Public spaces for all
Create safe, attractive walking and cycling conditions
Given that over half of all car journeys are less than five miles, doesn't it make sense to enable everyone who can to leave their car behind and walk and cycle more? The UK has some of the lowest levels of walking and cycling in Northern Europe, which is a shame because evidence shows that both offer enormous potential for reducing the number of short journeys made by car.
The success of Sustrans' National Cycle Network demonstrates that where you build a safe, pleasant environment for both pedestrians
and cyclists, you will enable people of all ages and ability to get out of their cars and choose smarter travel choices. To enable everyone to reach these networks we need our streets to be places where walking or cycling from our front door becomes the norm.
That is why, as part of our call to action, Sustrans calls on UK governments to:
- Invest in high quality walking and cycling networks in rural and urban areas. Providing safe routes to everyday destinations, integration with public transport and re-allocation of road space.
- Re-design streets to reduce traffic speeds, and enforce speed limits of 20mph or less in all residential and built-up areas.
- Create and enforce traffic laws to protect the most vulnerable users of public space and roads.