New CIHT report outlines how to unlock the full potential of active travel for the health, transport and planning sectors

The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) has launched its new report ‘Overcoming the barriers to implementing active travel schemes’ at its annual learned society lecture. 

This brand-new research highlights the benefits of active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling), identifies key challenges, and outlines CIHT’s recommendations for unlocking its full potential across health, transport, and planning sectors.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“Through this report, we are looking to redefine the relationship between transport and health, recognising that travel choices directly affect public health, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability.”

“Amongst our recommendations are the need to have consistent national direction and political support if we are to realise the true benefits of active travel schemes. The (soon to be announced) Integrated National Transport Strategy, offers a real potential to unlock the health benefits from a better integrated national transport system in England.”

The report identified the key benefits of implementing active travel schemes that show why they are critical for supporting much of the UK’s policy challenges. These include:

• High return on investment: £5.62 return for every £1 invested.

• Healthcare Savings: the potential to save £780m in mental health care and £540m in GP visits.

• Wider Impacts: supporting prevention-focused healthcare that improves wellbeing, whilst contributing to economic and environmental goals.

A full version of the report is available here.