Whereabouts are you as you read this? Are you one of the many workers who have started working from home full time? Or are you slowly returning to the daily commute? For many, the way we travel this year has been completely turned on its head and this has far reaching consequences for our environment.
We address what changes have taken place, how can we keep the positive ones going and what comes next for travel in the time of Coronavirus.
Active travel: what does that mean for me?
Our travel behaviours changed dramatically during the first lockdown in March, as we were all encouraged to seek alternative modes of transport. This resulted in an immediate drop in journeys made by cars, trains and public transport, and a rise in cycling and walking.
Active travel is all about finding alternatives to getting in the car, on a train or catching a bus. It is about connecting with our surroundings as we travel actively – including walking, running and cycling.
Since March, many of us have continued to work remotely, with more university students learning and engaging through online courses than ever. This has reduced purposeful journeys to work and university significantly.
The UK Transport Secretary pledged a £2bn plan to boost cycling and walking during and after lockdown, with emergency funding given to enable the implementation of ‘pop-up’ walking and cycling routes.
There have also been talks of legalising electric scooters on roads, as seen in many other European cities, which would offer another sustainable mode of transport for commuters.
A soaring demand for bikes – but how long will this last?
Lockdown restrictions have made us appreciate the outdoors and engage with our local areas like never before. Whilst we know that exercise has numerous benefits for our physical and mental health, being able to connect with our surroundings is also essential for our general wellbeing. Across our Jump programmes, we’re championing active travel and rewarding those who are making a positive behaviour change.
A GlobalData survey has shown that 9 percent of Londoners bought a bike during the first lockdown, and UK wide there has been such a huge jump in the demand for bikes that suppliers have been struggling to keep up. Britain’s biggest cycle retailer said that sales of some cycling equipment had risen by 500%.
However, government statistics are now showing that motor traffic is close to where it was prior to lockdown with only 59% of employees having returned to work. This is a worrying statistic, with some studies suggesting that up to 2.7 million more people could end up commuting via car in the wake of the pandemic as we are advised to avoid the close proximity of public transport.
As experts in behaviour change, at Jump we recognise that the first step to creating lasting change is to create an understanding. If we can make links between active travel and outcomes such as air quality and wellbeing, we can begin to encourage more lasting and impactful change.
So, what are the links between active travel, air quality and wellbeing?
The links between active travel, air quality and wellbeing can’t be over-stressed. If cycling in the UK increased by only 5 percent, it would mean 8 million fewer car journeys, 9 million fewer rail journeys and 13 million fewer bus journeys according to The UK Transport Secretary.
Last month we celebrated Clean Air Day 2020 which raises awareness of the environmental and health impacts of poor air quality. Air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK annually. However, in the first month of lockdown alone, a study found that there were 11,000 fewer deaths linked to air pollution across Europe.
There are already schemes in place to reduce air pollution in the UK. In 2019, London introduced the world’s first 24-hour Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in central London. Since Clean Air Day in October, Mayor Sadiq Khan has spoken of plans to expand the ULEZ from October 2021, further improving air quality for millions of Londoners.
Pop-up walking and cycling routes: here to stay?
Due to social distancing measures, we have seen pop-up walking and cycling routes appear in cities across the UK. The government granted £250 million for local authorities to pay for these pop-up lanes with plans to pedestrianise parts of Bristol, Bath and Manchester city centres.
Unfortunately, many of the pop-up lanes that were introduced in the Spring have now been removed. A pop-up cycle lane in Reigate, Surrey, was abandoned after just 3 days and the Euston Road cycle lane was also withdrawn due to pressure from locals and MP’s.
Let’s keep the wheels turning
Now we know the benefits of active travel, how can we keep the momentum going and ensure we continue to walk or cycle instead of opting to travel by car?
Empowering local councils to work closely with their community to introduce changes such as new cycle paths and bike storage facilities is key to increasing active travel especially within urban areas. Finding campaigns in your local area to get involved in and signing petitions is a great place to start and puts pressure on councils to action active travel plans.
For many, cycling during the winter months just doesn’t feel safe, especially with daylight hours shortening. If we really want to see a sustained change in active travel, these ‘pop-up’ cycle and pedestrian lanes need increased funding beyond a proposed 18-month time frame, so people not only feel safe in summer but in the winter too.
By opting to travel actively we can all play our part in improving the quality of the air we breathe. As well as keeping active, connecting with our environment, and looking after our mental health.
Useful resources
London Cycling Campaign: Many cities have charities set up who are lobbying for better cycling conditions in their local area. London Cycling Campaign (LCC) is one charity who offer advice and ways to get involved in facilitating change.
Cycle buddies: More recently, LCC have set up a ‘cycle buddies’ scheme. This is to pair seasoned riders with inexperienced ones to make people feel safer using their bikes.
Sustrans: Find your closest routes for cycling and walking.
Winter Commuting Guide: Some useful tips for cycling in the winter months as well as what to wear to increase your visibility.
Jump’s active travel engagement programmes
Across our Jump programmes, we are encouraging more people than ever to take part in active travel.
Over the past year, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s Green Rewards programme has avoided over 12,500 kg of carbon emissions through members taking part in Active Commute. Members of Nottingham Trent University’s programme have recorded over 55,000 miles of active travel.
Across our Jump programmes, we have seen over 140,000 kg of carbon emissions avoided from active and sustainable travel. Users have recorded an incredible 256,000 miles of active travel – the equivalent of 10 trips around the world.
Small actions add up to one big difference
To find out about how Jump can engage your people in active travel and more, head to our website where you can read one of our case studies or request a demo.
