CIHT’s latest report ‘Overcoming the barriers to implementing active travel schemes’ highlights the key benefits of implementing active travel scheme, outlining why they are critical for supporting many of the UK’s policy challenges. 

Key figures from the report:  

1. High return on investment: Spending on active travel offers an average return of £5.62 per £1 invested. 
2. Being physically active reduces a person’s risk of dementia by 30%, depression by 30%, heart disease by 40%, type 2 diabetes by 40%, and osteoporosis by 50%.
3. Active lives bring about a saving of £780 million on reduced mental health service use and £540 million on reduced GP visits.
4. Research shows that walking, wheeling, and cycling could reduce urban transport greenhouse emissions by 2-10%.
5. Doubling cycling and increasing walking and wheeling would prevent 8,300 premature deaths and save £567 million per year through improved air quality. 

5 reasons why you must read the report

1. Proves the value, clearly outlining the health, economic, environmental and safety cases for investing in active travel. 
2. Breaks down barriers- the report outlines the obstacles preventing the successful implementation of active travel schemes. 
3. Gives a clear roadmap, setting out actionable recommendations for decision makers and practitioners to drive real change.
4. Promotes an interdisciplinary approach to transport and health.
5. Showcases UK and global success stories that prove what’s possible.