Running Track Contractors: February 2019

Wednesday 27 February 2019

Why is travelling actively to school important?

According to government guidelines, children and young people aged 5 to 18 need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, while adults should get a minimum of 150 minutes a week.

At 1.6 miles, the average primary school journey is a distance that can be cycled, walked or scooted as an easy way of building more activity into our busy lives.

Exercise is not only great for physical health, it can also boost mental health and wellbeing.

Physical activity can increase mental alertness, energy, positive mood and self-esteem, as well as reducing stress and anxiety, according to the Mental Health Foundation.

Teachers find that pupils who cycle, walk or scoot arrive at school more relaxed, alert and ready to start the day than those who travel by car.

Cycling, walking or scooting to school also increases awareness of road safety as well as boosting independence for children.

And yet, the proportion of children walking and cycling to school has been declining in England since 1995. The number of children being driven to primary school is increasing each year - as many as one in four cars on the road during the morning peak are on the school run.

What are we doing about it?

From 25 March to 5 April 2019 Sustrans will be running the Big Pedal,the UK’s biggest cycling, walking and scooting competition. For two weeks, thousands of schools from across the UK will compete with one another to make the most journeys by bike, foot or scooter.

The Big Pedal is part of Sustrans Transforming the School Run programme and the objective of this initiative is to demonstrate what is possible when schools, parents and local authorities work together.

There is evidence that schools that have participated in Big Pedal in previous years have increased their level of active commuting to school.

Instilling a love of cycling, walking or scooting in children from a young age has long-lasting benefits: as well as developing road awareness to encourage independent travel as a teenager, it can also create good habits for a more active adult life.

How you can support the Big Pedal

Active travel to school benefits us all. More people cycling, walking and scooting to school ultimately means there are fewer cars on the road, less pollution and less congestion outside the school gates.

Up to 40,000 early deaths are attributable to air pollution each year in the UK. Road transport is responsible for 80% of the pollution where legal limits are being broken and children are particularly affected.

Which is why we need your help to promote Sustrans Big Pedal 2019 which is taking place from 25 March to the 5 April.

Local Authorities, Academy Chains and other organisations can all play a role in promoting the Big Pedal to the schools they work with by becoming a Big Pedal Promoter.

Being a Big Pedal promoter is easy and free. Email bigpedal@sustrans.org.uk and say you want to be a Big Pedal promoter. We’ll provide you with promoter account and all the tools so you can track schools in your area encourage them to sign up to Sustrans Big Pedal 2019.

For further information about the Big Pedal and the promoter programme download the Big Pedal information sheet

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The health benefits of an active commute

Walking and cycling to work can benefit physical and mental health

Kieran Turner, Research Assistant in the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at The University of Edinburgh, summarises research on the benefits of building physical activity into your daily commute, and advocates taking part in the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge as a fun initiative to encourage workers to start, and continue, commuting more actively.

The fourth annual Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge will take place from 1-31 March 2019. This interactive scheme encourages people working in Scotland to commute more actively and sustainably, whether by walking, cycling, using public transport or car-sharing, reducing the number of journeys they make individually by car. Commuting more actively can benefit both physical and mental health, in turn resulting in happier and more productive staff.

Health benefits

Aside from the prizes available throughout the Challenge, there are plenty of reasons to take part and to incorporate more activity into your commute. There are several well established physical health benefits resulting from being physically active. Research from the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre (PAHRC), at The University of Edinburgh, indicates that walking and cycling at current recommended levels (150 minutes per week at moderate to vigorous intensity) can achieve risk reductions in premature mortality of 11% and 10% respectively¹. Walking and cycling also reduce risk factors for diseases such as cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and Type II diabetes². Other recent research from PAHRC has focused on the relationship between health benefits achieved from active travel, and the harm caused by exposure to air pollution³. This research has shown that, apart from in the most extremely polluted environments, the health benefits attained from travelling actively far outweigh the harms caused by air pollution.

There is also growing interest around the mental health benefits that can be achieved from physical activity; recent PAHRC research shows there is evidence for the effectiveness of walking in preventing and treating depression and anxiety⁴. Despite the health benefits of being physically active, 35% of Scottish adults do not reach the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity⁵. Increasing rates of active commuting would likely contribute to more of the Scottish population achieving the recommended levels of physical activity.

Environmental impact

As well as the substantial health benefits to be gained from building physical activity into our daily lives, there are also very important environmental implications resulting from how we travel. Recent figures for the UK (2017) reveal that the transport sector is responsible for 27% of greenhouse gases emissions, the most of any sector⁶. Whilst an overall reduction of nearly 42% in these emissions has been observed since 1990, the transport sector has contributed only a very small proportion of this overall reduction (2%)⁷.

Making the change

Immediate action is needed in moving people from private motorised vehicles to active modes of travel, from walking and cycling to using a ‘commuter scooter’ (even kayaking was recorded as a method of travel in last year’s Challenge!). For those journeys where active travel is not feasible, it is of vital importance that there are extensive and affordable public transport networks in place. Taking public transport itself allows for health benefits, as walking or cycling to and from bus stops or train stations can help you in reaching the recommended amount of physical activity⁸.

The Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge is an innovative way to help the Scottish workforce build physical activity in to their daily lives, and PAHRC will be watching its progress with interest!

Sign up for free to the Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge.

Find out more about the work of the Physical Activity for Health Research Centre.

1 Kelly, P., Kahlmeier, S., Götschi, T., Orsini, N., Richards, J., Roberts, N., … & Foster, C. (2014). Systematic review and meta-analysis of reduction in all-cause mortality from walking and cycling and shape of dose response relationship. International journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity, 11(1), 132.

2 Public Health England. (2018). Cycling and walking for individual and population health benefits: A rapid evidence review for health and care system decision-makers. London.

3 Tainio, M., de Nazelle, A. J., Götschi, T., Kahlmeier, S., Rojas-Rueda, D., Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. & Woodcock, J. (2016). Can air pollution negate the health benefits of cycling and walking?. Preventive Medicine, 87, 233-236.

4 Kelly, P., Williamson, C., Niven, A. G., Hunter, R., Mutrie, N., & Richards, J. (2018). Walking on sunshine: scoping review of the evidence for walking and mental health. Br J Sports Med, 52(12), 800-806.

5 Strain, T., Fitzsimons, C., Foster, C., Mutrie, N., Townsend, N., & Kelly, P. (2016). Age-related comparisons by sex in the domains of aerobic physical activity for adults in Scotland. Preventive medicine reports, 3, 90-97.

6 Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. (2019). 2017 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions. London.

7 Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. (2019). 2017 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions. London.

8 Besser, L. M., & Dannenberg, A. L. (2005). Walking to public transit: steps to help meet physical activity recommendations. American journal of preventive medicine, 29(4), 273-280.

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Friday 22 February 2019

Edinburgh City Centre Transformation would create a vibrant city that puts people first

Artist’s impression of what Lothian Road could look like.

Artist’s impression of the proposals for The Cowgate.

Led by Sustrans Deputy Director Daisy Narayanan, City of Edinburgh Council is launching proposals for an ambitious City Centre Transformation.

Daisy has been seconded to Edinburgh for the past year and Sustrans has been delighted with the close relationship we enjoy with the City Council. The transformation is a large scale project that aims, as the name suggests, to transform Scotland’s capital, putting people first in the heart of the city.

Residents should feel justly proud of Edinburgh as a global city and international tourist destination. It’s also where I live and where Sustrans Scotland has its head office. However, as with so many old cities that have grown organically over hundreds of years, it’s also a dense and sometimes confusing place when it comes to street layouts and priorities. In addition, we feel that over the past 60 years the city has given way too much priority, time and planning to private motor use.

Cities can’t stand still: they need to change and adapt. Especially when you take into account that Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland with a projected population of 600,000 (up from just under 500,000 today) by 2040.

Proposals that prioritise people over vehicles with pedestrianised thoroughfares, quiet and open spaces and wide-scale traffic calming measures would make the city safer, healthier and greener. Creating a more welcoming environment for everyone.

Starting in May 2019, initiatives like Open Streets are a great stepping stone. Following other cities around the world Edinburgh will be the first in the UK to close selected streets to traffic on the first Sunday of every month making them ‘open’ to people.

The examples shown in the Edinburgh City Centre Transformation report are exactly the type of changes that need to happen if Edinburgh is going to improve its transport network and return the city to its citizens and its visitors, making it a pleasant and vibrant place to be. We not only want to be learning from other great cities worldwide but to be leading the way.

This is the first step in what can be a long and complicated process. The evidence certainly suggests residents want change (of the over 5000 people responding to the consultation as part of ‘Connecting our City, Transforming our Places’, 88% said they wanted to see changes to the way the city centre is managed of which 51% said they wanted radical change).

Our own Bike Life Edinburgh report, published in 2017, revealed that 80% of residents support building more protected roadside cycle lanes, even when this could mean less space for other road traffic. And if people come on board and engage with the consultation process, together we can make a city for the future rather than being mired in the past.

Funded by the Scottish Government, Sustrans is a key partner with City of Edinburgh Council providing skills, knowledge and experience in developing the City Centre Transformation.

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Friday 15 February 2019

Keeping it in the family: Cycling LEJOG on the National Cycle Network

Some of the best bits on LEJOG were on the National Cycle Network. We saw some beautiful scenery, on smooth rolling roads and paths which were great fun to ride on

One of the things I have always enjoyed most about cycling is the combination of being in the outdoors, very much a part of what’s around you, but with the ability to cover ground easily

Dan Gordon-Lee cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats when he was just 17-years-old. And after regaling his son with stories from his trip, Elliott decided at the age of 7, that he wanted to follow in his footsteps. It took a little persistence but after a year he managed to convince Dan to take on the epic bike ride once again. Following months of preparation, they cycled the length of the UK in just 30 days – making Elliott one of the youngest ever to complete the challenge.

Family bike rides on the National Cycle Network are not only a fantastic way to spend time together, but are also a great way to improve fitness and set yourself a challenge in a fun and traffic-free environment. We caught up with the father-son duo about the benefits of travelling on the Network and how they found the gruelling 1,135 mile cycle journey.

Dan said: “I must have mentioned cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats on one of our many biking trips. I remember his eyes lighting up and him looking at me saying how much he wanted to do it.

“I tried to put him off a few times, especially during one trip to Scotland, when we covered around 1,000 miles in the van, by saying that all those miles we’d clocked up would be slightly less than LEJOG by a route avoiding main roads. He was having none of it, and after about a year of him being fairly persistent, I relented and decided to give him the opportunity to be one of the youngest ever to complete the challenge.”

Testing the waters

“I knew Elliott was capable of cycling the full length but I needed to be sure he would enjoy it and wouldn’t get bored of being in the saddle for a hefty chunk of time. So back in February, I planned a seven-day ride over the Easter holidays, knowing that as a cyclist, if you can ride for seven days and still be smiling, you can pretty much go on forever.”

Commenting on the trial bike ride, Elliott said: “We named this trip the ‘Big Ride Home’ as we started in Holyhead and cycled back home to Shropshire. It was 173 miles in total and we cycled on National Cycle Route 8 for most of it. It was great fun and we raised over £1,000 for my school and a charity called YoungMinds. After the ‘Big Ride Home’, I knew I was ready for the real thing!”

Cycling on the National Cycle Network

Elliott continued: “Some of the best bits on LEJOG were on the National Cycle Network. We saw some beautiful scenery, on smooth rolling roads and paths which were great fun to ride on. It was really good on the off-road Sustrans routes because we didn’t have to worry about cars, and we could relax, just cycling along and talking to each other. On some of the other roads we had to go in single file which I didn’t enjoy as much.”

Dan added: “On this trip, the main attraction of the National Cycle Network was the off-road sections. When planning our route, I wanted to link up as many as I could, without meandering around the country too much. These sections gave me the opportunity to relax from ‘shepherding’ Elliott safely in traffic, to ride side-by-side and just enjoy sharing the ride – chat, pretend race, make up silly songs, look at the scenery, the wildlife, and talk about all the things we were seeing.

“For me, this is the real joy of cycling: soaking up these experiences while the miles roll on. However, the biggest problem is that there just isn’t enough of it, and it doesn’t always join together very well. The recent findings that only half of the Network is safe for a 12-year-old to cycle on unaccompanied is particularly sad.”

“ There’s a woeful lack of funding, drive and real commitment from Government to support the Network, which is a bit short-sighted given the massive benefits that could be realised by a more active population, in terms of health and wellbeing alone. ”

- Dan Gordon-Lee

The highs and lows

Elliott said: “Riding through Storm Ali was one of the most difficult, but exciting, parts of the ride. It was only 20-miles but the wind was so strong and it was a bit scary at times. The beginning of the ride in Cornwall was also tricky. I’d think I was at the top of the hill and there was another on the other side! But I like hills, so it’s OK! One of my favourite parts of the trip included taking a detour to see the Tour of Britain and I got Geraint Thomas’s signature.”

Dan added: “One of the things I have always enjoyed most about cycling is the combination of being in the outdoors, very much a part of what’s around you, but with the ability to cover ground easily. So much of the Network is a pure pedalling delight and I would encourage all to get out and experience it first-hand. And if you don’t trust me, ask Elliott!”

Advice from the pros

Elliott adds: “For anyone thinking of taking on a challenge ride, I would say get out on your bike and use the National Cycle Network, which has some great bits without any cars. I love cycling because it makes me strong and healthy and I think more people should cycle more often.”

Dan added: “When it comes to doing a challenge ride I would say set realistic targets. We started small, with longer and longer single-day outings, then did a few days one after the other from home, or when on holiday. Set off with a positive attitude, good planning and a sense of adventure and it’s amazing what you can achieve.”

Are you feeling inspired? Read about other long-distance routes and why not challenge yourself this year

Buy the Sustrans guide to LEJOG

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Tuesday 12 February 2019

How to successfully reduce traffic in cities

In Estreham Road, Lambeth, south London dangerous levels of congestion were putting children and other road users at risk.

Following completion of the scheme, active travel has risen and car usage for local journeys has fallen by an incredible 40%

To create a healthier, successful and equitable city, the Mayor of London has identified the need to reduce motor traffic, with each borough being required to write a traffic reduction strategy. There are more and more examples of authorities taking brave decisions to realise these benefits. However, it is tricky to get it right.

In theory, restricting traffic is easy to do – you can just close the road by obstructing it. But in reality, it is rarely this simple and one cannot simply do so without the agreement of local stakeholders. So how can highway authorities develop effective traffic reduction strategies?

Developing effective traffic reduction strategies

Firstly, it is essential to start by understanding the traffic challenge. This means identifying trip generators (destinations) and establishing where traffic is coming from.

It is very common for the traffic causing a problem to have very little to do with the location in question; it is often just passing through on its way to somewhere else. In this case, we need to understand whether alternative routes are possible and whether traffic can be encouraged to stick to one less intrusive route, for example a strategic main road.

There may also be issues with satnav systems directing traffic through a series of smaller roads, flooding a wide area with transient traffic, and exacerbating congestion by increasing the volume of movements onto and off a primary route. And, what are the alternative means to access those places? We need to understand the barriers to people making more positive choices about how they travel.

There may be concerns that traffic management measures might displace problems from one location to another.

Careful management can lead to traffic evaporation - the phenomenon that results in an overall decrease in levels of traffic.

Across Waltham Forest’s Mini-Holland scheme, there has been an overall 56% decrease in traffic levels, with independent research attributing further benefits such as increased life expectancy to this programme.

Fundamentally, if people see that there is a better option available to them than using their car, then many will make a more positive transport choice.

Issues about economic performance and equitable access are very often linked to ‘fear of change’ preconceptions. Retailers often misunderstand how their customers reach their shops, and worry that traffic restriction will reduce footfall and turnover. People with limited mobility sometimes fear that changes won’t offer them a better solution than is currently available to them. There is however a growing body of evidence to suggest that less traffic means more customers and more choices for access.

Of course, every neighbourhood is different, and challenges will vary. But removing through traffic can be transformative in so many different ways. The closure of Bank, a busy junction in the City of London, to general traffic throughout the working day has led to a drop in collisions of 52%. It’s created an environment that is far safer and more pleasant for people to walk and cycle through – a far cry from the intimidating environment it was previously. This scheme was by no means uncontentious, but the positive impact of it has meant that the City of London has moved to make the trial permanent, and in doing so sets the benchmark for the rest of London.

If designers and policy makers are serious about getting more people to walk, cycle and take public transport then it is key to take ambitious, affirmative action such as this to reduce the volume of traffic and help to reclaim the streets.

Seven steps for effective traffic demand management

Sustrans has decades of experience in helping partners to change places for the benefit of the people who live there, earn their living there, and need to access services there. Our seven-step blueprint for effective traffic demand management is:

Work at a neighbourhood scale.
Work with communities to understand their perception of the nature and extent of the problem.
Hear from people most affected about what solutions might work, then design accordingly.
Identify the likely effects of changes on the area, with the option to trial measures.
Communicate the challenge, the proposed solutions, why these are likely to work and what change will look like to the community.
Support the stakeholders in the community through the process of change.
Undertake careful monitoring of traffic levels before, during and after the process.

Success story: Estreham Road in south London

We helped the London Borough of Lambeth to engage the community around Estreham Road to trial a scheme that significantly reduced through-traffic on a residential street, where dangerous levels of congestion were putting children and other road users at risk.

Having worked closely with the community to hear their views, Sustrans designed proposals and progressed a trial of their preferred design, a northbound no-entry point at the southern end of Estreham Road. This temporary trial was a game changer. It gave people the chance to see how changes would work in practice, the impact on the neighbourhood and on local traffic.

Support rose as a result of the community engagement work and trial and air quality improved as nitrogen dioxide levels fell.

The trial was made permanent, and Estreham Road is now a healthier street environment for people. The proof is really in the pudding: Active travel has risen and car usage for local journeys has fallen by an incredible 40%.

The Estreham Road case study is included in Our Work in London 2019: Streets Ahead. Take a look at other work we have been involved with in London with the Mayor of London, Transport for London, boroughs, schools and community groups and see how we’re transforming places to be better for walking and cycling.

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Running Track Contractors