Active travel simply means making journeys in physically active ways – like walking, wheeling (using a wheelchair or mobility aid), cycling, or scootering.
We too aim to make active travel the natural choice for short journeys – both to and from our Braveheart walks, Living Well sessions, Top Toes appointments, and events we run.
By supporting more people in the Falkirk District to walk, wheel, and cycle for everyday short journeys, we will improve health, create safer communities, and reduce environmental impacts.
In 2019 seventeen per cent of journeys in Scotland were under 1 km, and more than half (54%) were under 5 km – these shorter trips offer a real opportunity for a significant shift to active travel.
The role of walking
Walking is key to getting more people choosing to not use car, it is by far the most likely mode of active travel. It is free, no equipment is required and it is ideal for shorter trips. Walking also forms an important part of public transport journeys – walking to and from buses, trams and trains.
For local bus timetables please visit: https://www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk/plan-your-journey
For this information on the go, download the app!: https://www.mcgillsbuses.co.uk/app
The positive impact of increased active travel
- Reduced congestion – Enabling people to choose active or sustainable travel will reduce congestion on our roads
- Reduced air pollution – Less car-driven journeys and more walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport are important in tackling air pollution and its negative health impacts. As well as being a part of the solution, active travel becomes more pleasant and therefore more likely to be adopted as air quality improves.
- Higher quality public realm – Improving opportunities to walk will create places and communities that are more able to adapt and be vibrant, creative, enterprising, and accessible
- Better physical, mental and social health – Active travel has clear health benefits as physical activity increases, social connections are made and mental health is boosted by activity and time outdoors in nature. Active travel is an important opportunity for savings in terms of preventing ill health.
- Reducing carbon emissions and helping reach net-zero carbon goals – Changing to active travel can have significant lifecycle carbon emissions benefits. The largest benefits come from shifts from car to active travel for business, social and commuting journeys.
- Economic growth and vibrant communities – Investing in infrastructure and support for active travel can increase economic growth and vibrancy. Those walking, wheeling and cycling tend to spend more money locally than drivers. Increasing active travel can stimulate economic growth in urban areas and benefit local shops
- It is inclusive and reduces inequalities – Accessible walking, wheeling, cycling and good public transport links can reduce inequalities by giving equal access to employment, education and other services.
For more reading on Active Travel, visit our friends at Paths for All: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/active-travel
