New walking and cycling guidance for local authorities
Local authorities have been issued with guidance to support them in making it easier for people to walk and cycle to work. The 60-page publication, titled ‘Moment for Change’, has been produced by Sustrans on behalf of the DfT. It is intended to provide practical steps to harness an increase in walking and cycling seen during the pandemic.
The document lays out how councils can access funding for behaviour change programmes, and how to shape programme design through using a data-driven approach, behaviour change models and more inclusive language and imagery.
It lists initiatives that employers can take to encourage greater uptake of active travel, and it provides communications resources to local authorities after a call for help in promoting the benefits. Although there is a focus on cycling, it includes examples of successful walking interventions. The DfT has described the context of the guide’s publication as a ‘rare, national, moment of change’.
Matt Winfield, England director at Sustrans, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic and restrictions ease, we should seize the opportunity to bring about lasting, positive behaviour change.
“We know we need to drive less, and we know people want to walk and cycle more – this guidance document highlights how local authorities can play their part in making that happen.”
The guidance was released by the DfT as part of a raft of announcements made under the umbrella of a ‘Summer of Cycling and Walking’.
