In a significant shift towards promoting active travel, the UK government is setting ambitious targets to increase the number of children walking or cycling to school. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced a plan aimed at ensuring that by 2035, at least 60% of pupils across England will engage in active travel. This initiative, part of a broader £4.5 billion investment strategy, marks the first substantial update to government policy in this area since the tenure of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
New Initiatives for Safe Routes
The government’s new active travel strategy will entail the creation of 5,000 safe routes and 10,000 crossings in proximity to schools by the year 2030. This initiative is particularly crucial given that currently, only about 45% of students utilise active modes of transport to reach their educational institutions. The strategy encompasses all children aged five to 16, expanding on previous goals that primarily focused on primary school pupils who typically live within closer distances.
Alexander emphasised the necessity of addressing everyday transport needs amidst ongoing large-scale infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the establishment of Great British Railways. “It is vital that we do not limit our discussions to just planes, trains, and automobiles,” she stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to a holistic approach to transportation.
Balancing Interests in Transport Policy
While promoting active travel, Alexander was clear that her strategy does not seek to alienate motorists. “Most people in this country drive, walk, cycle, or use various forms of public transport,” she noted, dismissing the notion of dividing individuals into opposing categories. This inclusive perspective aims to foster a culture where active travel is seen as a beneficial and attainable option for everyone, not just a specific demographic.
The previous government’s strategy under Johnson included targets for urban trips, setting a goal of 55% of shorter journeys to involve some form of active travel. This new iteration modifies that target to account for mixed-mode journeys—such as cycling to a train station—encouraging all types of active travel. Alexander stressed that any engagement in physical activity, no matter how small, contributes positively to public health.
A Personal Commitment to Active Travel
Heidi Alexander has a personal stake in the success of this initiative. Acknowledging the challenges that busy lifestyles present, she shared her own experiences of seeking ways to incorporate physical activity into her life. “As an overweight 51-year-old woman, I think about how to be more active,” she revealed. Her candid reflection highlights a broader issue, illustrating that many people may find formal exercise daunting but could easily adopt simpler, more integrated forms of physical activity, like cycling to run errands.
Critics of previous active travel initiatives have pointed out that programmes focused solely on formal sports, such as the popular “Couch to 5k” running scheme, have not been effective in reaching a broad audience. Alexander’s approach aims to make active travel more relatable and accessible, steering away from rigid exercise regimens and towards practical lifestyle changes.
Why it Matters
The government’s ambitious targets for active travel could have profound implications for public health and urban planning in the UK. By fostering a culture that encourages walking and cycling, the initiative aims not only to reduce traffic congestion and pollution but also to promote healthier lifestyles among children and adults alike. With obesity and sedentary behaviour becoming increasingly prevalent, this strategy could serve as a critical pivot towards enhancing the physical well-being of future generations. Ultimately, the success of this initiative will hinge on the government’s ability to engage communities, improve infrastructure, and create an environment where active travel is not only safe but also an appealing choice for all.
