Public can choose clean air routes to avoid exposure to air pollution

Cross River Partnership (CRP), is launching 14 new Clean Air Routes across 11 London boroughs as part of the Defra Air Quality grant-funded Clean Air Villages (CAV) programme. 

Clean Air Routes are alternative walking or cycling routes that allow individuals to avoid busy, polluted and often popular commuter routes. 

Thanks to the new partnership, each of the new routes will be added to CRP’s Clean Air Route Finder, an interactive journey planner, developed in partnership with King’s College London and Imperial College London, to help identify low pollution walking and cycling routes in London.

In 2017, CRP identified developed London’s first on-street Clean Air Route between Euston and King’s Cross stations. Analysis of this initial project revealed that using this route allowed the public to reduce their exposure to air pollution by almost a quarter.

In Tooting, CRP has been working with St George’s Hospital to develop a simple alternative for patients, staff and visitors who are travelling to the hospital from Tooting Broadway Station. Research has shown that using this new Clean Air Route can allow the public to reduce their exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NOX) by almost 40%. 

The latest Clean Air Routes also provide up to 28% more exposure to greenery and nature and also have consistently lower noise levels. 

Those new to cycling should be able to find quieter and less dangerous routes to gain confidence, while parents and their children should be able to find healthy and safe walking routes to school. 

The Clean Air Routes Monitoring Report can be accessed here.