UK active and low emission travel infrastructure continues to grow

Ongoing expansions to green transport schemes across Britain show local policymakers cannot ignore the appetite for low and zero emission travel.

A number of authorities and climate-related projects in the UK have announced significant increases in active travel projects in the last week, including expanding walking and cycling infrastructure, and more accreditations for organisations encouraging a shift away from polluting travel modes. 

In Scotland, where plans were unveiled in January to double the national EV charge point network, more than £825,000 has now been made available to fund 36 new e-bike schemes. Those aimed specifically at people with disabilities and rural communities are to be prioritised, with areas including Orkney and Edinburgh set to benefit from money delivered by the Energy Saving Trust, which has so far provided £2.8million over the last four years – enough to pay for 170 projects, including 996 e-bikes. 

Elsewhere, in England’s historic second city, Birmingham, the Modeshift Stars scheme, which rewards groups and businesses that promote active travel, has accredited a further 12 organisations for efforts to help people reduce reliance on cars and buses. The recipients are Aston University, Atkins, Birmingham City University, Birmingham Metropolitan College, Bryt Energy, HMRC, Midlands Arts Centre, Newman University, Pell Frischmann, SCC Academy Birmingham, South and City College Birmingham, and West Midlands Combined Authority.

There are now around 350 educational institutions, hospitals, and businesses registered with the scheme, which provides tools to develop effective travel pans and national accreditation. Meanwhile, next week councillors in Brighton & Hove will be asked to approve a new proposal to shape the future of travel in the city region. The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan uses census information, traffic counts, consultation results, data on collisions, and area studies to identify routes with significant potential to encourage residents to adopt active travel, opening potential for more funding opportunities in the future. 

In related news, Glasgow and Manchester are among the other cities building major active travel networks, and the Mayor of London has promised to prioritise active travel and urban greening.