to shape transport services, ensuring public transport remains accessible for people living with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

Under the previous Conservative government, two initiatives were critical for enhancing the accessibility of public transport, including:

The Accessibility Action Plan (2018) which saw commitment to making rail services more accessible through station improvements, including step-free access and enhancing communication of important information, including delays and changes to transport routes.

The Disability Confident Scheme (2014) encouraged employers to rethink disability and improve how they recruit, retain and develop team members living with disabilities, including accommodating commuter needs.

More recently, on 19th February 2025, the current Labour government’s Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood announced the appointment of 13
new members to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), which provides advice to the Department for Transport (DfT), particularly in relation to policy priorities and areas requiring immediate attention. In the past, DPTAC has helped DfT to make over 260 train stations accessible via the Access for All programme.

Accessibility of Rail

For many, rail is essential for travel across the UK, yet it can be challenging for people with disabilities where accessibility has not been thoroughly considered. As part of the previous Conservative government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy (2018),  £350m was put into projects to improve accessibility, such as step-free access improvement works.

Transreport, in partnership with National Rail, offer their Passenger Assistance service which enables people to request assistance with train travel and book in advance across any train company in the UK. Passenger Assist helps people navigate stations, get on and off trains, arrange ramp and lift access, carry baggage and assist with getting an Assistance Dog Under Seat card.

The current Labour government are planning to reform the UK rail network by establishing Great British Rail (GBR), which will eventually run both Britain’s rail infrastructure and passenger services, but concerns were raised by The Association of British Commuters (ABC) when the recent consultation on the Railway Bill failed to include any mention of a statutory accessibility duty. The DPTAC will likely be working closely with the DfT to ensure accessibility to rail services remains a priority as plans develop. The Railway Bill consultation closes on 15th April 2025, so there is still time to have your say on policy changes and the proposed passenger watchdog, which is expected to have a specific role for accessibility. Click here to read ‘A Railway Fit for Britain’s Future’ published by the DfT to find out more.

Accessibility of Buses

Buses in the UK have generally seen more consistent improvements, from low-floor model buses helping those with physical disabilities to audio-visual-enabled announcements assisting those with hearing or sight impairments. These changes are being made through legislation and should improve the accessibility, reliability, and comfort experienced by disabled users, as evidenced by research. In 2023, the Public Service Vehicle Regulations were brought out, meaning service providers are required to make “reasonable adjustments”, including access to passenger assistance and access to alternative transport options to ensure that disabled people are not put at a disadvantage. These regulations mean that all public services vehicles such as buses and coaches must comply with certain accessibility standards by 2031, improving accessibility for disabled travellers.

The switch to accessible vehicles tends to be slower on rural networks than in cities, but community transport options have filled the space for accessible transport where it is limited; they can take you to medical appointments and social occasions in your local area. If you require accessible transport, check who your local community transport provider is; they may be able to help.

What Can You Do to Help?

If you come across someone who may need help while travelling, consider offering your assistance if you feel comfortable doing so. They may not require any help, which is perfectly fine, but they may appreciate the offer. Try to understand the kind of assistance they might need, and when offering your help, ensure you clearly explain how you plan to assist them. Once you’ve helped, provide them with a brief overview of their new surroundings if their disability is related to sight before continuing on your way. People may or may not appreciate the offer of help, but whether they accept it or not, kindness is free.

If you think you could volunteer some of your time to support people with disabilities more regularly, take a look at BeMyEyes an app where individuals with sight-related disabilities can request assistance with everyday tasks, including travel.

Could you spare some of your time to assist with community transport in your local area? Community transport provides access for those who need additional assistance when travelling. This can include driving minibuses or offering one-to-one trips in a car to appointments or social activities. Visit our website at smartertravel.uk.com to find out more about the community transport providers operating in your area.

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Smarter Travel Ltd Yearly Roundup

As 2024 comes to a close, the Smarter Travel Ltd team would like to wish all of our clients and their residents a very happy festive period and a happy new year. The Smarter Travel Ltd team would like to share some of the achievements they have made over the last year.

In 2024, Smarter Travel Ltd has grown to work with developers and councils across The East of England, South-East and in the Midlands to deliver our services across the country. Suffolk holds over half of our travel plans, followed by Norfolk, which holds just under a quarter.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients for choosing Smarter Travel Ltd in their provision of travel planning services.

We are happy to help residents with any travel-related queries and we offer a Personal Travel Planning (PTP) service to residents/employees upon request, that provides all the information a person might need to help them transition to more sustainable alternatives to the private vehicle. For more information about how to claim yours, please visit your Travel Plan website.

When creating PTP’s we include a range of travel methods, information on costs and savings and the carbon footprint on the range of options. This year, we have created 142 bespoke PTPs to help residents learn more about their sustainable travel choices. If you have been the recipient of a PTP and have any feedback, then please let us know by sending an email to info@SmarterTravel.uk.com.

As part of our commitment to the Travel Plan for your development, we send yearly Travel Surveys to residents to understand how their travel behaviour is changing and what might be hindering them from using more sustainable methods of travel.

This year, we had over 700 responses to Travel Surveys from residents, who provided invaluable opinions and experience of traveling in their area. The Smarter Travel Team would like to thank everyone who provided feedback.

In 2024, more than 85% of the developments we manage have either met or are on track to meet the targets outlined in their Travel Plans, thanks to residents’ ongoing efforts to adopt sustainable travel methods.

Finally, we thank our clients for continuing to support us as their Travel Plan Coordinator to deliver Travel Plan measures that help to create sustainable developments. It is a pleasure working with you to help people make Smarter Travel choices.

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The Benefits of Electrifying Journeys

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable transportation, the United Kingdom is setting the stage for a cleaner future. Fast charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) stand out as massively important for efficiency and lowering your carbon footprint, helping to reduce pollution, particularly in cities.

Unleash the Power

Fast charging points are essential for the UK’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Fast charging points are a top choice for commuters because of their convenience; reduced charging times and the widespread availability of charging points makes them more appealing.

As of February 2024, the UK has installed 10,967 rapid and ultra rapid charging. If you own your property, you could also install a charging point at home, making this sustainable choice a lot more convenient than petrol or diesel cars. (Zap-Map, 2024)

There are over 57,290 electric charging points in the United Kingdom. Since February 2023 there has been a 47% increase in electric car charging points. Find your local charging points at Zap-Map.

Steering Towards Sustainability

The advantage of fast charging points lies in their ability to recharge electric vehicles extremely quickly. Charging times reduced to minutes, electric cars become a practical and time-efficient option for our busy lifestyles. This increased accessibility and efficiency makes them a convenient choice for consumers.

Charging an electric car at home currently cost around 10p per KWh off-peak, the standard from April 2024 is expected to cost around 24.5p per KWh, whilst charging at home during peak times costs around 44p per Kwh. (Which, 2024)

If you’re using public AC charging points, it costs around 50p per KWh, Public DC charging costs around 65p to 80p per KWh. For comparison, you’d start paying more per mile for an equivalent diesel engine at around 61p per kWh. (Which, 2024)

There are free electric car charging points at some supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. You can find these by using Zap-Map’s website.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions makes EVs an important mode of transport to help combat climate change. Emissions of electric vehicles compared to petrol vehicles are 17 to 30% lower than petrol and diesel cars. (European Environment Agency, 2024) and according to a study by the Technical University Eindhoven (2020), electric cars have a 50 to 80% better carbon footprint than comparable cars powered by petrol or diesel engines, making EVs a much more sustainable choice.

To Efficiency and Beyond

The increasing network of charging stations is helping drivers have easy access to power sources, making EVs a practical option for longer journeys.

In an exciting collaboration, Vauxhall and Tesco have joined forces to offer one year of complimentary electric vehicle charging to new Vauxhall customers who purchase a brand-new electric car. This offer is valid until 16th September 2024.

Tesco, boasting an extensive network of more than 2,700 EV charging points spanning 619 of its retail locations, is making it convenient for customers to either partially recharge or fully replenish their car batteries at their discretion. This strategic partnership not only emphasizes the commitment to sustainable transportation but also enhances the accessibility and ease of EV ownership.

Embracing a Sustainable Tomorrow

The UK Government has set out that by 2035, all new cars produced will have to be hybrid or electric.

To help achieve this target, the government has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing the initial and ongoing expenses associated with owning an EV. Among these initiatives is a grant program for plug-in vans, offering up to £2,500 for small vans and £5,000 for large vans, extending until 2025. Additionally, residents living in flats can benefit from a £350 reduction on the cost of installing home charge points. These electric vehicles are approximately £150 more economical to maintain annually compared to their fossil fuel counterparts. (UK Government, 2023)

As the UK continues to pave the way for sustainable transportation, the benefits of fast charging points stand out as a testament to progress. If you decide to purchase an electric vehicle, visit Zap Map’s live map to find your nearest charging point.

Electrify your journeys to drive towards a sustainable future.

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A Sneak Peek at Liftshare Week

three people car sharing

Looking to save some cash while making a positive impact? Look no further!

Liftshare Week 2023, taking place from September 18th to 24th, is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Suffolk Car Share community is completely free and flexible, only share on the days that suit you with people you want to!

What’s in it for me?

When it comes to car sharing, the financial benefits are hard to ignore. With the ever-rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and parking, car sharing can significantly lighten the load on your wallet. Sharing with just 1 other person splits the cost of your journey in half! Can you think of a better way to get a 50% discount on fuel?

During Liftshare Week, an enticing incentive awaits – the chance for 5 lucky members to each win a £100 Love2Shop voucher or a Fitbit Charge 5! Join  Suffolk Car Share today to be in with a chance to win! Find out more information via the Liftshare.com blog.

It’s about more than just cutting costs, it’s about cutting carbon too. Car sharing plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. Fewer vehicles on the road means less pollution and cleaner air for all. By participating in Liftshare Week, you’re directly contributing to a healthier planet.

Sign Up and Start Saving!

By joining Suffolk Car Share during Liftshare Week, you’ll not only gain access to a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to creating a sustainable society, but also be eligible to win the prize draw! Be part of the movement that cuts costs and carbon!

Together, we’re driving change.

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Sustrans: Paving the Way

Sustrans Brief History

Sustrans are known for their active travel promotion and charity work, but arguably most famous for their contributions to the national cycling network.

Initially formed in Bristol in July 1977, ‘Sustrans’ started with a group of cyclists and environmentalists under the name ‘Cycle Bag’. The founders were motivated by emerging doubts about the desirability of over-dependence on the private car.

Luck came their way when the Midland Railway line between central Bristol and Bath closed, in favour of the more direct, former Great Western Railway between the cities. The group leased part of the old route and together with many volunteers, as well as the help of the Avon County Council, it was turned it into route number one, the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

In 1983 the charity Sustrans was officially founded, and during 1995, it was granted a generous £43.5 million from the Millennium Lottery Fund to extend the National Cycle Network, connecting smaller towns and rural areas. Since the birth of Sustrans, they continue to benefit health and wellbeing, the UK’s economy and play a crucial role in connecting the UK by means of sustainable travel.

Figure 1

National Cycle Routes

Fast forward 20 years from the lottery fund, and we are well connected through the gradual implementation and expansion of cycle infrastructure throughout the UK; and it continues to improve. The National Cycle Network is Sustrans biggest project, owning around 2% (271 miles) of the total Network in the UK. The rest belongs to various landowners, who are partly responsible for their own area. However, Sustran are custodians to the National Cycle Route which commits them to maintaining most stretches of the national routes.

In 2020, around a quarter of the National Cycle Network was scrapped on safety grounds, leaving behind 12,739 miles of signed routes. This includes 5,220 miles of traffic-free paths with the remaining 7,519 miles on-road, 163 miles of those are in London.  The routes that have been scrapped will be improved and reopened as part of a plan to enhance safety standards to make cycling more enjoyable and accessible for less experienced cyclists.

Sustrans works incredibly hard to maintain these routes, making them safe and usable for cyclists to commute on and enjoy leisurely rides. The network has millions of trips annually, including cycling and walking. The aim is to remove hinderances and implement new infrastructure so that the cycle routes can be safe and quick to use, in the hope that cycling could one day become the primary mode of transport.

Areas in the UK have different goals for the development of the National Cycle Network. In London, the National Cycle Network aims to take car trips off the road, relieving congestion because of the growing population.  Elsewhere in the UK a lot of revenue is generated through the National Cycle Network, particularly where there are tourist trips. In Scotland, small businesses are growing up along the network, but it’s also about providing the means to travel your regular journey more sustainably.

Community

Other than the infrastructure work, Sustrans have behaviour changes they have to focus on, working with people to encourage them to cycle and walk. They have a policy piece where efforts are made to influence the decision makers in London to do a better job in making cities more liveable.

As a charity, volunteers are the backbone to Sustrans continued growth and success, and there are several easy ways you can get involved and help your community.

Look after the National Cycle Network

By picking up litter, cutting back vegetation, if you use a regular route, you can carry out route checks and report anything that is or starting to become a hindrance to users. The cycle route is yours, Sustran designs and maintains routes to the best of their ability, but this is a community asset that if looked after can be useful to all to enjoy all year round.

Protect local wildlife

By becoming a Sustrans wildlife volunteer.Sustrans wildlife volunteers help by keeping records of nature on your local routes, monitoring wildlife, plant and flower growth and creating spaces where people can come and learn about nature and conservation. Making these spaces more than roads and cycle paths, but spaces for people, not machines.

Promote active travel

In your community by supporting people in your local area to be more active. You can run local events, help teach young people in schools to cycle or scoot, lead rides or walks and host information stalls to promote Sustrans.

Have Your Say

Feedback from Smarter Travel surveys indicate that most residents do not cycle/walk because of unsuitable roads/pathways. As previously mentioned, The National Cycling Network brings huge benefits to the UK’s economy and peoples health and wellbeing (see figure 1) So local authorities need to recognise the benefits and support the network. We have built around the motorised vehicle for many years, and now is the time to reverse our actions to benefit our environment, economy, and ourselves for the future.

To find out more on cycling as a primary use of transport and discover how we can return the streets back to the people, please read our ‘Streets for The People’ blog.

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Active Travel Comes In All Shapes and Sizes


By definition of the UK government, active travel means making journeys by physically active means.

But it doesn’t have to be limited to walking or cycling, there are many ways you can take part and it doesn’t have to be ‘just making a journey’; it can be fun, whilst benefiting you both mentality and physically.

So, let’s take a look…

A lot of attention is put on cycling as a key player in active travel, and we’re all for it, but what if you don’t like cycling, you’re not the best at it or you’re not confident enough?

Don’t let that stop you from taking part, here are some great alternatives.

Scooters

Something that has caused controversy in the active travel world is the E-scooter. Illegal for personal use on public highways, these scooters are only available to hire from official hiring companies, such as Beryl or Voi. Those that are against e-scooters, are perhaps against the few irresponsible riders that ignore the laws surrounding the scooters; such as no riding on pavements or up one-way streets. However, in Norwich alone, there are some fantastic stats to pull out from trials so far:

  • Two million kilometres travelled since March 2020 (2 years) – which is equivalent of 50 journeys around the world.
  • Over a quarter of overall journeys made in Norwich have been replaced by Beryl.
  • 76 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved – equivalent of around 5,073,071 boiled kettles.

Pretty good!

There is also the other type of scooter, perhaps forgotten about slightly, the one that doesn’t do it all for you… The traditional kick scooter.

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They’re making a big comeback, and it’s not just children riding them either. People like Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson and TikTok superstar Francois Bourgeois are all strong advocates for scooting. 

It’s easy to see why they’re trending, its cheap, fun and doesn’t require a whole lot of skill. They are small and can fold up which makes it super portable; making it easy to take it on public transport and inside buildings.

You can also ride a kick scooter on the pavement as these scooters are not motorised, they are slower, and it would be dangerous to share the space on the road with motorised vehicles. So therefore, this mode of transport may suit those that do not feel confident enough to ride a bicycle and ride it on the road.

Recumbent bike

Still technically a bicycle but not one you’re used to seeing. Recumbent bikes can come in several forms – trike, long wheelbase, and short wheelbase, and when you see one, your first thought isn’t bicycle, more Red Bull Soap Box Race.

Designed for ergonomics, the recumbent bicycle has been directly aimed for comfort and health reasons over the traditional bicycle. They have also have arm powered bikes that have been used as a great way for those with disabilities to remain or get back into cycling. The bike sits at a reclined position with a backrest and no handlebars on most models. 

Avoiding the normal upright seated position takes the stress away from your back, glutes, and arms. Especially on the longer rides, this spreads your body weight instead of the stress directly through the top and centre of your body.

Designed for comfort but also for speed, though it may seem strange, they’re actually faster than normal bikes – once you get the hang of it of course.

Due to the seating position, there is less drag, which means cutting through the air with less resistance therefore coming out on top. This is where they get further away from your typical bicycle and closer to a soap box.

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dailypost.co.uk

Kind of cool though, right?

So, faster than a regular bike, comfier, better for you and has the capability of bringing home gold in the Red Bull Soap Box Race… what’s stopping you?!

Tandem bike

Never properly taken seriously as a means for commuting, but why not?! Two birds with one stone I say…

Jokes aside, should this be considered a more viable mode of transport? Two seats, three seats or even four seats, could it replace your car on the school run?

Roller Skates

If disco music can make a comeback, so can roller skates.

Much like the scooter, they’re portable, you can skip between public transport such as buses and trains with ease and cruise past regular pedestrians. With some spare shoes in your backpack, the transition to regular footwear is swift with no stress. Along with speeding up your regular commute, it also makes it a little more entertaining. You’ll be able to experience the place you live in, and get a real dopamine kick after the journey, which is going to benefit you both mentally and physically. As after all, this is exercise. Roller skating uses 80% of your body’s muscles and gives you a great cardio workout while burning up to 650 calories an hour.

So, could you blow the cobwebs off your skates and bring the 80’s back?

These active travel methods may not be for everybody, and we appreciate they may have their flaws, but the message is, that active travel doesn’t have to be restricted to just walking and cycling. Dust off your roller skates, try a recumbent bike, scoot to work, the moral is that they’re all going to have positive effects on your day-to-day life. The first step is starting, and the hard part will be stopping!

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Active Travel Hierarchy

What is the meaning of active travel?

Active Travel is all about travelling from A to B through physically active means, such as walking and cycling.

Active travel is at the heart of everything we do at Smarter Travel. We hope that by doing what we believe in we can encourage others to do the same.

What does active travel include?

Active Travel simply means making your journeys in physically active ways. In short, it includes everything that is without the use of fossil fuels. From walking, cycling, scooting, wheeling, skateboarding, roller skating…these are all part of it. Travelling actively also means it is greener and more sustainable!

The Hierarchy

The hierarchy is there simply to help you think about improving the impact of your journeys. The higher up the hierarchy, the more active and sustainable the travel option.

As you can see in the hierarchy, walking is the greenest, cleanest and healthiest way to travel as the only resource required is yourself, followed by cycling and scooting, where an equipment is needed for your journey.

Why active travel?

Studies show that just walking for 30 minutes a day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, and boost blood circulation and more. It then helps reduce your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and even some forms of cancer.

Our travel coordinator Eden completes all local travel by foot! She says ‘’ Walking is a great way to get around. No matter how tired I am, even after a short 10 minute walk, it wakes me up and makes me feel great about myself, I also get to have some quiet time to myself during my walk.’’

How are you travelling?

Think about your most frequent journey. Is it by car? Or are you taking the bus?

Here are some facts – Studies show that in 2019, Transportation was the largest emitting factor of greenhouse gases, equivalent to 122 million tonnes of CO2 produced.

It is also found that single occupancy vehicles contribute to 82% of emissions per year in the UK.

Out of that, 2/3 of the journeys are actually under 2 miles, which is equivalent to 15-30 minutes of walking time.

With that in mind, does it make you reflect and review your own travel habits? What about your local grocery shopping? Can you walk or cycle instead of driving?

If you would like to find more information or learn to develop an ‘active commute’, please visit the Living Streets website as they have a wealth of information and tips on how to incorporate more walking into your day.

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Incorporating Active Travel into your daily lives

Is getting active part of your new year’s resolution?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that getting active means hitting the gym, paying an excessive amount of money for a personal trainer, or running miles to get fit. But in truth, being active does not mean you have to make big lifestyle changes.

You can do so simply by travelling actively from one point to another.

What does that mean?

Travelling actively, i.e. Active Travel is one of the most effective and easy ways to fit in more physical activity into your daily life as well as contributing to helping the environment, such as improving air quality for everyone.

Active Travel England describes it as travelling from one place to another through physically active means. So whenever you swap out your car journey for scooting, walking, or cycling, they all contribute to Active Travel!

So how can you do that? How could you be active and travel at the same time?

Here are some ways you can be active and travel at the same time!

  1. Walk, cycle, scoot or wheel to your local supermarket. Fun fact, an average person can burn 150 calories per hour by simply strolling through the supermarket. So, imagine if you also walked to your local shop too, you would double the gains.
  2. Walk, cycle, scoot or wheel to work. Did you know 2/3 of car journeys are under 2 miles, which is equivalent to 15-30 minutes of walking time? An estimate of 3000-3500 steps is a good proxy for 30 minutes of walking. So, if you are able to walk within 30 minutes to your workplace, why not do so? Read more about how walking every day benefits your overall health!
  3. If you can’t do your whole journey actively, can you walk, cycle or scoot to your local train station to catch a train to work? Or can you try to park a bit further away from your destination and walk/cycle the rest of your way?
  4. Meeting some friends for dinner in the city? If you live or work close by or are under 3 miles away, why not scoot, cycle or walk over instead of driving and worrying about finding a car park?

Overall thoughts

Swapping car journeys and changing up your routine journeys might feel daunting. After all, it is sometimes more convenient to drive. However, active travel is much quicker than you think! Most people overestimate how long it will take them to walk, and underestimate how long it takes to drive.

With better maintained roads and the help of our digital gadgets, active travel has never been easier. As we walk into the year of 2023, why not try to get out in nature more by travelling more actively?