Air quality is one of the major health and environmental concerns of our time. A new synthesis of research evidence shows that walking and cycling can make a major contribution to addressing the problem. The challenge now is to connect the evidence to legislative changes, and to practical measures to address the issue. Sustrans is very pleased to have been able to contribute to Public Health England’s Air Quality Review. As a charity promoting walking and cycling we have a role to play in supporting the building of the evidence base, the use of the evidence to support legislation, and translating this into measures that can be delivered locally. Sustrans’ is working towards a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone. We make a difference at a local level. Then we work from the grassroots up. We’re always thinking about the bigger picture and long-term impact. The Air Quality Review report recommends that local engagement focuses on encouraging the use of improved public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure. The report goes on to suggest a focus on co-implementation of interventions related to spatial planning and transport infrastructure, targeting a reduction in traffic emissions and increased access to and use of non-car traffic, investing in and promoting active transport and public transport. We hope that such explicit encouragement will lead to governments addressing some of the key disconnects in air quality and other policies, including:
Joining up across these policy areas would mean that interventions that seek to reduce all forms of emissions from motor vehicles, and which support increased levels of physical activity would be better supported. Sustrans’ work in schools makes a great case in point. We engage pupils to support them in travelling actively to school; we work to raise awareness of the positive benefits of walking and cycling; we enable the development of safe routes and networks to enable access to school; and increasingly we support local stakeholders in implementing measures to reduce the amount of traffic in the vicinity of schools. And above all, we emphasise the fun part! The photograph accompanying this piece shows an event where Sustrans worked with Leicester City Council to support a school in closing a street outside the school for a day, and supported the pupils in engaging in fun activities to celebrate Clean Air Day. There is a growing movement in support of measures that seek to improve air quality around schools. For example, Sustrans recently supported an initiative by the Clean Air Parents Network. Signatories to a letter addressed to a number of senior political figures supported the call to develop a Clean Air for Children Programme. This proposal asked governments to:
Meanwhile, we still look to UK Governments to show leadership by creating a new Clean Air Act that tackles all forms of air pollution. The Public Health England Air Quality Review report is a timely endorsement for the work that Sustrans and many other organisations are delivering throughout the UK. And if the evidence can feed into a more supportive policy environment, it will represent a very significant step forward. Sustrans is the charity that’s making it easier for people to walk and cycle. We’re working with families, communities, policy-makers and partner organisations right across the UK to encourage active travel. We are particularly interested in basing our activities in support of active travel on a solid evidence base. We were very proud to have our work featured in a recent UN report as an example of good practice at the science-policy interface. from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/air-quality-connecting-evidence-legislation-practical-measures-%E2%80%A6-and-fun via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/183431144465
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Today is International Women’s Day - a day in which we reflect on progress made, call for change and celebrate those people whose courageous and selfless acts helped to create the much more equal world that we live in today. What is long forgotten is that bicycles have played a large role in the Women’s Liberation Movement. When bicycles came into mass production in the UK in the late 19th Century, women, who had historically relied on men to travel, were finally given the independence to travel alone by bike and on foot. However, over 100 years later, research shows us that in Wales we have truly been backpedalling on the road to travel equality. Women in Wales are being let down by a society that has been built around the needs of the car. Research shows that 37% of women in Wales do not have daily access to a car, yet still, the majority of travel spend is being invested in building and maintaining roads. This is compounded by the fact that public transport fares continue to rise, bus routes are being cut back, and women are being shut out by walking and cycling infrastructure that is being built without consideration of their wants and needs. Understanding women’s needs and perceptionsSustrans “Bike Life Women: Reducing the gender gap” report released in 2018, details women’s travel habits, views, and attitudes towards cycling based on an ICM independent survey of over 7,700 residents living in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Greater Manchester. This research showed that men are twice as likely to use a bicycle for travel on a regular basis in all seven cities, and 73% of women living in Bike Life cities never ride a bicycle. We know that impeding mobility can exacerbate existing inequalities in society, for example not being able to access employment or incorporate physical activity into an already hectic daily lifestyle. Research by Chwarae Teg in 2016 shows that men are more likely to commute further, giving them access to better jobs and higher salaries. Whereas, women are more likely to work closer to home, making it more convenient for them to spend more time at home and to remain the principal caregiver. Reinforcing the idea of men being breadwinners and women principally being homemakers and carers. In Wales, 49% of women do not meet the recommended daily physical activity in order to live a healthy lifestyle. If women felt more confident about walking and cycling this figure could be significantly reduced. For many people, especially those living in cities, the easiest and most accessible forms of physical activity are those that can be incorporated into our everyday lives, for example, walking or cycling to work, education or other everyday journeys. It’s time to balance for betterSo what changes are women telling us that we need to make for walking and cycling to become a reality for them? The report revealed that 31% of women in Cardiff who do not ride a bike would like to, with the majority of those wanting to see cycle safety improved. A huge 79% of women surveyed would support building more protected cycle lanes, even if it means less space for other road traffic. This means building cycle lanes that are physically separated from the road, stopping the all too familiar problems such as pavement parking; which force wheelchair users and women with prams into danger, and cars drifting into cycle lanes. This new data only goes to show how important it is for Welsh Government and Local Authorities to invest in good walking and cycling infrastructure that is co-designed with the communities that will be using it. Not only to bridge the gender gap when it comes to cycling but to improve the health and wellbeing of its population. Investing in reducing the barriers to mobility can go a long way to breaking down existing inequalities in society, improve health and wellbeing, reducing air quality, and improving the overall prosperity of Wales. So let’s start listening to their voices, and build environments that are truly accessible for everyone. from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/paving-way-cycling-equality via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/183287682060 Picture a typical scene outside a school at drop off time. Some children will be trying to walk, scoot and cycle, but cars are blocking the road and pavements, and the air is thick with the fumes of idling car engines. The space is noisy, dangerous and unwelcoming for parents, pupils and local residents. Now imagine that scene without cars – the road is peaceful, everyone can walk, scoot or cycle safely, and breathe in clean air. Sounds like an impossible change? In fact, it’s already being done, and Sustrans is working with schools and local authorities to make this dream a reality. Sustrans Big PedalThis year, as part of the Big Pedal, we are working with Playing Out, local authorities and schools across the UK to close the road directly outside the school, to help create an environment which is safe and free from traffic and toxic fumes. The Big Pedal is the UK’s largest active travel school challenge. Last year almost 1,300 schools took part, with almost 1 million active journeys made during the two-week competition. The Big Pedal highlights what can be achieved in a small space of time, but to make walking, scooting and cycling to school a reality, we have to limit traffic and address safety on the school run, starting with the road by the school. We know that across the UK, chaos and congestion outside the school gate is a major barrier to active travel. And we want to highlight the potential of a simple solution, closing the road outside schools to motor traffic at pick up and drop off times. Taking back school streetsA number of pioneering local authorities, including Edinburgh, Hackney and Solihul, have established this approach, which has been termed ‘School Streets’. We believe the potential of this approach is huge. And there are many reasons we need to act now: Over 2,000 schools in the UK are in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution and a shocking 1 in 4 cars in the morning rush hour are on the school run. The average journey to school is 1.6 miles, a distance that can be easily walked, cycled or scooted. Childhood obesity in the UK is increasing, with 20% of 10-11 years old in England now being obese. Creating a safe environment for children walking and getting around by bike to school is one of the best solutions to get them more physically active. School children have a right to breathe clean airEarlier this month, Unicef published a report titled: ‘Healthy Air for Every Child: A Call for National Action’. Sustrans is backing Unicef’s call to tackle air pollution head on and protect children’s health with a Little Lungs Fund and cross-governmental healthy air for children action plan. Read our full response. To be kept informed about the support that Sustrans can provide for School Streets complete this form. from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/taking-back-school-streets via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/183239010535 According to government guidelines, children and young people aged 5 to 18 need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, while adults should get a minimum of 150 minutes a week. At 1.6 miles, the average primary school journey is a distance that can be cycled, walked or scooted as an easy way of building more activity into our busy lives. Exercise is not only great for physical health, it can also boost mental health and wellbeing. Physical activity can increase mental alertness, energy, positive mood and self-esteem, as well as reducing stress and anxiety, according to the Mental Health Foundation. Teachers find that pupils who cycle, walk or scoot arrive at school more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day than those who travel by car. Cycling, walking or scooting to school also increases awareness of road safety as well as boosting independence for children. And yet, the proportion of children walking and cycling to school has been declining in England since 1995. The number of children being driven to primary school is increasing each year - as many as one in four cars on the road during the morning peak are on the school run. What are we doing about it?From 25 March to 5 April 2019 Sustrans will be running the Big Pedal,the UK’s biggest cycling, walking and scooting competition. For two weeks, thousands of schools from across the UK will compete with one another to make the most journeys by bike, foot or scooter. The Big Pedal is part of Sustrans Transforming the School Run programme and the objective of this initiative is to demonstrate what is possible when schools, parents and local authorities work together. There is evidence that schools that have participated in Big Pedal in previous years have increased their level of active commuting to school. Instilling a love of cycling, walking or scooting in children from a young age has long-lasting benefits: as well as developing road awareness to encourage independent travel as a teenager, it can also create good habits for a more active adult life. How you can support the Big Pedal Active travel to school benefits us all. More people cycling, walking and scooting to school ultimately means there are fewer cars on the road, less pollution and less congestion outside the school gates. Up to 40,000 early deaths are attributable to air pollution each year in the UK. Road transport is responsible for 80% of the pollution where legal limits are being broken and children are particularly affected. Which is why we need your help to promote Sustrans Big Pedal 2019 which is taking place from 25 March to the 5 April. Local Authorities, Academy Chains and other organisations can all play a role in promoting the Big Pedal to the schools they work with by becoming a Big Pedal Promoter. Being a Big Pedal promoter is easy and free. Email [email protected] and say you want to be a Big Pedal promoter. We’ll provide you with promoter account and all the tools so you can track schools in your area encourage them to sign up to Sustrans Big Pedal 2019. from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/why-travelling-actively-school-important via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/183099350385 Kieran Turner, Research Assistant in the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at The University of Edinburgh, summarises research on the benefits of building physical activity into your daily commute, and advocates taking part in the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge as a fun initiative to encourage workers to start, and continue, commuting more actively. The fourth annual Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge will take place from 1-31 March 2019. This interactive scheme encourages people working in Scotland to commute more actively and sustainably, whether by walking, cycling, using public transport or car-sharing, reducing the number of journeys they make individually by car. Commuting more actively can benefit both physical and mental health, in turn resulting in happier and more productive staff. Health benefitsAside from the prizes available throughout the Challenge, there are plenty of reasons to take part and to incorporate more activity into your commute. There are several well established physical health benefits resulting from being physically active. Research from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), at The University of Edinburgh, indicates that walking and cycling at current recommended levels (150 minutes per week at moderate to vigorous intensity) can achieve risk reductions in premature mortality of 11% and 10% respectively1. Walking and cycling also reduce risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and Type II diabetes2. Other recent research from PAHRC has focused on the relationship between health benefits achieved from active travel, and the harm caused by exposure to air pollution3. This research has shown that, apart from in the most extremely polluted environments, the health benefits attained from travelling actively far outweigh the harms caused by air pollution. There is also growing interest around the mental health benefits that can be achieved from physical activity; recent PAHRC research shows there is evidence for the effectiveness of walking in preventing and treating depression and anxiety4. Despite the health benefits of being physically active, 35% of Scottish adults do not reach the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity5. Increasing rates of active commuting would likely contribute to more of the Scottish population achieving the recommended levels of physical activity. Environmental impactAs well as the substantial health benefits to be gained from building physical activity into our daily lives, there are also very important environmental implications resulting from how we travel. Recent figures for the UK (2017) reveal that the transport sector is responsible for 27% of greenhouse gases emissions, the most of any sector6. Whilst an overall reduction of nearly 42% in these emissions has been observed since 1990, the transport sector has contributed only a very small proportion of this overall reduction (2%)7. Making the changeImmediate action is needed in moving people from private motorised vehicles to active modes of travel, from walking and cycling to using a ‘commuter scooter’ (even kayaking was recorded as a method of travel in last year’s Challenge!). For those journeys where active travel is not feasible, it is of vital importance that there are extensive and affordable public transport networks in place. Taking public transport itself allows for health benefits, as walking or cycling to and from bus stops or train stations can help you in reaching the recommended amount of physical activity8. The Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge is an innovative way to help the Scottish workforce build physical activity in to their daily lives, and PAHRC will be watching its progress with interest! Sign up for free to the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge.Find out more about the work of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre.1 Kelly, P., Kahlmeier, S., Götschi, T., Orsini, N., Richards, J., Roberts, N., … & Foster, C. (2014). Systematic review and meta-analysis of reduction in all-cause mortality from walking and cycling and shape of dose response relationship. International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, 11(1), 132. 2 Public Health England. (2018). Cycling and walking for individual and population health benefits: A rapid evidence review for health and care system decision-makers. London. 3 Tainio, M., de Nazelle, A. J., Götschi, T., Kahlmeier, S., Rojas-Rueda, D., Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. & Woodcock, J. (2016). Can air pollution negate the health benefits of cycling and walking?. Preventive Medicine, 87, 233-236. 4 Kelly, P., Williamson, C., Niven, A. G., Hunter, R., Mutrie, N., & Richards, J. (2018). Walking on sunshine: scoping review of the evidence for walking and mental health. Br J Sports Med, 52(12), 800-806. 5 Strain, T., Fitzsimons, C., Foster, C., Mutrie, N., Townsend, N., & Kelly, P. (2016). Age-related comparisons by sex in the domains of aerobic physical activity for adults in Scotland. Preventive medicine reports, 3, 90-97. 6 Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. (2019). 2017 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions. London. 7 Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. (2019). 2017 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions. London. 8 Besser, L. M., & Dannenberg, A. L. (2005). Walking to public transit: steps to help meet physical activity recommendations. American journal of preventive medicine, 29(4), 273-280. from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/health-benefits-active-commute via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/183094405855 Led by Sustrans Deputy Director Daisy Narayanan, City of Edinburgh Council is launching proposals for an ambitious City Centre Transformation. Daisy has been seconded to Edinburgh for the past year and Sustrans has been delighted with the close relationship we enjoy with the City Council. The transformation is a large scale project that aims, as the name suggests, to transform Scotland’s capital, putting people first in the heart of the city. Residents should feel justly proud of Edinburgh as a global city and international tourist destination. It’s also where I live and where Sustrans Scotland has its head office. However, as with so many old cities that have grown organically over hundreds of years, it’s also a dense and sometimes confusing place when it comes to street layouts and priorities. In addition, we feel that over the past 60 years the city has given way too much priority, time and planning to private motor use. Cities can’t stand still: they need to change and adapt. Especially when you take into account that Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland with a projected population of 600,000 (up from just under 500,000 today) by 2040. Proposals that prioritise people over vehicles with pedestrianised thoroughfares, quiet and open spaces and wide-scale traffic calming measures would make the city safer, healthier and greener. Creating a more welcoming environment for everyone. Starting in May 2019, initiatives like Open Streets are a great stepping stone. Following other cities around the world Edinburgh will be the first in the UK to close selected streets to traffic on the first Sunday of every month making them ‘open’ to people. The examples shown in the Edinburgh City Centre Transformation report are exactly the type of changes that need to happen if Edinburgh is going to improve its transport network and return the city to its citizens and its visitors, making it a pleasant and vibrant place to be. We not only want to be learning from other great cities worldwide but to be leading the way. This is the first step in what can be a long and complicated process. The evidence certainly suggests residents want change (of the over 5000 people responding to the consultation as part of ‘Connecting our City, Transforming our Places’, 88% said they wanted to see changes to the way the city centre is managed of which 51% said they wanted radical change). Our own Bike Life Edinburgh report, published in 2017, revealed that 80% of residents support building more protected roadside cycle lanes, even when this could mean less space for other road traffic. And if people come on board and engage with the consultation process, together we can make a city for the future rather than being mired in the past. Funded by the Scottish Government, Sustrans is a key partner with City of Edinburgh Council providing skills, knowledge and experience in developing the City Centre Transformation. from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/edinburgh-city-centre-transformation-would-create-vibrant-city-puts-people-first via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/182981351545 Dan Gordon-Lee cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats when he was just 17-years-old. And after regaling his son with stories from his trip, Elliott decided at the age of 7, that he wanted to follow in his footsteps. It took a little persistence but after a year he managed to convince Dan to take on the epic bike ride once again. Following months of preparation, they cycled the length of the UK in just 30 days – making Elliott one of the youngest ever to complete the challenge. Family bike rides on the National Cycle Network are not only a fantastic way to spend time together, but are also a great way to improve fitness and set yourself a challenge in a fun and traffic-free environment. We caught up with the father-son duo about the benefits of travelling on the Network and how they found the gruelling 1,135 mile cycle journey. Dan said: “I must have mentioned cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats on one of our many biking trips. I remember his eyes lighting up and him looking at me saying how much he wanted to do it. “I tried to put him off a few times, especially during one trip to Scotland, when we covered around 1,000 miles in the van, by saying that all those miles we’d clocked up would be slightly less than LEJOG by a route avoiding main roads. He was having none of it, and after about a year of him being fairly persistent, I relented and decided to give him the opportunity to be one of the youngest ever to complete the challenge.” Testing the waters“I knew Elliott was capable of cycling the full length but I needed to be sure he would enjoy it and wouldn’t get bored of being in the saddle for a hefty chunk of time. So back in February, I planned a seven-day ride over the Easter holidays, knowing that as a cyclist, if you can ride for seven days and still be smiling, you can pretty much go on forever.” Commenting on the trial bike ride, Elliott said: “We named this trip the ‘Big Ride Home’ as we started in Holyhead and cycled back home to Shropshire. It was 173 miles in total and we cycled on National Cycle Route 8 for most of it. It was great fun and we raised over £1,000 for my school and a charity called YoungMinds. After the ‘Big Ride Home’, I knew I was ready for the real thing!” Cycling on the National Cycle NetworkElliott continued: “Some of the best bits on LEJOG were on the National Cycle Network. We saw some beautiful scenery, on smooth rolling roads and paths which were great fun to ride on. It was really good on the off-road Sustrans routes because we didn’t have to worry about cars, and we could relax, just cycling along and talking to each other. On some of the other roads we had to go in single file which I didn’t enjoy as much.” Dan added: “On this trip, the main attraction of the National Cycle Network was the off-road sections. When planning our route, I wanted to link up as many as I could, without meandering around the country too much. These sections gave me the opportunity to relax from ‘shepherding’ Elliott safely in traffic, to ride side-by-side and just enjoy sharing the ride – chat, pretend race, make up silly songs, look at the scenery, the wildlife, and talk about all the things we were seeing. “For me, this is the real joy of cycling: soaking up these experiences while the miles roll on. However, the biggest problem is that there just isn’t enough of it, and it doesn’t always join together very well. The recent findings that only half of the Network is safe for a 12-year-old to cycle on unaccompanied is particularly sad.” - Dan Gordon-Lee The highs and lowsElliott said: “Riding through Storm Ali was one of the most difficult, but exciting, parts of the ride. It was only 20-miles but the wind was so strong and it was a bit scary at times. The beginning of the ride in Cornwall was also tricky. I’d think I was at the top of the hill and there was another on the other side! But I like hills, so it’s OK! One of my favourite parts of the trip included taking a detour to see the Tour of Britain and I got Geraint Thomas’s signature.” Dan added: “One of the things I have always enjoyed most about cycling is the combination of being in the outdoors, very much a part of what’s around you, but with the ability to cover ground easily. So much of the Network is a pure pedalling delight and I would encourage all to get out and experience it first-hand. And if you don’t trust me, ask Elliott!” Advice from the prosElliott adds: “For anyone thinking of taking on a challenge ride, I would say get out on your bike and use the National Cycle Network, which has some great bits without any cars. I love cycling because it makes me strong and healthy and I think more people should cycle more often.” Dan added: “When it comes to doing a challenge ride I would say set realistic targets. We started small, with longer and longer single-day outings, then did a few days one after the other from home, or when on holiday. Set off with a positive attitude, good planning and a sense of adventure and it’s amazing what you can achieve.” Are you feeling inspired? Read about other long-distance routes and why not challenge yourself this yearBuy the Sustrans guide to LEJOGfrom Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/keeping-it-family-cycling-lejog-national-cycle-network via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/182821715080 To create a healthier, successful and equitable city, the Mayor of London has identified the need to reduce motor traffic, with each borough being required to write a traffic reduction strategy. There are more and more examples of authorities taking brave decisions to realise these benefits. However, it is tricky to get it right. In theory, restricting traffic is easy to do – you can just close the road by obstructing it. But in reality, it is rarely this simple and one cannot simply do so without the agreement of local stakeholders. So how can highway authorities develop effective traffic reduction strategies? Developing effective traffic reduction strategiesFirstly, it is essential to start by understanding the traffic challenge. This means identifying trip generators (destinations) and establishing where traffic is coming from. It is very common for the traffic causing a problem to have very little to do with the location in question; it is often just passing through on its way to somewhere else. In this case, we need to understand whether alternative routes are possible and whether traffic can be encouraged to stick to one less intrusive route, for example a strategic main road. There may also be issues with satnav systems directing traffic through a series of smaller roads, flooding a wide area with transient traffic, and exacerbating congestion by increasing the volume of movements onto and off a primary route. And, what are the alternative means to access those places? We need to understand the barriers to people making more positive choices about how they travel. There may be concerns that traffic management measures might displace problems from one location to another. Careful management can lead to traffic evaporation - the phenomenon that results in an overall decrease in levels of traffic. Across Waltham Forest’s Mini-Holland scheme, there has been an overall 56% decrease in traffic levels, with independent research attributing further benefits such as increased life expectancy to this programme. Fundamentally, if people see that there is a better option available to them than using their car, then many will make a more positive transport choice. Issues about economic performance and equitable access are very often linked to ‘fear of change’ preconceptions. Retailers often misunderstand how their customers reach their shops, and worry that traffic restriction will reduce footfall and turnover. People with limited mobility sometimes fear that changes won’t offer them a better solution than is currently available to them. There is however a growing body of evidence to suggest that less traffic means more customers and more choices for access. Of course, every neighbourhood is different, and challenges will vary. But removing through traffic can be transformative in so many different ways. The closure of Bank, a busy junction in the City of London, to general traffic throughout the working day has led to a drop in collisions of 52%. It’s created an environment that is far safer and more pleasant for people to walk and cycle through – a far cry from the intimidating environment it was previously. This scheme was by no means uncontentious, but the positive impact of it has meant that the City of London has moved to make the trial permanent, and in doing so sets the benchmark for the rest of London. If designers and policy makers are serious about getting more people to walk, cycle and take public transport then it is key to take ambitious, affirmative action such as this to reduce the volume of traffic and help to reclaim the streets. Seven steps for effective traffic demand managementSustrans has decades of experience in helping partners to change places for the benefit of the people who live there, earn their living there, and need to access services there. Our seven-step blueprint for effective traffic demand management is:
Success story: Estreham Road in south LondonWe helped the London Borough of Lambeth to engage the community around Estreham Road to trial a scheme that significantly reduced through-traffic on a residential street, where dangerous levels of congestion were putting children and other road users at risk. Having worked closely with the community to hear their views, Sustrans designed proposals and progressed a trial of their preferred design, a northbound no-entry point at the southern end of Estreham Road. This temporary trial was a game changer. It gave people the chance to see how changes would work in practice, the impact on the neighbourhood and on local traffic. Support rose as a result of the community engagement work and trial and air quality improved as nitrogen dioxide levels fell. The trial was made permanent, and Estreham Road is now a healthier street environment for people. The proof is really in the pudding: Active travel has risen and car usage for local journeys has fallen by an incredible 40%. The Estreham Road case study is included in Our Work in London 2019: Streets Ahead. Take a look at other work we have been involved with in London with the Mayor of London, Transport for London, boroughs, schools and community groups and see how we’re transforming places to be better for walking and cycling. from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/how-successfully-reduce-traffic-cities via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/182756445245 In 2018 we had a flurry of activity around the Sustrans Bike Life report and in particular the launch of Women: reducing the gender gap which highlighted - amongst other statistics - that there are two men to every one woman cycling. Now, I know we should get away from this binary distinction but still, it is a startling fact. UK Male dominated Cycle CultureIf you attended the launch event in Bristol you may remember Dr Rachel Aldred, Reader in Transport at Westminster University, as part of her presentation showed us the headline-grabbing fact that in Holland there is greater parity with actually more women than men cycling. In the UK, with our lack of parity, comes a male-dominated culture – the bikes, the clothes, the way we ride, the routes and the neighbourhoods we and others design. What part of that equation can we, as individuals change to help close the gender gap and essentially generate a massive increase in the numbers of people cycling? I’d heard a little of this before (or chose to only hear a little of it), that men create a negative and hostile environment. By being competitive on our routes, wearing armour and high-vis, and by just being thoughtless. Now I know it isn’t just men who can ride in that manner but if the cap fits. Challenge your own actions and perceptionsSo when I was listening to the panel which included our partnership manager, Megan Streb, journalist Laura Laker, the founder of Kidical Mass, Zoe Banks Gross and Dr Rachel Aldred talk about this, I was sat there and I thought “not me, I ride like a saint” or words to that effect. But alarm bells rang. I can remember thinking similar when reading Grayson Perry’s book, The Descent of Man. In a commentary about the book he mentioned that when he talks to men about their privileged place in society and their unconscious misogyny they will often respond with “not me, I’m different” but then over the course of a discussion they realise that actually, yes, they - or we - are massively privileged. The same happened to me – I didn’t think I was privileged, I didn’t think I acted in a privileged and exclusive fashion but the book showed me where I did indeed have privilege. So I caught myself when I responded with “not me I ride like a saint” – and rather than dismiss the assertion that I am part of the problem I had a good look at myself. And there was clearly room for improvement. The speed I ride and how close I pass people being the two major points. I also considered what I look like – what I wear, my posture. I tried not wearing my helmet but I felt naked and couldn’t do it. But I have changed how I ride. I don’t judge people on how what they are riding, what they are wearing or their apparent gender. I don’t use that to tell me how to ride – I treat everyone the same. We can all help to create a more inclusive cycling cultureSo what is my shout out to you – what am I saying? Well, in addition to saying that the gender gap report was fantastic, a real eye-opener for me and others, I suppose it is this: If you are motivated by social and environmental justice, and if you want to help create a truly inclusive cycling culture - challenge yourself. Challenge your own actions and your perspective – how can you be even more inclusive? How can you reduce or remove any behaviours that exclude others? Because I know it isn’t just men. I see all sorts riding in a way that terrifies others, excluding them right now and maybe even dissuading others from riding in the future. What can you change? How can you, in your community, lead by example? Find out more about Bike Lifefrom Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/how-can-we-challenge-gender-gap via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/182399761200 'Transforming Cities: The potential of everyday cycling’ estimates that 34,000 incidences of eight life-threatening conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, stroke and depression, would be prevented in seven major cities if cycling doubled every eight years between 2017 and 2040. We hear from Karen Ross, an e-bike convert, about how she uses cycling to control her blood sugar levels after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, a common condition that causes the level of sugar in the blood to become too high. This can increase the risk of developing more serious problems with your eyes, heart and nerves if left untreated. After the initial shock news, Karen was invited to take part in an e-bike trial scheme to look at how exercise impacts the condition. Since then she has decided to take up cycling as a way of controlling her blood sugar levels and the results speak for themselves. Karen’s story'I was scared and really shocked when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At the time I didn’t understand how this had happened. I took a long hard look at what I was eating and how much I was exercising and realised I hadn’t been taking good care of myself. I wasn’t getting out much and would spend quite a few hours sat in front of the television each day. 'I went to a seminar about type 2 diabetes to learn more about the condition and how to keep it under control. About six months later, I got a call asking if I would like to take part in a study with e-bikes. I had no clue what they were but wanted to give it a go to help get my health back on track.Since then I haven’t looked back - Karen Ross 'I love riding a bike and the freedom it gives you to stop off wherever you like, while avoiding the hassle of parking and the cost that comes with it. Improving health'My health has improved significantly as a result of cycling and now my diabetes is practically non-existent. When I first heard the news I only changed my diet, so my blood sugar remained more or less the same, but once I started incorporating exercise into my daily routine it rapidly went down, which goes to show how important keeping fit is. 'The doctors were really impressed with my progress; within a year I had my blood sugar completely under control without using medication and I had lost four and a half stone. 'My husband has been really encouraging which has been a huge motivator for me. Quite often I cycle half way to Filton to meet him on his way back from work and then I ride the rest of the way home. I also live two seconds from the Bristol and Bath path so I have no excuse to not get out and go for a quick ride! Make cycling safer and more accessible'The UK Government needs to take action to make riding a bike safer and more accessible. They say that we are facing an obesity crisis but don’t give people the provisions to lead more active lifestyles. It’s difficult for those who cycle as the roads are so busy and motorists aren’t always aware of the space you need to give people on bikes. As a driver, I know I have overtaken too close in the past. 'I was in an accident when my husband and I were cycling nearby Cabot Circus in Bristol. A bus clipped him, so he went straight over the handlebars and then I crashed into him. We both ended up as a big heap on the floor. Incidents like this really put people off. And for this reason, I believe better cycling infrastructure would encourage more people to get out on their bikes. 'I’d definitely recommend an e-bike to anyone diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who is looking to reduce their sugar levels without medication. It’s changed my life for the better, made me a more confident cyclist and is something I genuinely enjoy doing.’ from Blog https://www.sustrans.org.uk/blog/how-e-bike-helped-me-get-my-health-back-track via IFTTT via https://runningtrackcontractors.tumblr.com/post/182396128170 |