What is Active Travel, and why should it be encouraged?
Active Travel is walking, cycling and using public transport for everyday trips. As well as reaching desired destinations, the physical activity involved benefits individuals health and well-being. This reduces demands on the health system, and reduced private vehicle use provides broader economic, environmental, social and health benefits. For developers, the lower traffic expected means less space and infrastructure required for vehicles. Calmer traffic eases constraints, for example standards of curves and grades. Total area of roadway may be less, although partly offset by need to provide attractive path networks. Depending on local topography there may be opportunities to share easements and connections to local area cycleways, parks etc. This includes utility easements, overflow drainage and, where appropriate, corridors connecting areas of greenspace. The improved amenity from proficiently providing Active Travel friendly infrastructure should make these developments more attrac
